Claydon to exhibit new Hybrid T drill at LAMMA 2015

Claydon Drills will exhibit the production version of their new Hybrid T drill for the first time at LAMMA 2015. Exceptionally versatile and flexible, the Hybrid T can be used to sow directly into stubble, in min-till situations or on ploughed land.

The latest model from the Suffolk-based company to incorporate the patented Claydon Sowing Technology System the Hybrid T is a trailed version of its linkage-mounted Hybrid seed/fertiliser unit. Aimed primarily at large arable farms, it is expected to be popular in the UK and Europe, where this approach is increasingly favoured. The model shown at LAMMA 2015 will be the 6m version, which is expected to account for the majority of sales across all markets, although an 8m version is currently being developed and due to go into production early next year.

With an output of up to 10 acres per hour in 6m form, 12.5 acres per hour for the 8m version, the Hybrid T requires 50hp to 60hp per metre to pull it. Claydon suggest that the 6m version with 19 seeding tines is used with a 300hp-350hp tractor and that the 8m 25-tine unit requires 400hp - 450hp.

Building on the success of Claydon’s existing linkage-mounted Hybrid drill, of which hundreds have been sold throughout the world, the Hybrid T was first shown during 2014 to gauge reaction from potential customers following an extensive programme of design, development and testing. This included 1000 acres of field trials across a wide range of soils and conditions, some of which was carried out on the Claydon family’s own heavy land farm in Suffolk which serves as a test-bed for all of its new products.

Based on a concept which has been proven for 12 years, the Hybrid T incorporates leading tines which break through compaction, drain and aerate the soil, creating an ideal tilth in which to place the seed. Simple to set up, easy to operate and with a very low maintenance requirement, the Hybrid T offers exceptionally low running costs, the cost of wearing parts being less than £2 per acre.

A key design feature of the new model is its use of separate hopper and seeding frames which ensures that the drilling depth remains constant. The 6m version, which incorporates a 2m-wide centre section and two 2m-wide hydraulically-folding, contour-following outer sections, folds to under 3m for transport and is equipped with hydraulically-operated transport locks as standard. The 8m version incorporates the same 2m-wide centre section but has two 3m wing sections, giving a folded width of 2.95m.

The weight of the drilling chassis is carried on five centrally-mounted depth wheels which run on 10.0/75 15.3 cleated tyres, the seed hopper being supported by four transport wheels which are fitted with 380/55-17 tyres. Weighing 6.75 tonnes un-laden, the Hybrid T has an overall length of 8.75m.

Both versions incorporate a 5500-litre hopper, giving a combined seed and fertiliser capacity of approximately four tonnes, with a 60:40 split, but removing a separator plate in the hopper enables the drill to be used for seed only. Included in the standard specification is an Accord Metering System, RDS Artemis control system, radar-controlled Vari Rate seeding controller, touch-button calibration, together with an adjustable seed level sensor and roll-over top for quick filling.

Two banks of tines spaced 2.5m apart give a minimum inter-tine clearance of 550mm and row spacing is 300mm. The drill’s individually adjustable, long-life tungsten carbide tines, which remove surface compaction, create drainage and allow the soil to breathe, incorporate hydraulic stone protection, while pre-emergence markers are also fitted. A choice of rear toolbar options enable the surface finish which is left after drilling to be varied according to soil type and conditions, while a slug pellet applicator can also be fitted.

True to the Claydon System, all supporting wheels run on clean, dry, uncultivated ground to ensure that the seeding depth remains even. In 6m form, the weight of the drilling chassis is carried on five depth wheels which are fitted with10.0/75-15.3 tyres and centrally mounted for optimum contour following performance. The seed hopper is carried separately on four transport wheels which run on 380/55–17 tyres. CCTV cameras allow the operator to see exactly what is happening at the back and under the drill, while six floodlights provide excellent vision for working at night.

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Developed and patented by Suffolk farmer Jeff Claydon, the Claydon Strip Seeding System is used in 26 countries, in widely varying climatic conditions and soil types. It allows growers to establish a wide range of crops directly into stubble, min-tilled or fully-cultivated soils, five times faster and at one-third the cost of a plough-based system, with significant yield and environmental benefits. The highly effective twin-tine system encourages very deep, complex rooting structures to develop quickly, which minimises soil erosion and ultimately leads to stronger, healthier crops with improved yield potential.

“Increasing production costs and declining agricultural commodity prices are forcing farmers to re-evaluate traditional ways of working across all sectors of their businesses,” states Spencer Claydon. “Many still use traditional methods of establishing crops without appreciating the substantial cost savings and agronomic benefits which can be achieved by taking a more modern approach.”

A 700-acre farm which changes from conventional plough-based crop establishment to the Claydon System will save an estimated £80,000 over a three-year period as a result of lower establishment costs and higher yields. On the Claydon family’s own 1000-acre heavy land farm in Suffolk which has not been ploughed for 12 years, average yields have increased by approximately 10%.