New generation ED launched at Grassland UK

The 3rd generation ED precision air seeders – simply well thought-through and working just like clockwork

Many new functions on the in-coming generation
After more than 25 years of the ED success story, Grassland UK will see the launch of the third generation of the ED precision seeder. The new ED includes numerous innovations; from the drive to the singling system and fertiliser metering via the electronics up to the design. The proven system of vacuum singling has been adopted from the previous generation.

State-of-the-art drive line concept
The new ED offers pioneering new drive-lines with an electrically-driven fertiliser metering system running alongside a hydraulically-driven singling system. This means that the new ED Super features a very easy change of seed and fertiliser rates via the terminal – and even on the move. In conjunction with the automatic GPS-Switch part-width section control and the individual row shut-off there is now the possibility to offer the chance for the individual seeding units to be automatically switched via GPS in wedge-shaped fields or on the headland. The individual row switching allows the very simple and comfortable creation of tramlines.

For determining the forward speed, and depending on the preferred choice, a radar sensor in conjunction with a working position sensor, a speed signal from the pulling tractor or a GPS speed signal can be chosen.

As a low-cost entry level model, the ED Special is still available with mechanical drive to the seeder units and to the fertiliser metering. In this instance, the fertiliser application rate is comfortably adjusted via the Vario gearbox, well-known and prov-en on the conventional gravity seed drills The blower drive is driven either hydrau-lically or mechanically via the PTO.

At the heart of the machine: the seeder units
The new drills come with a choice of either the proven Classic or Contour sowing units. For the Contour unit new options can be now specified: for very light and sandy conditions every coulter unit can be equipped with a second depth guidance roller to ensure the optimum depth control even under these conditions. In addition, the seed press roller can be selected as an option. After the seed has been placed in the pre-shaped seed furrow, the seed is pressed by the roller resulting in the optimum seed/soil contact, ensuring the quick and reliable field emergence. The pressure intensity can be changed in three positions depending on the prevailing conditions. Under very moist conditions, the roller can be completely removed, quickly and without tools.

The raised knap holes on the metering discs are brought over from the out-going model and the seeds are carried round clear of the side wall of the disc to the stripper. These raised holes function also as an agitator as these protrusions on the surface of the disc stir the seed. The raised holes on the singling disc ensure that the seed leaves the disc in free-fall so that it is not influenced by the disc which is especially important in terms of accuracy of placement.

For the seed coverage and to press the soil above the seed the Super-V press rollers are used on the Contour unit.

The seed hoppers have also been matched to the increasing demands on work rates with the volume of each hopper being now 60 l, which means 480 l for a 8 row machine. In addition, fill level monitoring for the seed hopper is available so that the driver is informed well in advance of a low fill level.

Comfortable calibration of the fertiliser rate
The volume of the fertiliser hopper starts at 900 l on both the ED 3000-C and ED 4500-C, via 1,100 l on the ED 6000-C and goes right up to 2,000 l in combination with a front tank . The rear fertiliser tank is equipped with large sight glasses on the front and rear sides enabling a simple visual fill level monitoring from the tractor seat. In the dark this is assisted by the optionally available internal tank lighting. In addition, electric fill level monitoring of the rear fertiliser tank can be specified so that the driver is reminded when to refill the fertiliser tank.

New here is the electric drive to the fertiliser metering system so that the fertiliser rate can also be variably matched on the move as well as meaning that calibration has reached an unprecedented level of convenience by utilising a button located down on the machine. This is kept pressed until the trays are full; with then both trays being pulled out of the machine in the left hand direction. The collected quantity is entered into the terminal and the calibration procedure is over just like that.

For any application, the right electronic equipment
Apart from the Basic specification complete with AMASCAN⁺ on-board computer, the Profi version features ISOBUS control enabling the use of different ISOBUS terminals as well as other ISOBUS applications, such as, for example, GPS-Switch automatic part-width section control.

Tailored accessories
For filling the machine a high performance filling auger, integrated in the machine concept, is available. No matter whether in the transport or in the operating position, the fertiliser hopper can be comfortably filled from the ground without having to climb onto the machine. In case climbing up on to the machine is necessary to access the fertiliser hopper, the comfortable step is available which can be simultaneously used as a transport box for buckets, seed, scales, etc. Sprung wheel track eradicator tines are available if required.

Micro plus micro-granular applicator
AMAZONE offers the possibility to equip the ED with one or two Micro plus micro-granular applicators enabling the application of up to two micro-granules or micro-fertiliser along with the seed during one pass in the field, depending on the machine type. Depending on the preference, the granules can be applied at two different points. Micro plus features a central 110 l hopper and one central electric metering for all rows making filling and emptying very easy. The application rate of the granules can be very simply adjusted and changed via the in-cab terminal.

LED spotlights
Good visibility in the dark is offered by optional LED worklights attached on and in the fertiliser hopper, lighting both the operating area and also the interior of the fertiliser hopper.