The pneumatic Micro-Pro 8E (8 outlets) and Micro-Pro 16E (16 outlets) are usually fitted to a set of Cambridge rolls and drills. The metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GS receiver for accurate forward speed monitoring on both models, with air supplied via a hydraulic fan. 

Features

• Micro-Pro 8E maximum spread width of 6m, hopper capacity 180 litres (400 litres optional)
• Micro-Pro 16E maximum spread with of 12.3m, hopper capacity 400 litres
• Individual metering roller per outlet – accurate application and spread pattern
• Blue “fine” seed roller as standard – other rollers available
• Adjustable outlets – balances airflow effect on pattern
• Accurate Avadex application - independently tested

Each outlet is fed by an individual metering roller ensuring even distribution across the entire working width and guaranteeing the same amount is fed to each outlet - crucially important when using low rates and small granules to ensures a consistent, even application rate.

The amount of product applied is controlled electronically by a GPS receiver whereby the speed of the metering roller is constantly adjusted to match the forward speed, giving the application desired rate.

The Micro-Pro 8E and 16E machines have a load sensing drive motor that is constantly monitored and adjusted by the computer control box to give you a constant application rate at all times. It doesn’t matter if you slow down or increase your speed you will always get the desired application rate, so crucial with chemical application.

The 8 outlet machine spreads up to 6m, the 16 outlet machine up to 12m (up to 12.3m if fitted to a set of HE-VA rolls). Both machines are set at spacings of 75cm between outlets in order to deliver a robust double overlapping spread pattern and consequently even distribution across the entire working width.

At OPICO we understand that an even spread pattern is as important as accurate metering, that’s why every machine is tested before it’s delivered to the customer. During testing the outlets are finely tuned to provide the best possible spread pattern. As a result, independent tests by SCS, measuring the complete application rate and spread pattern, showed that the Micro-Pro 16E spreading at 12m produces a marketing leading co-efficient of variation of under 5.5%.

In independent tests measuring the complete spread pattern, the Micro-Pro 16E spreading at 12m has produced a market leading coefficient of variation of 5.36%. 

Further Features & Benefits

Metering

The Micro-Pro comes as standard with the blue "fine" seed roller, however there are four different types of metering rollers available.

Unlike most other types of applicators, the OPICO Micro-Pro pneumatic electronic applicator uses individual metering wheels for each outlet enabling extremely accurate metering and guaranteeing the same amount is fed to each outlet.

This is crucially important when using low rates and small granules.

GPS Receiver Related Metering

All OPICO Micro-Pro's come as standard with a GPS receiver to give constant forward speed related seed metering. It doesn’t matter if you slow down or increase your speed, you will always get the correct seed rate.

Delivery

A hydraulic fan provides the airflow to deliver the granules down the pipe to the correct position on the machine.

Hydraulic drive units include a fan speed sensor and alarm to warn the operator if the fan is not turned on when seeding or if there is a malfunction.

Stainless Baffle

The stainless steel baffle guarantees even airflow within the metering system and ensures that only one outlet is fed from each metering segment.

Rate Control

The amount of granules applied is controlled by the speed of the metering roller and is adjusted until the desired rate is achieved.

The Micro-Pro applicators have a speed sensing motor that is constantly checked and adjusted by the in-cab electronic control box to give you a constant seed rate at all times.

Micro-Pro Models

The Micro-Pro 8E has been developed to enable accurate application of Micro Granules such as Avadex up to 6m working widths when mounted on a variety of implements.

It has 8 outlets giving a spacing of 75cm between outlets for a robust double overlapping spread pattern. Each outlet is fed by an individual metering roller ensuring even Micro granule distribution across the entire working width.

Features

• 8 outlets on 6m - double overlapping spread pattern. 
• Individual metering roller per outlet.
• Adjustable outlets - balances airflow effect on pattern.
• Electronically metered using a GPS receiver.
• Accurate Avadex application - independently tested.

* Hydraulic fan requires 0-20 l/Min oil supply and free flow return.

* 400L hopper available for the Micro-Pro 8E

Options & Accessories

* Includes: platform, steps, hydraulic hose extension, electronic controller extension and mounting at OPICO, BOURNE

The Micro-Pro 16E has been developed to enable accurate application of Micro Granules such as Avadex up to 12m working widths when mounted on a variety of implements.

