He-Va has developed the new 3m G-Drill

This is a straightforward tool capable of rapidly generating a drilling zone, placing seed at a consistent depth and consolidating the seedbed with a weather-proof finish, according to the company. Central to this are two rows of 400mm diameter vector scalloped discs. These are flanked by replaceable coulter boots which run in the shadow of the discs. Running at a four-degree angle, this coulter arrangement generates a particularly narrow seed slot to minimise surface disturbance. The discs’ narrow pitch also means wear is kept to a minimum. The 3m G-Drill can be specified with either 32 openers to give a row spacing of 9.4cm, which is ideal for drilling grass seed. There is also a 24-coulter option, providing a wider 12.5cm spacing for either grass or grain establishment. The rubber-damped torsion-arm arrangement employed on the unit provides ultra-accurate contour following and, therefore, consistent seed placement. It also means the discs are able to kick out of harm’s way when obstacles such as stones are encountered as is often the case in old grass leys. While protecting the drill and ensuring precision depth control, the vibrating action of this set-up also ensures the creation of a tilth-rich, smear-free slot for the seed. Crucial to providing consistent depth control as well as generating surface consolidation and suitable seed-to-soil contact, the G-Drill is equipped with a 450/500mm diameter Star Ring roller of the type found across He-Va’s grassland machinery range. Proven in breaking up clods in cultivated ground as well as consolidating and closing the seed slot, it leaves a porous surface for weather to penetrate and seedlings to emerge evenly. A 600mm diameter flat roller can also be fitted. The G-Drill is standard with a hydraulic, weight transfer/down-force kit, useful when drilling direct into grassland or stubble as it provides greater coulter penetration. To suit different farming systems and soil types, the G-Drill can be optioned with shattaboard levelling paddles – useful when working into pre-prepared seedbeds to backfill dips and ruts, knock over molehills, level muck and rip out thatch in grassland, and a following harrow for covering seeds in a direct drilled or cultivated situation. HeVa equipment and machinery are imported and distributed by Murphy Machinery based in Kilkenny and Tipperary.