Claydon will use Cereals 2023 to demonstrate its latest Evolution mounted drill and straw harrow. It will also showcase a 4.8m Evolution drill, 4.8m TerraBlade inter-row hoe and 6m TerraStar light rotary cultivator on its stand.
Since the V Drill was launched in 2003, Claydon has continued to develop and perfect the Opti-Till® System, an approach to crop establishment which delivers consistent, high yielding crops at low cost for maximum profitability, combined with improvements to soil structure and health. The product range continues to expand and now Claydon technology is supporting farmers to meet their commercial, environmental and sustainability objectives.
The Opti-Till® System is based around Claydon trailed and mounted drills from 3m to 8m wide. The Claydon range also includes 3m, 7.5m, 9m, 12.5m and 15m Straw Harrows, the 6m TerraStar® light rotary cultivator and TerraBlade inter-row hoes from 3m to 8m wide.
Evolution drills
The Evolution mounted drill combines operational functionality with the Opti-Till® crop establishment system. It is designed for direct strip seeding, but can be used after conventional tillage, such as ploughing, following consolidation.
A benefit of the two-tine technology is its ability to cope with extremes of weather that are becoming increasingly frequent. It is versatile in all climatic conditions, soil types and crops, yet moves soil only in the growing zone. The front tine removes compaction, aerates the soil, and creates drainage in the rooting zone, whilst the seeding tine deposits seeds in the surface tilth. Zonal cultivation means that the previous rooting and soil structure is not destroyed, allowing worms to thrive and soil biota levels to improve.
With working widths of 3m, 4m, 4.5m, 4.8m, 5m and 6m, Evolution models incorporate 9, 13, 15 or 19 tines and most feature a 1910-litre hopper. Fertiliser placement models, available with working widths of 3m and 4m, have a 2700-litre tank, an increase of 600 litres, which is split 50:50 between seed and fertiliser. The larger hoppers reduce downtime and increase output, while second and third hopper options for applying multiple types, varieties and sizes of seed are available to enhance versatility.
All models feature a hydraulic fan, Artemis metering control, tramlining facility, front tine/180mm A-share configuration, double rear toolbar and road lights as standard. Typical daily outputs range from 20ha for the 3m Evolution which requires at least 150hp to 40ha for the 6m version which needs a minimum of 300hp.
The Evolution line-up, which includes a 5m unit and 4m rigid grain/fertiliser model, incorporates new features to improve operational functionality. Seeding depth adjustment is now controlled hydraulically, improved access to the metering unit allows easier calibration, while front-mounted discs which are operated hydraulically from the tractor seat can be specified for seeding into high residue situations.
Other features include quick-fit knock-on/knock-off coulter options for the standard leading tine and A-Share to low disturbance twin disc and tine options. Multiple seed tool options allow a wide range of crops to be drilled across different soil types and situations, while the quick-change facility allows fast, easy modification when required.
Other equipment
Available in in 3m, 7.5m and 9m mounted versions, together with 12.5m and 15m trailed models, the Claydon Straw Harrow achieves the high working speeds (15 to 25km/h) necessary to create a micro tilth in the top 30mm of soil, the retained moisture promoting fast, even germination of weed seeds and volunteers. Typical fuel use is just two litres of fuel per hectare.
The range also includes the 6m TerraStar® light rotary cultivator for situations where the going can be harder or tougher for the Straw Harrow. Fast and effective, with minimal wearing parts for low-cost operation, it creates a shallow tilth which encourages volunteers and weeds to chit rapidly. An effective method for stubble management and slug control, the TerraStar® can also be used to level fields, improve drainage, and incorporate manures. As a mechanical weeder, it reduces the need for glyphosate and, by plucking divots from the top layer of soil, leaves the profile undisturbed.
Claydon TerraBlade inter-row hoes from 3m to 8m wide control weeds in any band-sown combinable crops. By keeping the unseeded rows clear of farm weeds during the initial stages of crop growth, competition for nutrients, light, air, and water is reduced, allowing the young plants to grow away strong and healthy.
Further information about Cereals 2023 can be found here.
