Northern Irish-based machinery manufacturer Erth Engineering has been planning an agriseeder for a number of years. Up until now, this direct drill has been limited to a 3m working width. The firm is set to unveil a new 4m folding version at this year’s Ploughing in Carlow.

The new 32-row 4m folding, galvanised unit will have 125mm row spacings, with row widths of 7mm. Units can be fitted with front and rear harrow options, as well as double-entry coulters for fertiliser application.

The drill weighs in at 2,250kg, with the option of adding weights to the main frame for increased downward pressure. Either mechanical or electrical seed-metering units are available.

It has a 400l seed hopper fitted as standard, but larger options are available.

The firm will also be showcasing its arable and grassland range of panbusters. These machines have hydraulic resets that allow break-back pressure to be varied to suit different conditions. The grassland version has spring-loaded discs that cut a neat slot through the sod, and a special rubber, mounted main pivot that allows the leg to oscillate sideways around obstacles. A tooth packer allows for depth control. A hydraulically adjustable rear-roller comes with an indicator.

The company will also be unveiling a new 3m grass front harrow with hydraulic levelling paddles. This machine folds up to 2.6m for road transport.