A NEW range of air carts from seeding segment leader Flexi-Coil are set for delivery in time for the 2017 seeding season.
Unveiled at a dealer preview in Wagga Wagga last week, the new 60 Series draws on Flexi-Coils 30-plus year reputation in the segment adding a raft of new features to please brand disciples and new buyers alike.
Key new features include a wider available range of rates and flow and individual control of up to 10 sections of the bar, all with improved accuracy. The 60 Series carts now offer capacities from 12,234 litres to 33,477 litres.
The new FlexRate modular metering system is a 24 volt electric motor powered with controls for single or double shoot application.
The system offers individual sectional control - up to 10 sections - and together with variable rate settings are controlled via the cabin mounted FlexControl IV touchscreen display. GPS input will allow prescription seeding maps to be loaded.
FlexiCoil specialist, Steve Mulder said the Series 60 was “the next big thing and is years ahead of our competitor’s air carts".
“An Australian trial of one of the larger models in the new range, the 20,440 litre 5860 air cart was held during the past few months. Participants were impressed with the ease of use and new in-cab monitor interface as well as the quick fill conveyor.”
The quick fill conveyor system with a remote control is standard on the tow behind carts (5560, 5860, 7660 and 9560).
The 60 Series also features increased air capacity, improved safety features including access ladders and platforms.
Mr Mulder said the carts were more efficient and offered increased productivity - “you’ll simply cover more acres per day,” he said.
“It’s new from the ground up with a new metering system, new air system, new filling system, from an innovation point of view, this is a brand new air cart.
“With its simple variable rate application and section control the 5860 is ideal for large broadacre farmers who need more efficiency and productivity from their seeding equipment.
“The conveyor quick fill is going to set this apart from the competition and from a metering and accuracy point of view, the integration of the display with other Case products will help.
“This is true section control - you can batch it to a run, you could just open it up or you can go with prescription seeding.
“The distribution system delivers seed and fertiliser more accurately and its gentle handling system cause less damage to seed."
Boekeman Wongan Hills WA Flexi-Coil dealer Stewart Harrison reckoned the new series looked the goods.
“It’s a successful and popular cart and it's good to see Flexi-Coil keeping up with the R&D - seven different models will be great because we’ll have interest across the range," Mr Harrison said.
“It’s got to be 10 years plus since the 50 Series so this is a great step. The poly bin won’t give any problems and the feed roller system seems to be an improvement, and I like the loading conveyor."
Rob Dingle dealer principal of Rocky River Ag, Crystal Brook, South Australia, was impressed by the new metering system.
“I think the whole metering system is going to be incredible - the fact that we’ll be able to work on all rates and runs and then add in section control - I think that overall will have a big impact on the market," he said.
“We sell up to 60’ (18m) bars and I think the mid-range carts will probably be the biggest seller for us.
“We’ll run a couple of demo rigs when we get them - one in the mid-north and one of the Eyre Peninsula over a period of weeks and the farmers will also want to see them on their own farm.
“I reckon the market has been waiting for this, it is strong brand in our area and everyone does well with it.
“Coupled to 5500 bars with their narrow transport they should prove a winner.”
Mr Mulder said farmers would be happy to see this new model. “They've been asking for it for quite a while and we’ve been listening for a while as well. This cart has been in development and testing for a few years and we are excited about it."
He said FlexiCoil would bring in models for demonstration during 2016 seeding and “then we are full on for 2017.
“We’ll do dealer training and make sure they can fully support them and be ready to take orders for 2017 cropping.”