It has 16 outlets giving a spacing of 75cm between outlets for a robust double overlapping spread pattern. Each outlet is fed by an individual metering roller ensuring even Micro granule distribution across the entire working width.

Features

• 16 outlets on 12m - double overlapping spread pattern.
• Individual metering roller per outlet.
• Adjustable outlets - balances airflow effect on pattern.
• Electronically metered using GPS receiver.
• Accurate Avadex application - independently tested.

* Hydraulic fan requires 0-20 l/Min oil supply and free flow return.

Options & Accessories

* Includes: platform, steps, hydraulic hose extension, electronic controller extension and mounting at OPICO, BOURNE

 VARIOCAST SEEDER

Variocast seeders are typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets.

Download the brochure here: OPICO Variocast Seeder brochure (fliphtml5.com)

The Variocast range includes the Variocast 8, a pneumatic mechanical seeder where the seed roller metering is driven by a land wheel. The Variocast is also offered as an electronic seeder, where the metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed metering - the 8E, the 8E Pro and the 16E Pro.   

Variocast seeders are typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets. The Variocast range includes the Variocast 8, a pneumatic mechanical seeder where the seed roller metering is driven by a land wheel. The Variocast is also offered as an electronic seeder, where the metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed metering - the 8E, the 8E Pro and the 16E Pro.   

It cuts seed rates and establishment costs whilst improving yields - utilise a Variocast to take advantage of till-seeding techniques and improve gross margins.

With the subsoiler working at a medium depth and the Variocast Seeder set to seed in bands behind the legs you make serious in-roads into output and cost. Furthermore the loosened sub soil promotes long, strong taproot growth.

Sowing in bands gives each plant the room to develop through better light interception, branching out and encouraging flower heads on the lateral branches as well as the main stem and overall requires less seed whilst still attaining good yields.

Robust build

Variocast seeder's are supplied with a strong mounting plate which assist fitting to whatever cultivation machine is chosen. The hopper and chassis are built to withstand the rigors of high speed seeding in hard ground.

VARIOCAST MODELS

Variocast 8 Mechanical

Typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets, this low cost 8 outlet, mechanically driven, pneumatic seeder is usually mounted to subsoilers and other cultivation machinery. The rotary feed, seed roller metering is driven by a land wheel, with delivery via an twin electric fans.

• Maximum spread width of 6m, hopper capacity 180 litres

• Ground wheel drive – consistent seed rate

• Stepless metering gearbox with individual metering roller per outlet

• Green “coarse” and blue “fine” seed roller as standard - other rollers available

• Special distribution plates – even seed distribution in a band or broadcast

• Calibration control - simple calibration at the press of a button

• Powder coated and anodised - built to last

Being ground wheel driven it maintains a consistent seed rate whatever speed the implement is working at. Drive is taken from the spoked land wheel and transmitted through a 12mm flexible drive cable to a variator gearbox. A simple lever system on the gearbox adjusts the output shaft speed and therefore seed rate.

 

Variocast 8 Mechanical - No mounting brackets included

Model No.	Working Width	Seedbox Volume	Seed Outlets	Control	Weight
1739002V	Up to 6m	180L	8	Mechanical	123kg

INCLUDES: Coarse (green) and fine (blue) seed roller, 25m of seed hose, 8 outlets, 7m of fused power cable from battery to controller, 4.5m of cable from connector plug to fans, 2.4m flexi-drive cable as standard (in lieu prices available for longer cables).

IMPORTANT - when mounting flexible drive cables ensure they are supported adequately and follow a smooth curve from land wheel to seeder - if in doubt contact your OPICO dealer.

IMPORTANT - when mounting seeders on cultivation machinery hopper bracing is recommended.

When ordering please state width of machine seeder is to be fitted to.

Variocast 8E

Typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets, the pneumatic, electronic Variocast 8E is usually mounted to subsoilers and other cultivation machinery.

The metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed monitoring on all models, with air supplied via twin electric fans, allowing infinitely variable and extremely accurate seed rates to be achieved.

