Sky Agriculture (formerly Sulky) has recently unveiled what it suggests is a major advancement in seeding technology with its new front hopper, the Progress TF.
The Progress TF is is available with 2, 3, or 4 compartments and is the first front hopper on the market capable of managing up to four distinct products all controlled through a single ISOBUS interface.
This configuration allows the simultaneous management of each of the different products which are distributed through two independent air circuits.
Operators can therefore adjust four different rates and seed at two distinct depths at the same time, therefore offering the flexibility needed to meet modern farming practices, which rely on particular crop mixes.
High flow rates from Sky
Another innovation is a pressurised pneumatic circuit enabling the Progress TF to achieve elevated flow rates of 60kg/min, while maintaining optimal user comfort.
The hoppers themselves, however, are not pressurised, offering numerous practical advantages, not least of which is there not the need to maintain a seal around the hopper top, enabling the lid to be lighter.
As an option, the Progress TF can be equipped with a new packer, positioned forward of the hopper to facilitate driving.
This packer features two large-diameter wheels and a quick-hitch system, allowing its easy detachment when it is not required.
Safety and user comfort are said to have been top priorities in the design of the new the Progress TF, especially on the road.
It comes equipped with two side cameras giving greater visibility at at junctions, and so reduces the risk of collisions.
There are also numerous work lights, allowing safe operation at the end of long days and throughout the night if need be, giving a greater degree of safety and comfort for the operator.
Establishing tramlines
Like all seeding equipment from the Sky Agriculture range, the Progress TF can be optionally equipped with the innovative EDrive system.
This smart system allows in-cab control of the opening and closing of each row, offering simplified and universal tramlining management, regardless of sprayer width. It is also possible to easily seed every other row.
The slope of the hopper top enhances visibility but not at the expense of capacity, as it offers a generous volume of 2,200 to 2,400L in total.
In terms of user comfort, Sky Agriculture has introduced a new single point attachment which as been developed in-house.
This is claimed to simplify the mounting of the unit and also has the advantage of maintaining a constant angle between the hopper and the side pipe, optimising both performance and ease of use.
