Grassfarmer vs Seedmatic – the Aitchison range unpacked

Aug 17, 2023    Posted by Brittany Cunningham

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So you are interested in an Aitchison Seed Drill. You’ve identified the units have a strong brand reputation in Tasmania, you know their long lasting, low maintenance and feature a super easy calibration. However, the question is Grassfarmer or Seedmatic and what does that even mean?

Let’s unwrap those terms for you.

The Aitchison range of drills is split into three models the Grassfarmer, Seedmatic and Seedmatic Air Pro.

In a nutshell: The Grassfarmer is 3pl drill suited towards a hobby or a small acreage farm. The Seedmatic is a bigger heavier mostly trailing drill targeted at medium to large sized landholders or contractors. The Seedmatic Air Pro is a large contracting drill with a folding frame.

Let’s unpack that a little further.

 

Grassfarmer

The Grassfarmer drill is a 6” spacing unit targeted at the hobby or single property farmer. All units in the Grassfarmer range are 3-point linkage and single box for seed-only applications.

The Grassfarmer drill can be purchased as a Tine or Disc model in sizes ranging from 1.2m up to 3.3m. A Tine drill is usually favoured for its excellent germination. Whilst a disc drill is ideal in rocky conditions.

Tine Drills feature:

    • Unique Aitchison slim line castings and inverted T-boot for better soil disturbance and therefore germination
    • Larger 14” Disc coulters with a stronger axle design
    • Strong 25mm tines for superior trash clearance

Disc Drills feature:

    • Large 14” concave discs ideal for matted pasture renovation
    • Individually sprung discs for superior contour following

Built with all the same high quality components as the larger Aitchison drills the Grassfarmer Drill is packaged in a size & design that suits a smaller operator.

Features across all Grassfarmer units include:

    • Aitchison seeding mechanism effortless cleaning after use
    • Rodent stop slide mechanism to prevent rodent access to the bin
    • Infinitely variable gearbox handles all seed volumes and sizes effortlessly
    • Unique Aitchison Sponge transfer system transfers seed from bin to hose distributor with a zero breakage rate

If the Aitchison Grassfarmer is the unit for you then the graph below can assist with determining which Grassfarmer 3PL Drill is best suited to your requirements. Simply choose between Disc & Tine and the working width.

Grassfarmer 3PL Drill Working Widths
1.25m 2.72m 3.32m
Disc Drill Seed Only Box 3008D 3014D 3018D
Tined Drill Seed Only Box - 3014C 3018C

 

Seedmatic

The Seedmatic drill is a 5” spacing unit targeted at the larger property owner or contractor. Units in the Seedmatic range are available mostly as trailing and with an option of either a seed only box or a split seed and fert box and the option of tines or discs across the entire range.

The smallest unit in the Seedmatic range is 2.9m, this unit is available as either 3pl or trailing. The larger 3.4m and 4.02m drills are trailing only.

Across the Seedmatic range a number of choices can be made to determine which model is most suited to your application.

Disc or Tine

Do you have hard impenetrable conditions that require a disc drill or are you looking for a tine drill for maximum germination?

Box Style

Do you require a split hopper for the application of both Seed & Fert or are you after a Seed Only unit?

Working Width

Three choices are available 2.92m, 3.42m and 4.02m. The 2.92m is available as a 3pl or trailing unit, whilst the 3.42m and 4.02m are trailing only.

Features across all Seedmatic units include:

    • Aitchison seeding mechanism effortless cleaning after use
    • Rodent stop slide mechanism to prevent rodent access to the bin
    • Easy Calibration changing from large to small seeds is an easy task
    • Unique Aitchison Sponge transfer system transfers seed from bin to hose distributor with a zero breakage rate
    • Infinitely variable gearbox handles all seed volumes and sizes effortlessly

Tine Drills additionally feature:

    • Unique Aitchison slim line castings and inverted T-boot for better soil disturbance and therefore germination
    • Larger 14” Disc coulters with a stronger axle design
    • Strong 25mm tines for superior trash clearance
    • Superior tine clamp
    • Superior trash clearance
    • Stronger stepped axles and pivots

All Seedmatic units can also be spec’d up with an Electric Drive. This factory fitted accessory provides a simple and convenient means of monitoring and controlling your seed drill. The interface includes a great job management system which allows you to save your jobs by customer, paddock & variety.

The Electric Drive also features an advanced warning system with information on faults and how to fix them. Ideal for contractors or large property owners.

If the Aitchison Seedmatic is the unit for you then the graph below can help with your choice.

Seedmatic Drill
 Working Widths
2.92m 3.42m 4.02m
Disc Drill Seed Only Box 4020D(T) 4024DT 4028DT
Seed & Fert Box 4120D(T) 4124DT 4128DT
Tined Drill Seed Only Box 4020C(T) 4024CT 4028CT
Seed & Fert Box 4120C(T) 4124CT 4128CT
Hitch Type Trailing or 3pl Trailing Trailing

 

Seedmatic Air Pro

The Seedmatic Air Pro is available in two sizes the 4.8m and 6m both standard with coulters, tines and rollers. Electric drive is standard on all Air Pro models. Targeted towards the contractor the Air Pro uses a European seed and fertiliser air system for cost effective way to achieve maximum coverage.

… and that’s a wrap. So we’ve unpacked the Grassfarmer, Seedmatic and Seedmatic Air Pro. Have you worked out which drill is best for you? Don’t hesitate to give us a call our team can talk you through the options and provide a quote delivered to your property.

The team at Delmade would be happy to answer questions you may have please call 1800 335 623.

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