Field conditions change. Planting windows can suddenly narrow. Markets swing unexpectedly. Despite these challenges producers must find ways to maximize productivity and savings. Building on the series of Precision Disk™ air drills, Case IH is introducing the Precision Disk 500DS air drill, which offers producers a one-pass solution for seeding and fertilizing simultaneously.
“With the seed-fertilizer fixed relationship generated by the Precision Disk 500DS air drill, producers can effectively maximize crop yield, regardless of field conditions,” said Trent Nowosad, Case IH marketing manager for seeding equipment. “This is an air drill producers should consider if they are looking for better accuracy, more versatility and increased productivity.”
Agronomic row unit for accurate seed and fertilizer placement To help producers cover more acres in a narrow planting window, the Precision Disk 500DS air drill provides consistent seed and fertilizer placement in one pass. This allows for fixed placement of fertilizer 2 inches from the seed where plants can easily absorb nutrients.
The new Precision Placement Knife™ places seed 1 inch above and 1 inch over from fertilizer in the same pass. The 2 inches of separation generated by the Precision Placement Knife makes fertilizer more accessible to the seed, placing it 3 inches closer than competitive units. This placement puts fertilizer safely below the seed, in the root zone, providing the seed more efficient access to nutrients, reducing nutrient loss. The fixed relationship of the Precision Disk 500 DS air drill also helps avoid the risk of costly seed damage and increases production efficiency.
Built on Agronomic Design™ principles, the Precision Placement Knife accurately places seed and closes the trench with this separate, ground-engaging tool connected to the row unit. New, larger, 18-inch gauge wheels offer improved cleaning of the disk to prevent soil throw. The wheel is positioned farther back, closer to the Precision Placement Knife, for better depth control while seeding and fertilizing.
Made with a unique steel composition with a reinforced carbide edge, the Precision Placement Knife provides uncompromised durability and extended wear. The design uses a new concave chevron-patterned firming wheel. This collects moist soil ejected from the seed-fertilizer trench and places it back over the seed, ensuring excellent germination.
Easy-to-use T-handle depth control provides no-tool depth adjustment, which is now indexed to 1Ž4 inch per notch. Spacing between each notch is progressively larger from lowest to highest setting to compensate for the travel arc of the gauge wheel on the arm. This guarantees 1Ž4-inch depth adjustment per notch.
Lighter, shorter frame design for increased productivity Featuring two ranks, the Precision Disk 500DS air drill follows the contour of the ground more closely than deeper models with three ranks. Combined with the 20-inch up-and-down movement of the parallel link row unit, this design leads to superior ground following.
The 10-inch spacing and 60-foot toolbar of the Precision Disk 500DS air drill weighs less than competitor air drills of the same size. Less weight means less compaction, less draft and more available horsepower for higher speeds and power to seed at higher rates. Working effectively at higher speeds means accomplishing more seeding in one day.
For more information, visit your local Case IH dealer or www.caseih.com.
