Whenever you hear something written on disc seeders, the advantages given over tyne seeders includes less hp requirement and faster sowing speeds. When looking at the figures for the Semeato drills made in South America, the power requirement for a 3.4 metre planter is 95hp (I assume engine hp) and recommended planting speed is 4-8km an hour. The Australian made John Shearer Tyne Drill with a sowing width of 3.4 metres, in comparison, only has a engine hp requirement for the tractor of 70hp - I know this is fairly accurate because I own 2.9 metre version - and sowing speed is 4-8km an hour.
The Semeato is a much heavier machine - a tonne and half heavier - and has well over twice the seed and fertilizer capacities. Still, I am not seeing the advantage in horsepower and sowing speeds. In fact, it would seem I would need an extra 25hp for the disc seeder. I can't find figures for any of the other Disc Drills. Maybe the advantage only occurs with airseeders and folding frame seeders and doesn't transfer to box over frame style drills.
Can anyone explain this to me? Am I just comparing machines that are too different in weight? The Shearer is much lighter, but it will handle some heavy duty no till work, even if it does require filling up more often, and the cost of steel being what it is, I am assuming the Disc Seeders would be more expensive with all that extra metal and complexity.
The Semeato is a much heavier machine - a tonne and half heavier - and has well over twice the seed and fertilizer capacities. Still, I am not seeing the advantage in horsepower and sowing speeds. In fact, it would seem I would need an extra 25hp for the disc seeder. I can't find figures for any of the other Disc Drills. Maybe the advantage only occurs with airseeders and folding frame seeders and doesn't transfer to box over frame style drills.
Can anyone explain this to me? Am I just comparing machines that are too different in weight? The Shearer is much lighter, but it will handle some heavy duty no till work, even if it does require filling up more often, and the cost of steel being what it is, I am assuming the Disc Seeders would be more expensive with all that extra metal and complexity.