Aitchison SEEDMATIC PROFESSIONAL 8124A User manual
2 | P a g e
3 | P a g e
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
4
WARRANTY INFORMATION
5
TO THE OWNER & OPERATOR
6
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
7
SAFETY FIRST
8
GENERAL OPERATION IN THE FIELD
11
PASTURELAND FARMING WITH THE AIR-PRO
11
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
11
TECHNIQUES AND TIMING FOR PASTURE RENOVATION
12
SIMPLE RULES TO FOLLOW FOR SUCCESSFUL PASTURE RENOVATION
13
MICRO INSECTICIDE GRANULES IN PASTURE
14
SOWING IN CULTIVATED SOILS
15
SETTING UP SEEDMATIC FOR USE
16
SETTING THE DEPTH WHEELS
18
DISC COULTER KITSET
19
SETTING UP THE DISC COULTER KIT
19
TINE ALIGNMENT
19
TINE PLACEMENT
20
TINE CLAMPS
21
ELECTRONIC DRIVE HEAD UNIT & CALIBRATION
22
SEED & FERTILISER RATES
31
FINE SEEDS
31
FINE SEED SETTING
32
SEED & FERTILISER DELIVERY SYSTEM
33
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
34
PARTS BREAKDOWN
35
4 | P a g e
Introduction
Dear Valued Owner,
Congratulations, you have just made an excellent investment.
Your new Aitchison drill has been designed and engineered to give years of dependable
service. Every consideration has been taken to incorporate the latest technology, thus
ensuring optimum seeding is achieved. Aitchison Drills provide the optimum agronomic
environment, ensuring proper seedling germination, leading to superior crops and thus
greater revenue earning potential.
It has often been said: “when all else fails-read the operators manual” and to ensure you get
the best from your new Aitchison drill it is very important that you thoroughly read through the
entire contents of the manual. Please also pay attention to the maintenance
recommendations, understand the calibration system and consider the design features and
their specific functionality.
Your local dealer carries an extensive range of genuine Aitchison spare parts and
consumables that also have been engineered to provide long service and life. It is important
that only genuine parts are used on your drill.
Thank you for making your investment in our expertise.
Yours Sincerely,
Ross Simpson
Director
Reese Agri
5 | P a g e
COMPLETE AND RETURN WARRANTY REGISTRATION TO ENSURE VALIDATION.
IN THE USA RETURN TO: REESE AGRI USA, 705.N MAIN STREET, BRAYMER, MISSOURI,64624, USA.
IN AUSTRALIA AND NZ RETURN TO: REESE ENGINEERING LTD, PO BOX 5056, PALMERSTON NORTH, NEW ZEALAND
REESE warrants that the Machine delivered shall conform to the specifications set out in this
Handbook.
REESE makes no warranty of saleability or fitness for a particular use, nor is there any other express
or implied warranty.
Subject to such other conditions, warranties, and/or undertakings which may apply from time to
time under any applicable law, REESE warrants with respect to each new AITCHISON Machine
sold by its accredited agents, that for a period of twelve months from the dates of original retail
sale, REESE will repair or replace free of charge any part found to be defective in factory
materials or workmanship under normal use and operation within the United States of America,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand provided that;
1. The Machine
(a) has been properly assembled and adjusted
(b) has been properly used and operated within the capacity and operating limitations specified by
the manufacturer thereof, and
(c) has been properly maintained and cared for.
2. This Warranty applies to direct purchase from an authorized AITCHISON dealer. If any
defect or fault shall arise such purchaser must return the defective work or Machine to an
authorized AITCHISON Dealer within ten working days of such defect or fault arising.
3. In the event of the purchaser attempting to repair or replace the work or product without
prior written consent of an authorized AITCHISON Distributor this guarantee shall become void.
REESE may replace or repair any damaged product or work at its discretion.
4. In respect of such Machine this warranty does not apply to:
(d) misuse or carelessness in handling,
(e) Noncompliance to REESE’s operating and maintenance instruction,
(f) Unauthorized repairs or alterations,
(g) Consequential damage resulting from misuse or initial faults,
(h) Parts subjected to ware or damage as a result of normal operation i.e.
i. Tines and boots
ii. Discs
iii. Tyres
iv. Hydraulic components
5. Any disputes in relation to this contract or product shall be governed by New Zealand law
and shall be determined in a New Zealand court.
