Ausplow Farming Systems has opened a new factory and unveiled a suite of new products targeting one-pass crop establishment.
Foremost is the first major change to the DBS precision seeding module since 2007.
Called the Version Four DBS module, it combines a new Pro-D tool system with a paired row boot and a new mud rib to cater for a wide range of soil types.
Additionally is the release of the Pro-D Plus, which comprises of a ‘shoe’ attachment at the bottom of a DBS blade to promote more of a lifting action than a bursting action.
It is similar to the tool system on the company’s EziTill deep till machine and increases the size of the sub-trench below the sowing depth creating more soil fissures for moisture penetration and retention.
A tracked Multistream air seeder, capable of liquid and granular product variable rate application has also been released.
The five bin, 23,000-litre capacity track Multistream is a prototype set for 12 months of field trials before release in 2018.
The heavy-duty chassis has been re-designed and Camso tracks fitted with a bolt-on axle.
The tracks comprise two main rollers and two idlers with a 75 centimetre wide belt, on three metre spacings for a range of soil types and controlled traffic farming.
A new walkway platform provides easier access and a walk-over step-up on the drawbar provides quicker access to both sides of the Multistream.
Celebrating its 30th year, Ausplow has become a key player in cropping, spearheaded by its precision seeder, the DBS, introduced 20 years ago.
General manager Chris Farmer, said the new factory will add capacity to meet dealer forward order demand.
“We foresaw this happening and the need for more manufacturing space,” Mr Farmer said.
“With more sales in the eastern states it increases the logistics pressure to ensure we get deliveries to customers on time.”
The factory features new environmentally-friendly blasting, painting and curing booths and a specialised paint mixing booth.
Company owner and managing director, John Ryan AM, said the expansion is a boost for Australian agricultural manufacturing begun by the likes of John Shearer.
“We are continuing that tradition of building quality and innovative equipment designed for Australian farmers and I am extremely proud of where we have come in the past 30 years.
“I believe the DBS has gained such popularity because farmers understand the need to promote soil health, while improving profitability at the same time.
“It was for this reason that I designed the DBS seeding module,” Mr Ryan said.