Understand Seed Drill Mechanics and Efficiency
At 4:27 in
NO TILL DRILLING ON THE FARM....What you need to know!
What happens here
The seed drill's hitching mechanism is demonstrated. It connects to the tractor's tow bar using a tongue and has two hydraulic hookups. These hydraulic lines connect to a hydraulic cylinder on the seed drill, which is responsible for raising and lowering the entire machine. The seed drill is also equipped with a Stemco acre meter (Longview, Texas), which counts the acres covered based on the rotation of a ground-contact wheel. The rental cost is $15 per acre. The presenter highlights the efficiency of the seed drill, stating it uses about 23 pounds of fescue seed per acre, compared to three times that amount with a broadcast spreader, while also ensuring better germination.
Goal: Learn how the seed drill connects to the tractor, operates, and its advantages over broadcast spreading.
Tools and materials
- Haybuster 107C Seed Drill Haybuster — Demonstrating connection, hydraulics, and acre meter
- Hydraulic Hoses and Cylinder — Raising and lowering the seed drill
- Stemco Acre Meter Stemco — Measuring acres covered for rental and application purposes
- Tractor — Providing tow bar and hydraulic power for the seed drill