THE OPERATION AND ADJUSTMENT OF THE REESE MACHINE REQUIRES A COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF
THE CONTENTS OF THIS HANDBOOK. TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL
PERSONNEL ARE THOROUGHLY CONVERSANT WITH ALL DETAILS BEFORE COMMENCEMENT OF
OPERATION OR MAINTENANCE.
WARNING
!
WARRANTY
6 | P a g e
TO THE OWNER AND OPERATOR
Your Aitchison Drill was carefully designed and manufactured to give you years of
dependable service. To keep it running efficiently, read and follow the instructions in this
operator’s manual. Any questions you may have that are not covered in this manual should
be referred to your dealer:
Dealers Name: __________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
Phone No: Business: ______________ Private: ________________
Date of Purchase: ___________
Model: _________________ Serial Number: _________________
The warranty card on your Seedmatic Drill is included with this manual. Please ensure that
the registration card is correctly filled in.
The owner must ensure the dealer, upon delivery of the machine, has completed the
WARRANTY REGISTRATION CARD. This must be signed by the owner and returned to
the factory promptly. Failure to carry out this function could nullify warranty claim
opportunities against the factory in the future. Warranty claims will only be accepted for
registered products.
When ordering spare parts, quote the model and serial number of the drill and use the
Aitchison part number given in the parts section. Reference to the right hand and left hand is
taken from behind in the direction of travel.
7 | P a g e
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Model
8124A
Transport Width
3.30m 10.8ft
Sowing Width
3.00m 9.8ft
Height
2.50m 8.2ft
Weight Empty
2150kg 4221lb
Length
5.12m 16.8ft
Seed Capacity
700lt 19.8bu
Fertiliser Capacity
700lt 19.8bu
Number of Coulters & row
spacings
24 Rows @ 125mm / 5”
Optional Accessories:
Small Seeds Box.
Hydraulic Drawbar Ram.
Chain Harrow.
Front Disc Coulter Bar.
8 | P a g e
SAFETY FIRST
Keep all covers in place when using the drill.
Stop the drill before making any adjustments.
Lower the drill to the ground or put on props when working around the machine.
Tighten all nuts and bolts after initial use.
FOLLOW SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Carefully read all safety messages in this manual
and on your machine safety signs. Replace missing
or damaged safety signs, these can be ordered from
your local Aitchison dealer.
Learn how to operate the machine and how to use controls properly. Do not let
anyone operate it without instruction.
Keep your machine in proper working condition. Unauthorized modifications to the
machine may impair the function and/or safety and affect machine life.
If you do not understand any part of this manual and need assistance, contact your
Aitchison’s dealer. OPERATE YOUR MACHINE SAFELY
Be careful when operating machine to avoid injury.
Serious injury or death can result from contact with
electric lines. Use care when moving or operating
the machine near electric lines to avoid contact.
Be careful when operating on hillsides, tractor can tip sideways if it strikes a hole,
ditch or other irregularity.
Permit only one person, the operator, on tractor
platform while tractor and planter are in operation.
Keep riders off. They are subject to injury such as
being struck by foreign object and being thrown off
the machine. They also obstruct the operators view.
WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR
Wear close fitting clothes and safety equipment
appropriate to the job.
Wear suitable hearing protective device as
prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause
impairment or loss of hearing.
Wear safety gloves when working with discs as they can have sharp edges.
Operating equipment safely requires the full attention of the operator. Do not wear
radio headphones while operating machine.
9 | P a g e
BE SAFE WITH CHEMICALS
Direct exposure to agricultural and hazardous
chemicals can cause serious injury. Potentially
hazardous chemicals used with Aitchison
equipment includes such items as lubricants,
coolants, fertilizer, paint and adhesives. If in
doubt contact your local Aitchison dealer
for information about chemical safety and first aid
procedures.
Keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit handy
When disposing of chemicals, make sure hoppers are properly washed to get rid of
any chemical residue and that any chemicals are disposed of in an approved
manner. Follow instructions of chemical manufacturers for disposal methods.
