The Bullet Features

Bearings

One of the biggest problems with disc planters in the past has been the amount of maintenance required on the bearings. To overcome that we have perfected a build method for bearings that has not produced a single failure in well over one thousand bearings. Our build method is as follows;

1. We use only Japanese made tapered roller bearings

2. We use a triple lip marine seal made for us in Australia

3. We glue the seal into place

4. We pack the seal with grease using the compressor thus expelling air and moisture

5. We weld a seal protector on the stub axle keeping dirt and wire types away

6. We attach a dust cap cover on the discs as standard, it is an option on the press wheels.

We are now confident that we now have an excellent packing and sealing system for our bearings. Subject to conditions we now offer a three year warranty on our disc bearings and also on our press wheel bearings where the dust cap cover option is taken. See our warranty policy for further details.

Maintenance free

There are twelve grease nipples on a fifty foot machine all on the transport wheels.

All of the press wheel and disc bearings are sealed and we offer a three year warranty on those bearings as described above.

Slower speeds, up to 12 kph

The discs cut a path through the soil. Seed and fertiliser is placed in the slot cut by the disc. The press wheel then closes the slot and the seed is planted. The width of the slot varies according to conditions and in some cases, such as dry sand, the whole area between the discs is shattered. At the other extreme, when rejuvenating lucern in wet conditions, the slot is tiny and an auxiliary press wheel may be required to ensure proper closing of the slot. At these slower speeds, the seed is planted in a distinct line.

Faster speeds, up to 25 kph

The discs cut a path through the soil and propel a wave of soil off each disc. As this wave of soil is being propelled, the seed is planted behind the disc. The press wheels then press the soil out to cover the seed. At these faster speeds, the plants emerge in a band up to two inches wide depending upon soil conditions. At these faster speeds there will be more disturbance and often the entire area of soil between the discs is disturbed, particularly in dry conditions . In heavier soils and wet conditions disturbance may be minimum and auxiliary press wheels may be required.

Press wheels

The press wheels do not compact directly over the seed but rather push the soil outwards to expel air from the seed bed.

Press wheels placed directly over the seed can cause crusting in certain conditions and retard or prevent the emergence of the seedling. This is more acute with canola.

It is this pressing of the seed without crusting which enables a quick emergence and allows the crop to compete favorably with the weeds.

Auxiliary press wheels attached to the modules are used to assist in closing or to press directly over the seed if required.

Water harvesting

Auxiliary press wheels attached to the modules are used in non wetting soils to harvest the water. They can also press soil back over the seed if required.

Harrows

A harrow attachment can be used to incorporate pre-emergence herbicide. They can be used on their own or with auxiliary press wheels.

Rhizoctonia control using deep tillage If rhizoctonia is a problem then cultivation beneath the seed may be the answer. We offer a fluted disc opener which can cultivate at depths up to six inches. This is available as a kit to cultivate between the rows or to cultivate in each row. Cultivation to a depth of six inches can be achieved with this package and nitrogen can also be applied.