The focus will be on the new range of Evolution mounted drills, all of which are designed for drilling direct but can also be used after consolidation in ploughing and min-till scenarios. The model on show, the 3m Seed and Fertiliser version, will be exhibited alongside a 4m Hybrid T4 trailed drill, a 7.5m Straw Harrow and a 4m TerraBlade inter-row hoe.
The nine models in the new Claydon Evolution range of mounted drills take direct strip seeding to the next level. Building on the company’s experience of more than two decades in this technology, they incorporate enhanced operational functionality with the tried and tested features which have made Claydon Opti-Till® the crop establishment system of choice for growers who want to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve soil health.
The two-tine technology which Suffolk arable farmer Jeff Claydon developed in 2002 is at the heart of every Claydon drill, a major benefit being its ability to cope with extremes of weather which are becoming increasingly frequent. It delivers exceptional versatility in all climatic conditions, soil types and crops, yet moves soil only in the growing zone. The front tine removes compaction, aerates the soil, and creates drainage in the rooting zone, while the seeding tine deposits seeds in the surface tilth. Zonal cultivation means that the previous rooting and soil structure remains largely intact, allowing worms to thrive and soil biota levels to improve.
With working widths of 3m, 4m, 4.5m, 4.8m, 5m and 6m, the Evolution models incorporate 9, 13, 15 or 19 tines respectively. While most feature a 1910-litre hopper, the 3m Evolution 3MF and 4m 4MRF models incorporate a 2700-litre tank with a 50:50 split between seed and fertiliser. The larger hopper increases productivity, while second and third hopper options for applying multiple types, varieties and sizes of seed are available to further enhance versatility.
All Claydon Evolution models feature a hydraulic fan, Artemis metering control, tramlining facility, front tine/7″ A-share configuration, double rear toolbar and road lights. Typical daily outputs range from 20ha for the 3m Evolution, which requires a minimum of 150hp, to 40ha for the 6m version, which needs a minimum of 300hp.
The new range incorporates additional features which improve operational functionality. Seed depth adjustment is controlled hydraulically, improved access to the metering unit allows easier calibration, while front-mounted discs which are operated hydraulically from the tractor seat can be specified as an optional extra.
Other features include quick-fit knock-on/knock-off coulter options for the standard leading tine and A-Share to low disturbance twin disc and tine options. Multiple seed tool options allow a wide range of crops to be drilled across different soil types and situations, while the quick-change facility allows fast, easy modification when required. A large, easily accessible toolbox incorporated into the step frame is also standard.
Options include GPS variable seed rate capability, pre-emergence marker arms, front disc toolbar, stone protection, micro fertiliser applicator, low-disturbance twin tine kit, slug pelleter, blockage sensors and a light and vision kit.
The strength and design of the Claydon Evolution keeps running costs to a minimum, which together with reliable operation and minimum downtime enables fuel-efficient farming and minimal soil disturbance in all sowing scenarios, without compromising crop establishment or yields. The drill’s simple, robust design and great flexibility allows its use in the autumn or spring to establish any crop that can be air sown.