USE SAFETY LIGHT AND DEVICES
Slow moving tractors and equipment can create a
hazard when driven on public roads. They are
difficult to see, especially at night. This could
lead to personal injury or death if a collision with a
vehicle occurs.
Whenever driving on public roads, use flashing warning lights. Provide extra lighting
at night on machine and tractor. An implement safety lighting kit is available from
Aitchison Industries.
TRANSPORT SAFELY
Do not exceed transport speed for machine; see your local Aitchison dealer. Never
transport at any speed which does not permit adequate control of steering and
stopping.
Reduce speed over rough ground
For safe transport, tractor must weigh more than machine.
REDUCE SPEED WHEN TOWING LOADS
Braking to stop towed loads from transport speeds can
cause the towed load to swerve and upset. Reduce
speed if towed load weighs more than the tractor and
is not equipped with brakes.
Use additional caution when towing loads under adverse
surface conditions, when turning and on road marking lines.
10 | P a g e
PRACTICE SAFE MAINTENANCE
Understand service procedure before doing work. Keep area clean and dry.
Never lubricate, service or adjust machine while it is moving. Keep hands, feet and
clothing from power driven parts. Disengage all power and operate controls to
relieve pressure. Lower equipment to the ground. Allow machine to cool.
Securely support any machine elements that must be raised for service work.
Keep all parts in good condition and properly installed. Fix damage immediately.
Replace worn or broken parts. Remove any build-up of grease, oil, or debris.
Remove paint before welding or heating.
Avoid potentially toxic fumes and dust
when sanding, repainting or welding. Do
all work outside in a well-ventilated area.
Dispose of paint and solvent properly.
Avoid heating near pressurized fluid lines or other flammable materials. Pressurized
lines can be accidentally cut when heat goes beyond the immediate flame, which
could result in severe burns to yourself and bystanders.
Avoid high-pressure fluids. Escaping fluid under pressure can cause injury. Relieve
pressure before disconnecting hydraulic or other lines.
DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY
Improper disposing of waste can threaten the
environment and ecology. Use leak-proof
equipment when draining fluids. Do not use
food or beverage containers that may mislead
someone into drinking from them.
Do not pour waste onto the ground, down a drain, or into any water
source. Use the manufacturers directions on the correct way to
recycle or dispose of waste.
11 | P a g e
GENERAL OPERATION IN THE FIELD
The drill should always be moving forward when lowered or raised from work. Avoid
stopping and never reverse with drill in work. These precautions will avoid blocking
outlets; however, make periodic checks for blockages while drilling.
The speed of travel is governed by the conditions e.g. if the ground is rough the drill
may tend to bounce which would necessitate a lower speed. In optimum conditions
8 km/h (5 mph) may be maintained.
Always lift the drill out of the ground before turning sharp corners as this will protect
the tines and openers and stop the turf from ripping.
Under no circumstances should the tractor wheels be allowed to slip excessively as
this will break the turf and the following tines will tear up the ground. If slippage is a
problem, use a tractor with more traction or wait for the ground to be in better
condition. Towing chains or bar harrows behind the drill is very beneficial as this will
crumble the groove and help to cover the seed.
PASTURELAND FARMING WITH SEEDMATIC
Continuous reaping of grasses either by machine or animal will eventually lead to
their degeneration. Desired species of grasses and legumes will weaken and their
ability to survive adverse climatic conditions will be diminished. Undesirable species
of grasses and weeds will eventually tend to dominate, or pasture may simply thin
out with minimal plant populations. Of course, conditions that cause pasture
degenerations vary from location to location, and from country to country, but one
can assume that every pasture can be improved no matter where its location.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
In describing the technique for sowing seeds into uncultivated soils, we should
clarify the terminology. It is most common to refer to CONSERVATION TILLAGE
(or CT) but it may be called SOD-SEEDING in Australia, or DIRECT DRILLING in
UK or even NO-TILL SEEDING in North America. Wherever it is practical,
successful conservation tillage requires well considered, and thorough preparation,
integrated with a whole farm management program.
The cropping rotation, optimum sowing dates and grazing fertilization program will
depend on the seasonal vegetation or weed spectrum, paddock history, soil type,
fertility and drainage, and many other factors.
