Alpen, Germany
October 12, 2015
LEMKEN will introduce the Solitair 25, the first model of its new generation of Solitair pneumatic seed drills, at the Agritechnica 2015.
LEMKEN has developed an automated calibration process for this machine, which can be easily launched from the tractor cabin by the operator, who only needs to enter core parameters such as thousand-grain weight, seeding rate and maximum working speed at the terminal. The control system then runs the full calibration process automatically as soon as it has been activated.
The calibration process is started by the newly developed vertically arranged metering units. Seeds are transported to a weighing unit in the machine’s seed hopper by a blower fan via a seed turnout. When the calibration sample has been weighed the results are transmitted to the job computer. The weigher automatically discharges the seed sample into the hopper. After that, the operator only needs to confirm the weighed result and the possible working speed before starting the seeding process.
The metering units, which are individually driven by an integrated electric motor, allow the seeding rate to be variably modified by adjusting the motor speed and the stepless cell wheel. This ensures that an optimum seed flow is maintained in any situation.
The automated calibration process makes drilling preparation more efficient and faster and avoids errors. The adjusted seed quantity can be easily checked with another calibration process. A more detailed calibration or check can be performed by calibrating individual width sections via their respective metering units.
New-generation Solitair
The pneumatic Solitair is the flagship among LEMKEN's seed drills and synonymous with high-precision, high-efficacy seeding. It has recently been comprehensively updated and will be launched on the market in a folding, semi-mounted version under the name of Solitair 25.
The most striking external difference in the Solitair 25 is the new plastic tank, which holds 3,000 litres and features an extra-wide inlet. However, there are also numerous innovations inside the new Solitair: each metering unit features a separate electrical drive, for example. Also, the volume delivered by the cell wheels can be continuously adjusted for optimal seed flow for all types of seeds. When the seed hopper is used for fertiliser, the direction of cell wheel rotation is reversed to prevent seed scraper wear. The upgraded blower fan comprises a stainless steel gear, requires considerably less hydraulic power and operates substantially more quietly. As regards seed placement, LEMKEN has opted for the proven OptiDisc and OptiDisc M double disc coulter systems with depth control roller to ensure even placement depths.
As the individual part width sections of the LEMKEN Solitair 25 have their own metering units, they can be easily switched off via the respective electric motors, and sectional deactivation is therefore standard. Separate volume adjustments can additionally be performed for each part width section.
The redesigned distribution system allows different tramline rhythms to be activated without making physical adjustments to the machine. The system is hydraulically controlled and requires no seed return at all. Consistently symmetric seed distribution combined with electronically controlled metering unit speeds reliably ensure even transverse distribution. Simple cartridge changes in the distributor moreover allow track widths and tramline row numbers to be adjusted or reduced with ease.
With all of the above changes, the upgraded LEMKEN Solitair still offers its trademark versatility. The Solitair 25 can be used in five different drill combinations on the chassis of the LEMKEN soil cultivation implements. Single-seed drills such as the LEMKEN Azurit can be mounted instead of a coulter bar via a three-point linkage. This remarkable versatility also makes the Solitair an excellent choice from a financial perspective.
Together with the Solitair 25, LEMKEN also launches two new electronic control systems for seed drills. The EcoDrill baseline version, which transmits data via a CAN bus system, is operated via a high-resolution 4.8" touchscreen terminal and can be used to control all necessary Solitair 25 functions. The MegaDrill system is LEMKEN's optional control unit for ISOBUS operation via the proven CCI 200 terminal.
LEMKEN, a specialist for professional arable farming with annual sales of EUR 344 million, and a global company employing more than 1,200 staff, is one of Europe’s leading suppliers. Founded as a blacksmith’s shop in 1780, this family-operated company produces high-quality, high-performance agricultural implements for soil cultivation, seeding and plant protection at its German headquarters in Alpen and its two production plants in Föhren and Haren. Innovation in the best interest of our customers guides our thoughts and actions.
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