Vaderstad has also added enhanced precision features and new models to its Tempo planter line, which are now available in Canada.
New to the line is the Tempo K, a 24-row planter with a low-compaction track and 30″ row spacing. It has a 150-bushel center-fill system and optional 1,500-gallon liquid capacity. Designed for the conditions faced by many Canadian farmers, the Tempo K is manufactured at Väderstad’s facility in Wahpeton, North Dakota.
Optional precision features will also be available on select models, including the Tempo K 24, Tempo F 6-8, Tempo L 8-32 and Tempo V 6-12. These include automatic seed separation, which ensures accurate seed separation on the seed meter without the need for manual settings. Sensors in each row unit continuously monitor and automatically adjust the seeder for optimal settings. The company notes that this feature is particularly advantageous for farmers who regularly switch crops.
Growers can also look for active hydraulic row unit downforce to ensure precise planting depth. This system adds or releases pressure on the ground of the row unit depending on soil conditions. For example, down pressure can be increased in harder soils and decreased in lighter soils. Active hydraulic downforce can be added to the full width of the machine or to individual row units.
The third option includes a new curve compensation feature that ensures consistent metering output across the entire width of the planter when turning. Using a gyro sensor to identify when the planter is turning, the metering output for each row is automatically adjusted accordingly, with outer row units planting at a faster rate than inner units.
“Väderstad prides itself on its reputation for precision at high speeds, and our latest updates take our capabilities to a new level,” says Oskar Karlsson, the company’s director of planter product management. “Whether you’re planting corn, soybeans, canola or virtually any other crop, the Tempo can deliver precise germination even at speeds of 13-19 kilometers per hour,” he adds.
