28 September 2015, 08:32
Large volume hopper for fertiliser application and catch crop sowing in conjunction with the soil tillage operation
With the XTender AMAZONE introduces a flexibly usable tank system for its passive soil tillage range. The XTender rear tank offers the possibility to simultaneously apply fertiliser and/or seed during the soil tillage operation.
In times of increasing prices for fertiliser, efficient base fertilisation becomes ever more important. Targeted fertilisation during soil tillage is a solution which provides the plant with nutrients in the best possible way. Fertilisation during soil tillage can also add logistical advantages when compared to fertilisation during sowing, especially when larger amounts have to be applied. So, any downtime of the seed drill can be avoided and the time frames for sowing can be more effectively made use of.
Not least because of changing political framework conditions, the establishment of catch crops plays an increasingly important role. Above all though for sowing, solutions are required that can be combined with existing machinery.
With the XTender rear tank system, AMAZONE here offers an efficient solution where the sowing of catch crops, applying a starter fertiliser in catch crops or for adding compensation fertiliser for straw rotting, are combined in just one pass.
High efficiency
XTender features a 4,200 l pressurised hopper that can be split in a ratio of 50/50. Depending on whether only fertiliser or seed needs to be applied, the XTender, from choice, can be equipped with one or two conveying systems. Application rates from 2 to 400 kg/ha can be realised.
For the hopper, AMAZONE relies on a deep-pressed base hopper. Due to its production via a deep-drawn process, the hopper is created without any corners, edges or weld seams, providing a constant and even flow of the fertiliser and the seed. Low level sensors in the left and right hand tank tips monitor the fill level. The system sends an alarm to the terminal as soon as the minimum fill level is reached.
The hopper is equipped as standard with a ladder and an appropriate loading platform which offers exceptional access. Thanks to the large hopper opening, filling is quick and simple to accomplish.
Universally combinable
The base frame of XTender has been newly designed. It is rated for tractors of up to 600 HP and offers a favourable centre of gravity for mounting to the tractor. The rear hopper is linked to the tractor via the 3-point linkage in either Cat. III or Cat. IV N. Via a simple reversal of the lower link pins, the change between the two categories is possible. Coupling the following machine to the XTender is also done via the standard lower linkage. From choice again are available either III or IV N.
Comfortable operation
The electrically-driven metering is taken from the Cirrus series. It allows the simple change of the seed rate from the tractor cab as well as pre-metering in field corners and calibration via the press of a button.
The metering units are easily accessible so that calibration and residual emptying are simply done. Available from choice are different metering cassettes, depending on the seed and fertiliser application.
The hydraulically-driven blower fan runs especially quietly and, with an oil requirement of just 28 l/min, it is extremely efficient. Available as an option for the XTender is the well-known TwinTerminal 3.0 taken from the seed drills. This TwinTerminal, which is positioned directly on the rear tank, saves unnecessary walking between tank and tractor cab for the driver during calibration and residue emptying. Additional equipment options are the camera system, LED work lighting and internal tank lighting. These provide good visibility in the dark and the camera offers a good view of the following trailed machine. The ISOBUS machine operation is carried out either via an AMAZONE ISOBUS terminal or via the ISOBUS terminal of the tractor.
Fertiliser supply tines for Cenius TX
The XTender can be operated, for instance, with the Cenius TX cultivator. In this case the Cenius TX is equipped with special fertiliser supply tines. Then supply of the fertiliser is carried out in the shadow of the share. The depth at which the fertiliser is going to be placed can be adjusted via a flap in the fertiliser supply tines. The following 3 options are possible: 100 % under root, 50 % under root/50 % near to the surface, 100 % near the surface. The fertiliser supply tines can be used together with the C-Mix 80 share or with the new C-Mix 40 share.
C-Mix 40
With the new C-Mix 40 share, AMAZONE extends the C-Mix share programme with another option. The C-Mix 40 share has been developed especially for deep soil loosening. Due to the share width, the pulling power required for deep loosening is kept to a minimum enabling primary soil tillage to be carried out down to 30 cm. At the tip, the share is equipped with a hard metal insert to effectively increase the lifespan against wear and tear. In this way no readjustment of the working depth is required over the entire operational life of the share.
Source: AMAZONEN-Werke H. Dreyer GmbH & Co. KG