Here is a checklist that should be followed for any CT program (courtesy of
Monsanto NZ Ltd):
1. Check that the soil pH is around 6.0.
2. Check soil fertility levels for fertiliser requirement.
3. Ensure your spray boom has a marking system and is fully operational.
4. Establish optimum time for planting.
5. Check and control weeds present, before and during crop establishment.
6. Check and control insect and slug infestation before and during plant
establishment.
7. Ensure soil conditions are suitable for drilling.
12 | P a g e
8. Inspect the crop regularly after planting.
Experience has shown that farmers new to CT often have crop failures on the first
occasion, but as their skills and understanding of the technique improve, so do their
crop results.
TECHNIQUES AND TIMING FOR PASTURE RENOVATION
There are two basic techniques for pasture renovation, i.e. rejuvenation and
renewal. Rejuvenation is the most efficient technique and involves sowing the
seeds of new and virile pasture grasses and legumes direct into existing pasture
and have them gradually take over the old strain, without causing loss of production
due to cultivation. This technique is known as ‘stitching in’. Renewal involves a
total herbage control system, i.e. spray off old pasture with a wide spectrum
herbicide before drilling.
Local knowledge is invaluable when determining which techniques to use and when
to use them. The best time for pasture renovation will vary by region and is largely
governed by the temperature and weather that follow. In temperate climates with
mild winters the autumn is best and tropical climates the spring is the best time
when the tropical grasses have not recovered from their winter dormancy. In arid
climates the time is directly before or after summer rains.
The basic requirement for seed germination is a warm moist seed bed. The aim
should be to sow the seed at a time when there is sufficient moisture for quick
germination, and little likelihood for later drought. The Aitchison opener/coulter
however will promote germination in much drier soils than any other known coulter
when used correctly.
13 | P a g e
SIMPLE RULES TO FOLLOW FOR SUCCESSFUL
PASTURE RENOVATION
14 | P a g e
MICRO INSECTICIDE GRANULES IN PASTURES
In New Zealand where grass grub is a problem, excellent control has been attained
with the use of Gesapon, Dasanit, Dysiston, Mocap, and Lindane in control of this
pasture destroyer. Normal rates applied on the pasture surface can be as high as
30 kg/ha (26 lb/acre) but when sown in the soil and hence away from neutralizing
effect sunlight, rates as low as four and five kg/ha can be used. If unexposed to
sunlight these chemicals can remain effective in the soil for as long as three months,
thus killing generations of pupae as they emerge. Also, withholding of livestock after
treatment is not necessary. Both these factors are important features with the
Seedmatic Professional.
Watch for slugs. Slugs like the moist groove produced by the wing blade opener. If
slugs become a problem (eating seeds or seedlings underground), a suitable pellet
should be used.
DIRECT SEEDING OF FEED CROPS AND ARABLE CROPS
WITH SEEDMATIC PROFESSIONAL
We are not able to give total formal recommended seeding rates, chemical usage
and fertiliser recommendations because of circumstance that the Seedmatic will be
used in will be so varied and diverse that some misunderstanding can occur.
Refer to the checklist and ALWAYS confirm with known successful CT operators as
well as your local seed specialist and chemical company representatives.
Remember that with this technique the environment is not as predictable as with
cultivated soils and take the precaution of using insecticide or increased fertiliser if
there should be any element of doubt.
Seeding programs are wide and varied and it is best to look at rotation that starts
with a legume or feed crop followed by a grain crop, followed by another feed crop
and so on. Heavy pasture into grain can be disappointing, but grain after legume or
brassica is outstanding.
Here are just a few possibilities:
Brassicas, Turnips, Swedes, Legumes –Can be sown early spring (for winter
feed) or again in autumn for later winter early spring feed. The technique is to
blanket spray the entire area and ensure that seeding depths are shallow. A light
bar harrow pulled over the seeding areas is beneficial. Use fertiliser and see your
chemical company specialist with regards to the correct insecticide to use.
Winter Feed Oats –This can be seeded direct into pasture in early autumn.
Herbage control can be carried out also if necessary.
Wheat and Barley –Direct seeding in early spring or autumn depending on variety.
Always spray out pasture with approved herbicide (may not be necessary after
brassica). Always sow with fertiliser.
