Rethinking planter design

<p>VIEW FROM THE CAB: Looking back on the folded Fendt Momentum planter, it’s clear this is a tall machine. It comes standard with a rear camera for easy maneuverability. The planter features a narrow-transport, 12-by-12-foot design. Note, the planter shown in this slideshow is a late-build machine; however, the decals will be different on the final production model.</p>

<p>FROM THE REAR: The Momentum planter has familiar Precision Planting parts, and farmers can option the machine as needed for their field conditions and planter preference. This is a 32-row machine on 15-inch centers.</p>

<p>CLEAN DESIGN: Agco engineers did their homework when designing the frame for the row units. That parallel structure near the front helps keep the unit level to the ground in varying conditions. Note also the short vacuum hose at the bottom; the vacuum is supplied through the toolbar frame.</p>

<p>DEVIL IN THE DETAILS: This is the frame design for the planter unit. Note that each row unit connection is welded to the main frame. The design even accommodates a strap for keeping wiring clean across the width of the planter.</p>

<p>NEW IDEA FOR PLANTING: Those row units ride behind the main structure of the planter — the weight is carried on this forward frame, and there are no wheels where row units make ground contact. This reduces the risk of pinch-row compaction, and wheels are spaced to manage compaction through the field. The farthest outboard wheels can be placed clear to the end for controlled traffic planting.</p>

<p>ROWS IN THE NAME: Each Momentum planter model will be designated by the number of rows. This is a Momentum 32 with 32 rows. It will be easy to know the row count based on the model number assigned.</p>

<p>CHECK THE SERIAL NUMBER: For more detailed information, you can see “3215” on this serial number plate (right after “*AGCF”). Keeping things simple makes sense for this high-end planter.</p>

<p>POWER BEYOND: Sitting ahead of the grain tanks is this power beyond block. With this system, the planter can get the consistent power it needs keep row units traveling smoothly across variable ground. The planter units do run off tractor power, including the Delta Force down pressure system that relies on load-sensing hydraulics. With this power beyond system, the vacuum and central fill-system fans run off a single system, which can provide maximum vacuum as needed.</p>

<p>HALF UP: Sure, it’s a 32R15 planter, but it’s also a 16R30 — just plug air access to every other unit and you’re ready to plant corn. The row units can be raised independently to make the move to wider rows faster.</p>

<p>MAGIC WHEELS? Agco engineers selected in-line tandem wheels because they’re less costly than tracks, yet provide key flotation. Note the rear wheel is larger than the front, and the frame isn’t equally balanced. Instead, there’s more distributed to the larger wheel. That helps keep the machine on track in tougher conditions. The tubes in each hub are part of the central tire inflation system (CTIS), which can keep tires at the right pressure in the field and then inflate them for road travel.</p>

<p>TOTAL SYSTEM: The central tire inflation system is an optional system, and if you buy it, it includes load cells on each wheel to measure the weight of the machine in real time to better adjust tire pressure. Agco’s Rex Schertz explains that the lowest pressure tires can go is 15 psi to preserve tires. However, pressure can be maintained as seed goes into the ground with liquid fertilizer. When it’s time to road the machine, the CTIS will adjust as you leave the field, raising pressure to 55 psi for a better ride. The system also includes hydraulic cylinders on the wheeled frame that can be used to spread the load cross the planter to avoid center compaction. Schertz says there are many options for balancing the frame.</p>

<p>PLACEMENT MATTERS: Note that those in-line tandem wheels are placed to follow the tractor. That means the planter is following right in the same wheel tracks as the tractor. Note that the first machine through makes the most compaction;&nbsp;this approach can reduce compaction from this planter.</p>

<p>FAMILIAR NAME: Precision Planting is a division of Agco, and it will be the core row unit provider. Buyers can select the planting system that works best for their farms. The innovation beyond Precision Planting tools is the total design of the Momentum and how it moves through the field.</p>

<p>LITTLE DETAILS: The rear ladder from the planter has been placed so farmers can back their pickups right up and walk up to refill — or easily climb up to move a seed tender into place.</p>

<p>DISPLAY MANAGEMENT: The Momentum planter can be managed through the ISOBUS control on your planter. The row units are managed through the Precision Planting 2020 system. Both are familiar interfaces. With the ISOBUS, you can manage the optional load-balancing system to manage weight across the entire machine. And you’ll have full control of fans, the vacuum and other features of the planter.</p>

<p>HITCH OPTIONS: Buyers can choose a drawbar. There’s a single-pin hitch, or two types of two-point hitches — a fixed two-point or a high-clearance design. Alex Lundgren, manager, Agco global crop care, seeding and tillage, says the two-point hitch choice is increasingly popular with buyers.</p>

<p>KEEPING IT CLEAN: Hydraulic runs have been well-thought-out. There are no hose-filled tubes, which Schertz says can be a problem if a leak develops. Users can see where trouble is for faster maintenance. Steel tubes are used where added strength is needed.</p>

<p>SUPER CLEANER: The central fill system can be cleaned out with a simple spout, or a full dump system incorporated in the design. This handy tool uses a Venturi vacuum approach to pull leftover seed out of individual hoppers. A hose on one end to pull in, and on the other to direct seed into a bucket, and you’re ready to plant a new crop.</p>