A Novice and his Aitchison Grassfarmer.

Bury the Trash

Member
Mixed Farmer
IKWYM about keeping seed in the the wee mini hoppers insde the main hopper. I accept that the easiest method is to have a bit more seed in the hopper!! I would say that the foam metering is about as accurate as anything going and simple to boot...

Got a pair of old Fionas here that are off to the scrappy once they open, if you want some bits. ;)
got 2 for s pares not that i use it for anything other than grass seed, all the drill parts stripped so it just broadcasts seed.
20200503_154003.jpg


space saving storage , bear in mind its not too heavy tho...:unsure::)


wonder why they were called Fiona , was she the designer or wasit the Danish blokes wife (or girlfriend) :unsure:
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
got 2 for s pares not that i use it for anything other than grass seed, all the drill parts stripped so it just broadcasts seed.

space saving storage , bear in mind its not too heavy tho...:unsure::)


wonder why they were called Fiona , was she the designer or was it the Danish blokes wife (or girlfriend) :unsure:

Dont thing Grassfarmer will be going in the air anytime soon!! Heavy old beasts...

Probably means fertile and fecund in Danish or something, so maybe you have a point there.... ;)

I intend stripping all the useful bits of the two I have here, and then scrap 'em. Marker discs maybe for the Aitchison, covering harrow etc
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
Haven’t found the calibration to be too accurate,can be hit and miss :meh:

I've seen that users have reported that the calibration needs to be carried out with the foam wheels completely covered.

Also, that small seeds will run through faster with the drill in action, possibly from vibration from the tines. I would agree with that even with my limited usage.

I eased back the rate by 10% on calibration, assuming the actual quantity applied will be accurate, but as there is no area meter, it's a PITA to check without using the GPS and software to measure the area. :(
 
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JD-Kid

Member
older. roller drill I had with same gearbox on it. was a bit hit and miss. seeding. sowed in a wave pattern
a felt pen and writing setting down on inside of lid helps a lot. when setting up. gives a goto setting then just a quick check to make sure running about right.
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
older. roller drill I had with same gearbox on it. was a bit hit and miss. seeding. sowed in a wave pattern
a felt pen and writing setting down on inside of lid helps a lot. when setting up. gives a goto setting then just a quick check to make sure running about right.

Wave pattern?? As in fast/slow/fast/slow seeding rate?


I have a page...or 3 in the Manual of my drills doing the same. Things like Barley or wheat were put on a Dymo lable and stuck on the top.
 

JD-Kid

Member
Wave pattern?? As in fast/slow/fast/slow seeding rate?


I have a page...or 3 in the Manual of my drills doing the same. Things like Barley or wheat were put on a Dymo lable and stuck on the top.
yea a fast slow pattern sent gearbox back and had it replaced worked ok after that. was only on very slow settings. turnips rapes etc alot of the veabal gearbox dont like very slow speeds my drill I run now can change the input. drive speed and. the seeders have a fine wheel metering so can get lower rates
 

holwellcourtfarm

Member
Livestock Farmer
yea a fast slow pattern sent gearbox back and had it replaced worked ok after that. was only on very slow settings. turnips rapes etc alot of the veabal gearbox dont like very slow speeds my drill I run now can change the input. drive speed and. the seeders have a fine wheel metering so can get lower rates
Variable speed gearboxes are notoriously inaccurate at very low settings. As you say, ideally they have a different input gear for life rates to allow the gearbox itself to be set higher up its range.
 

adam_farming

Member
Arable Farmer
Location
Suffolk
Thought I'd tag on to this thread, hope its relevant:

I have an opportunity to take on around 25ha/60ac of rented ground in the next couple of years. I've worked in farming all my working life in one form or another and this would be a chance to have a go on my own. Having looked at my options of resources, time, capital etc I have decided I will grow grass for hay as the main enterprise to begin with. What I should do with this land is probably enough of a topic for a thread on its own, but we'll run with it for now. Initially I'll still be working full time mon-fri so there's no need to make a full living off this.

The soil is general Suffolk clay, half has been continuous wheat for at least 10 years, and for the last few years has been drilled with a Claydon, while the other half has been in grass for hay for 4 years.
All in all it has been farmed sympathetically, no large equipment being used in the wet, straw chopped etc, so it isn't in too bad a shape.

