Väderstad updates record-holding Tempo planter

Swedish company Väderstad has added several new features to its record-holding Tempo planter

The world’s fastest precision planter – in April 2017 the Tempo planted 502ha of maize in just 24 hours – will include a new front-mounted fertiliser hopper and variable rate application technology.

Väderstad product manager Joe Read says the FH 2200 front-mounted fertiliser hopper compliments the performance of the Tempo.

“Equipped with twin Fenix III electric metering systems, the 2200-litre hopper can precisely deliver up to 250kg/ha of fertiliser at speeds up to 15km/h,” Read says.

A high performance hydraulic fan blows the metered fertiliser back to the planter via a transport tube. The fertiliser is then fed in to the Tempo V or R distributor head, which is then dispersed evenly to the fertiliser coulters.

Other new features available in 2018 include optional floating row cleaning systems and hydraulic weight transfer.

“The ability to increase or reduce pressure on each row unit enables the operator to precisely adjust the machine to field conditions, thereby ensuring an even seed depth and uniform crop emergence,” Read says.

“Likewise, the floating row cleaner adapts to suit field conditions,” he adds.

Väderstad says the row cleaners are able to precisely follow the field surface thanks to each row being mounted on a parallel linkage. Each row cleaner is fitted with a self-cleaning rubber wheel to control the depth setting of the row cleaner disc.

“With optimised working angles, the floating row cleaners are designed to perfectly match the speed and precision of the Tempo planter,” Read says.

All functions of the Tempo and any attached implements are controlled using the Väderstad E-Control iPad-based control system inside the tractor.

The Tempo can also be equipped with Väderstad’s new ISOBUS Task Controller which enables GPS-controlled variable rate application and automatic section control.

Tempo planters are available in six models spanning four to 18 rows.

Väderstad products are distributed in Australia by Landpower via independent dealerships and selected Claas Harvest Centres.