Leeb LT and Avatar SD at Cereal 2016
HORSCH’s new entry-level trailed sprayers, Leeb LT, are aimed at smaller farming operations and will be on show at the brand’s sprayer plot at Cereals while the innovative Avatar SD, a direct seed drill with single disc coulter, will head the product line-up at its main stand. “As farmers ourselves, we understand our customers’ challenges. The Leeb LT brings our spraying expertise to new farmers who do not need the larger capacity Leeb GS machines and the Avatar SD is an innovative new direct drill with discs instead of tines for heavier soils,” explains Stephen Burcham, General Manager at Horsch UK.
Leeb LT trailed sprayers
The Leeb LT trailed sprayers expand the company’s sprayer line-up, featuring 4,000 and 5,000 litre capacities with plastic tanks. All Leeb LT models will feature BoomControl, the award-winning system that keeps the boom highly stable even when driving fast on uneven terrain. Three specification levels are available with the entry-level ECO model equipped with a piston diaphragm pump with manual operated valves for suction and pressure side. Above this is the CCS model, which features the automatic internal Continuous Cleaning System, while the CCS Pro model is equipped with a modern electronic system at the suction and pressure side similar to the premium equipment level of the Leeb GS spraying technology. All models have a 500 litre fresh water tank.
Leeb LT Boom widths range between 18m and 42m, with the new larger boom widths up to 42m also available for the Leeb GS. The ISOBUS operating concept is an in-house development and incorporates innovative functions that ease adjustment, operation and control of the machine.
Nozzle switching can be easily controlled with combinations of 1-0 (nozzle per 50cm) to 4-2 (4 nozzles per 50cm plus 2 nozzles per 25cm). When combined with BoomControl’s target area height of 30 cm, this significantly reduces drift and improves plant wetting.
The optional steering axle uses its own gyroscope removing the need for cable or mechanical connection to the tractor. Only the hydraulic system, road lights and ISOBUS plug is now required.
In addition, the Leeb LT is equipped with Load Sensing hydraulics to assist the hydraulic systems of the tractor. The underbody is completely smooth for plant protection with a ground clearance of 85 cm and a hydraulic support for parking leg is standard equipment.
Avatar direct seed drill with single disc coulter
The Avatar SD is the new entry into the direct seeding with discs sector rather than the tine seed drills currently available. Available in 6m, 8m and 12m working widths, its high tare weight and up to 220 kg coulter pressure makes it ideal for direct seeding. The strong coulter frame eliminates sideways movement, which ensures that the coulter keeps to the set sowing depth even on uneven soils. A press wheel then closes the seed furrow and consolidates the seed row. Despite the necessary high weight, the horsepower requirement is low as the SingleDisc coulters are arranged in two bars.
Horsch relies on the well-proven components of the Pronto DC seed drills for hopper and metering with a 3,500 litres hopper for the 6m and 8m versions and 12,000 litres for the 12m model.
The Avatar SD benefits from extensive experience gained in developing the Pronto drill applied to a modern direct seed drill. Depth control of the coulters is carried out via a larger and stronger version of the Pronto’s well-proven rubber suspension due to the high coulter pressure. The row spacing is 16.7cm on 6m and 8m models and 25cm on the 12m version. Control and monitoring of the machine is carried out via a standard ISOBUS terminal.