Having read around I feel like a 2.4 or 3m Grassfarmer would work well for planting grass in this situation. I plan to reseed a small amount each autumn, as well as experiment with growing some other crops for forage or conservation.

I have access to an International 574, which looks like it may struggle to lift the drill, but it is my main option for now as it is available FOC. Another option is to hire a modern tractor from a neighbour, but I would like to try and be self sufficient if possible.

What are peoples thoughts, mainly on the drill being appropriate and whether the tractor available is a viable option? I'd also like some idea of what one might cost, new or second hand?

Thanks
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
Thought I'd tag on to this thread, hope its relevant:

I have an opportunity to take on around 25ha/60ac of rented ground in the next couple of years. I've worked in farming all my working life in one form or another and this would be a chance to have a go on my own. Having looked at my options of resources, time, capital etc I have decided I will grow grass for hay as the main enterprise to begin with. What I should do with this land is probably enough of a topic for a thread on its own, but we'll run with it for now. Initially I'll still be working full time mon-fri so there's no need to make a full living off this.

The soil is general Suffolk clay, half has been continuous wheat for at least 10 years, and for the last few years has been drilled with a Claydon, while the other half has been in grass for hay for 4 years.
All in all it has been farmed sympathetically, no large equipment being used in the wet, straw chopped etc, so it isn't in too bad a shape.

Having read around I feel like a 2.4 or 3m Grassfarmer would work well for planting grass in this situation. I plan to reseed a small amount each autumn, as well as experiment with growing some other crops for forage or conservation.

I have access to an International 574, which looks like it may struggle to lift the drill, but it is my main option for now as it is available FOC. Another option is to hire a modern tractor from a neighbour, but I would like to try and be self sufficient if possible.

What are peoples thoughts, mainly on the drill being appropriate and whether the tractor available is a viable option? I'd also like some idea of what one might cost, new or second hand?

Thanks
YHM
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
Thought I'd tag on to this thread, hope its relevant:

I have an opportunity to take on around 25ha/60ac of rented ground in the next couple of years. I've worked in farming all my working life in one form or another and this would be a chance to have a go on my own. Having looked at my options of resources, time, capital etc I have decided I will grow grass for hay as the main enterprise to begin with. What I should do with this land is probably enough of a topic for a thread on its own, but we'll run with it for now. Initially I'll still be working full time mon-fri so there's no need to make a full living off this.

The soil is general Suffolk clay, half has been continuous wheat for at least 10 years, and for the last few years has been drilled with a Claydon, while the other half has been in grass for hay for 4 years.
All in all it has been farmed sympathetically, no large equipment being used in the wet, straw chopped etc, so it isn't in too bad a shape.

Having read around I feel like a 2.4 or 3m Grassfarmer would work well for planting grass in this situation. I plan to reseed a small amount each autumn, as well as experiment with growing some other crops for forage or conservation.

I have access to an International 574, which looks like it may struggle to lift the drill, but it is my main option for now as it is available FOC. Another option is to hire a modern tractor from a neighbour, but I would like to try and be self sufficient if possible.

What are peoples thoughts, mainly on the drill being appropriate and whether the tractor available is a viable option? I'd also like some idea of what one might cost, new or second hand?

Thanks

I would imagine that in the right conditions either a Simtech or Aitchison will do your job. Not so sure your International will lift a big, heavy 3m Simtech though!! Power rating requirements are about 30hp/meter though. Also the Duncan, which is trailed and would be easier to handle, but comes at a price which may be a tad high costed over 25ha...

IKWYM about being self sufficient, as it allows you to pick your moment and go, and also experiment with small areas etc.

2nd hand are like hens teeth...
 

Bury the Trash

Member
Mixed Farmer
Very good point, you can see the small land wheel riding up and down at times, which could alter rates for a fraction of a second I guess.
Yes wider flotation would help that but bigger diameter/ rolling radius would steady feed by providing more grip and torque to the seed mechanism .
 

