Machinery Set Up & Service

All metering units on Weaving drills take a range of seed sizes - from very small flower/OSR at less than 1kg/ha, up to larger seeds such as beans at rates exceeding 400 kg/ha. (300kg/ha for our Fenix, IR & Magnum Seeder).

Ensure the metering unit and tank are clear of seed and obstruction. Using the barrel adjustment handle, wind the barrel closed until the scale shows 0. The black plastic toggle located on the barrel shaft should be rotated 180 degrees and should clip into the recess on the shaft, facing towards the metering unit. You will now be able to wind the barrel out to your desired spacing with the small seed setting engaged.

As a rule of thumb, for any crops below 3 kg/ha, we tend to change the cogs to the slow speed ratio. This slows the metering unit down meaning we can open up the barrel and have a more consistent flow of seed delivery. This will in turn bring more precision to our calibration and overall seed application. To alter the speed ratio of the cogs, loosen the bolt holding the cog, then slide the cog closer to the metering unit until it engages with the secondary cog. Once in place tighten the bolt up and the slower speed should be engaged.

When calibrating a Weaving drill, the aim is to get the error % as close to 0 as possible ensuring the correct seed rate is being applied. We are typically content with getting the percentage under 3% which is achieved by repeating the calibration process a few times. You are likely to calibrate less times to achieve the desired error % when moving between similar seed sizes and rates. An in depth video walkthrough of the calibration procedure can be found on our Service & Support page or on our Youtube channel: Weaving Machinery.

Typically seed tubes of the Sabre legs will be set using the bottom hole. They are adjustable so as the leg wears from the bottom, the seed tube is able to be brought up to achieve the same seed depth using a shorter leg. In situations where small seeds are being planted such as OSR or cover crops, operators may wish to bring the seed tube up to the highest setting whilst putting the leg in deeper to provide a slight sub-soiling effect whilst maintaining a shallow seed depth.

This is dependant on a number of factors including soil condition, weather and desired finish. Typically our Sabre and GD drills run optimally within the range of 8-12kph.

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your seed drill, here are some maintenance tips: 1. Cleaning: Regularly clean your seed drill after each use. Remove any debris, dirt, or plant residue that may have accumulated. Pay attention to areas like seed hoppers, tubes, and metering systems. 2. Lubrication: Proper lubrication is essential for smooth operation. Check your seed drill's manual for specific lubrication points and intervals. Apply lubricating oil or grease to bearings, chains, and movable parts as recommended. 3. Calibration: Periodically check and calibrate your seed drill to ensure accurate seed distribution. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines in your Operator's Manual for calibration procedures. This will help achieve the desired seeding rates and minimise waste. 4. Inspection: Regularly inspect your seed drill for any signs of wear, damage, or loose components. Look for worn-out parts, cracked hoses, or loose bolts. Promptly address any issues to prevent further damage. 5. Storage: If you're not using your seed drill for an extended period, store it correctly. Clean it thoroughly, lubricate as necessary, and keep it in a dry, covered area to protect against rust and other potential damage. 6. Professional servicing: Consider getting your seed drill serviced by a qualified technician on an annual basis. They can perform in-depth maintenance, inspect critical components, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Remember, following our manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines specific to your seed drill model is crucial for proper maintenance.

Direct drilling offers several benefits over conventional farming systems. Here are some of the key advantages: 1. Soil conservation: Direct drilling helps protect and preserve the soil. By leaving crop residues on the surface and minimizing soil disturbance, it reduces erosion, prevents nutrient runoff, and promotes healthier soil structure. This leads to improved soil fertility and long-term sustainability. 2. Water retention: Direct drilling helps retain moisture in the soil. By reducing soil disturbance, it minimises water evaporation and enhances water infiltration, allowing crops to access water more efficiently. This can be especially beneficial in areas prone to drought or with limited water resources. 3. Time and cost savings: Direct drilling can reduce the need for multiple field operations such as primary cultivations, which saves time and labour. It also reduces fuel consumption and machinery wear, resulting in cost savings for farmers. 4. Enhanced biodiversity: By preserving crop residues and reducing disturbance, direct drilling provides a more favorable environment for beneficial soil organisms like earthworms and microorganisms. This, in turn, promotes biodiversity and a healthier ecosystem within your soil. 6. Improved crop performance: Direct drilling can lead to improved crop yields and quality. The undisturbed soil structure allows for better root development, nutrient uptake, and water-holding capacity. It also reduces soil compaction, enhancing plant growth and overall productivity. These are just a few of the benefits associated with direct drilling. It is important to note that the suitability of this farming system may vary depending on factors like soil type, crop type, climate, and farm management practices.

The lifespan of a set of discs or tines on a seed drill can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the discs, the type of soil, the operating conditions, and the maintenance practices. On average, a set of seed drill discs/tines can last anywhere from 800 to 8000 acres. It's important to regularly inspect the discs/tines for signs of wear and replace them when necessary to ensure optimal performance and accurate seed placement. Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and lubrication can also help extend their lifespan.

Direct drilling can indeed help reduce grass weeds in cereal crops. By adopting this technique, you minimise soil disturbance and maintain crop residues on the surface. This creates an unfavourable environment for grass weed growth, as it struggles to emerge through the undisturbed soil and compete with the existing crop. Additionally, direct drilling promotes better soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient availability, which can enhance the overall health and competitiveness of your cereal crops against grass weeds. Remember, it's always important to assess suitability of direct drilling on a field by field basis. Due to several factors, certain soil will not be optimised for direct drilling without prior remedial works to get the soil in a workable state.