Lucerne, Alfalfa –Sow in early spring after spraying out entire area with Roundup
or similar herbicide. It is always a good idea to do a soil test to ensure that the soil
pH is satisfactory for plant establishment. Also, it is necessary to ensure that the
seeds are treated with inoculants to guarantee their germination and nodulation.
Apply fertiliser and ensure that spraying and baiting for insects is carried out –
particularly for control of slugs and spring snails.
15 | P a g e
Green-feed Maize –Carry out in early spring and the same rules apply as with
wheat, barley and oats. You may wish to seed in 30 or 45 cm (12” or 18”) rows and
the technique for achieving that is shown under the section SPECIAL PURPOSE
SEEDING shown later in this booklet.
SOWING IN CULTIVATED SOILS
As this is a tined implement with a direct drill type opener, it is important to treat all
seed beds as you would a pasture. With a conventional drill one works up the soil
into a fine seedbed so that a broad boot type coulter will pass through leaving the
seed behind, in the soil tilth. Cultivate the soil to destroy existing vegetation, then
roll the seedbed thoroughly and finally drill the seeds required into this rolled
seedbed with the Seedmatic. Good germination results will occur.
We recommend that a chain harrow be towed behind the seed drill or
roll the field after seeding has been completed.
16 | P a g e
SETTING UP SEEDMATIC FOR USE.
Connect the Seedmatic Drawbar to the tractors Towbar. Make sure you use a safety
clip on the drawbar pin.
If you are to travel on public roads, ensure you fit a SAFETY CHAIN between the
Seedmatic Drawbar and the tractor’s Towbar.
Connect the Seedmatic’s hydraulic hoses to the tractors hydraulic banks. This
hydraulic system is used to raise and lower the rear transport wheels on the
Seedmatic.
When seeding the rear transport wheels can be fully raised clear of the ground.
Adjust the Drawbar top link to ensure that the Seedmatic drill frame is sitting parallel
with the ground.
17 | P a g e
18 | P a g e
SETTING THE DEPTH WHEELS.
With the Seedmatic sitting on hard flat ground, the depth wheels should be 10-
50mm clear of the ground, depending on your desired seeding depth. There is an
adjustment handle at the top of each depth leg, use this to adjust the legs.
There is a depth gauge at the top of each depth leg, check that both depth
legs are set at the same height
When the drill is in work, the best way to check your seeding depth is to have a
scratch around in the seed slots behind the drill and check where the seeds are
placed in the soil. Make the appropriate adjustments as needed.
We recommend that a chain harrow be towed behind the Seedmatic to help
cover the seed slots. This will help prevent bird strike and aid in seed
germination.
19 | P a g e
DISC COULTER KITSET
The Disc Coulters are designed to help cut trash/residue or stubble that may be
present in the field. This trash/residue or stubble is cut into short lengths by the Disc
Coulters, allowing the trash/residue or stubble to flow more efficiently past the Seed
Openers with fewer blockages. The Disc Coulters will also help prevent surface
tearing in existing pastures when under sowing.
Setting up the Disc Coulter Kit
If your Seedmatic drill has a Disc Coulter Kit, it is important that this is adjusted
correctly to get the best performance from your drill.
The Disc Coulters are usually set depending on ground conditions. Then the Seed
Openers are slightly shallower. To adjust the depth of the Disc Coulters, use the
Disc Coulter Ram attached between the disc coulter bar and the Headstock frame.
In very hard ground conditions the Disc Coulters may hold-up the drill preventing the
Seed Openers being at the correct depth, if this occurs reduce the depth of the Disc
Coulters.
In very soft/damp ground the Disc Coulters may roll up a strip of turf, if this
occurs reduce the depth of the Disc Coulters.
Tine Alignment
To get the best from your Disc Coulter kit check that the Seed Openers are tracking
in the slots created by the Disc Openers. Failure to do so will result in severe tearing
of your pasture. To make these adjustments loosen the top Tine Clamp and slide
the Tine along the mainframe tool bar until alignment is achieved.
20 | P a g e
TINE PLACEMENT
8124CTE Tine Placement
Table of contents
Other Aitchison Farm Equipment manuals