JD-Kid

Member
Thought I'd tag on to this thread, hope its relevant:

I have an opportunity to take on around 25ha/60ac of rented ground in the next couple of years. I've worked in farming all my working life in one form or another and this would be a chance to have a go on my own. Having looked at my options of resources, time, capital etc I have decided I will grow grass for hay as the main enterprise to begin with. What I should do with this land is probably enough of a topic for a thread on its own, but we'll run with it for now. Initially I'll still be working full time mon-fri so there's no need to make a full living off this.

The soil is general Suffolk clay, half has been continuous wheat for at least 10 years, and for the last few years has been drilled with a Claydon, while the other half has been in grass for hay for 4 years.
All in all it has been farmed sympathetically, no large equipment being used in the wet, straw chopped etc, so it isn't in too bad a shape.

Having read around I feel like a 2.4 or 3m Grassfarmer would work well for planting grass in this situation. I plan to reseed a small amount each autumn, as well as experiment with growing some other crops for forage or conservation.

I have access to an International 574, which looks like it may struggle to lift the drill, but it is my main option for now as it is available FOC. Another option is to hire a modern tractor from a neighbour, but I would like to try and be self sufficient if possible.

What are peoples thoughts, mainly on the drill being appropriate and whether the tractor available is a viable option? I'd also like some idea of what one might cost, new or second hand?

Thanks
loaned one of my drills out a few years ago a 3 meter towed. Duncan 2 boxes seed and fert on hills pulled it with a 70 hp fait 4x4 was working pulling up hill on flat. pulled ok
I looked on the kiwi site and seen they did a 2.1 meter one loaded with seed would only be around 900 kg so well with in the lifting of the small inter 2.1 one is a bit slow drilling my drill I use at the moment is only 2.1 meter hard pressed to do 2 Ha per hour with it. maybe avg 1.5 ha a hour
 

adam_farming

Member
Arable Farmer
Location
Suffolk
loaned one of my drills out a few years ago a 3 meter towed. Duncan 2 boxes seed and fert on hills pulled it with a 70 hp fait 4x4 was working pulling up hill on flat. pulled ok
I looked on the kiwi site and seen they did a 2.1 meter one loaded with seed would only be around 900 kg so well with in the lifting of the small inter 2.1 one is a bit slow drilling my drill I use at the moment is only 2.1 meter hard pressed to do 2 Ha per hour with it. maybe avg 1.5 ha a hour


Thanks, I think I should be OK then with the smaller drill. It does have a loader so that's a bit more weight on the front if needed. All flat ground here so no hills to worry about. Output also acceptable really, as discussed elsewhere I'll try drilling in 2 passes as a diamond pattern but I'll still only have half the area to reseed each year. The biggest hurdle will be steering, I'm from the autosteer generation!
 

Kiwi Pete

Member
Livestock Farmer
Making sure the wheel is balanced and
Slowing up at the headland will help that I guess ...or an engineering solution would be a simple brake of some sort on the wheel :unsure:
The Aitchison I used this year had a brake system on the drive, just a normal-looking brake lining really, and when the drill lifted up it would stop 'dead' the moment the landwheel arm went to it's limit. Quite nifty.

And also an absolute bugger to calibrate the drill because you have to fight against a big spring and a heavy wheel to get a chock in, to release the brake! And not really any good place to get the chock sitting well, so it came off a few times while I swung the big spanner around its 33 turns.

I do lead in and out pretty slowly with a drill, takes a sec for the seeds to get to the end of the tubes, not much different to a plough in some ways. Slow=neat
 

steveR

Member
Mixed Farmer
Thanks, I think I should be OK then with the smaller drill. It does have a loader so that's a bit more weight on the front if needed. All flat ground here so no hills to worry about. Output also acceptable really, as discussed elsewhere I'll try drilling in 2 passes as a diamond pattern but I'll still only have half the area to reseed each year. The biggest hurdle will be steering, I'm from the autosteer generation!

Easy sorted on the Auto steering, fit an aftermarket Fieldbee system.

£5k Kerching!! ;)


Or maybe start practicing... :LOL:
 

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Red Tractor drops launch of green farming scheme amid anger from farmers

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quote: “Red Tractor has confirmed it is dropping plans to launch its green farming assurance standard in April“

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