• Maximum spread width of 6m (8 outlets), hopper capacity 180 litres

• Individual metering roller per outlet – precise distribution

• Green “coarse” and blue “fine” seed roller as standard - other rollers available

• Special distribution plates – even seed distribution in a band or broadcast

• Variable seed rate and calibration control - accuracy

• Low level hopper alarm and drive belt sensor

• Hectare meter

• Calibration control - simple calibration at the press of a button

• Powder coated and anodised - built to last

OSR seed rates or rather seed numbers per square metre are critical to control cost and maximise yield. The Variocast 8E allows unmatched precision whilst also monitoring the seed levels and work rates for the operator.

Variocast 8E - No mounting brackets included

Complete with electronic in-cab control, variable seed rate, low level hopper sensor, calibration control and hectare meter

Model No.	Working Width	Seedbox Volume	Seed Outlets	Control	Weight
1739002EV	Up to 6m	180L	8	Electric	123kg

INCLUDES: 5m of fused power cable from battery, 2.4m of CPU power cable, 7m of multi-core cable to machine. 4m of cable from GPS receiver to seeder and 25m of seed hose.

Acoustic and visual fan alarm.

 

Variocast 8E Pro

Typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets, the pneumatic, electronic Variocast 8E Pro is usually mounted to subsoilers and other cultivation machinery.

The metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed monitoring on all models, with air supplied via a hydraulic fan, allowing infinitely variable and extremely accurate seed rates to be achieved.

• Maximum spread width of 6m (8 outlets), hopper capacity 180 litres

• Individual metering roller per outlet – precise distribution

• Green “coarse” and blue “fine” seed roller as standard - other rollers available

• Special distribution plates – even seed distribution in a band or broadcast

• Variable seed rate and calibration control - accuracy

• Low level hopper alarm and drive belt sensor

• Hectare meter

• Calibration control - simple calibration at the press of a button

• Powder coated and anodised - built to last

The hydraulic fan is ideal if you require more air flow due to one of the following reasons:

1. The Variocast seeder needs mounting a long way from the seed application point requiring seed hoses larger than 4m.
2. Where dividers are required to achieve 10 or more outlets.
3. Especially high seed rates or forward speeds are required.
4. Working widths above 6.5m are required (9.5m)

Variocast 8E Pro - No mounting brackets included

Complete with electronic in-cab control, variable seed rate, hydraulic fan, low level hopper sensor, calibration control and hectare meter

Model No.	Working Width	Seedbox Volume	Seed Outlets	Control	Weight
1739002VEPRO	Up to 6m	180L	8	Electronic	123kg

INCLUDES: 2.4m power cable to cpu and 6m cpu controller cable to machine. 4m cable from GPS receiver to seeder. 5m battery power cable. 4m hydraulic pressure and return pipes c/w 1/2” male coupling. 2m of 75mm fan to air manifold pipe. Fan speed sensing and 25m seed hose. For full width spreading above 6.5m additional Y-pieces and outlets are required (Max rec. 9.5m).

IMPORTANT - when mounting seeders on cultivation machinery hopper bracing is recommended.

Hydraulic fan requires 0-20l/min max oil supply and free flow return.

Variocast 16E Pro

Typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets, the pneumatic, electronic Variocast 16E Pro is usually mounted to subsoilers and other cultivation machinery.

The metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed monitoring on all models, with air supplied via twin electric fans or hydraulic fan on PRO models, allowing infinitely variable and extremely accurate seed rates to be achieved.

• Maximum spread width of 6m (8 outlets), hopper capacity 180 litres

• Individual metering roller per outlet – precise distribution

• Green “coarse” and blue “fine” seed roller as standard - other rollers available

• Special distribution plates – even seed distribution in a band or broadcast

• Variable seed rate and calibration control - accuracy

• Low level hopper alarm and drive belt sensor

• Hectare meter

• Calibration control - simple calibration at the press of a button

• Powder coated and anodised - built to last

The Variocast 16E Pro has all the features of the Variocast 8E Pro but with twice the outlets giving you 16 in total. It has a maximum working width of 12.3m and is the machine to use if you require more outlets than 8. The Variocast 16E Pro Seeder also comes standard with a large 400ltr hopper, hydraulic fan and electronic control box.

 

Variocast 16E Pro - No mounting brackets included

Complete with electric in-cab control, variable seed rate, low level hopper sensor, calibration control and hectare meter

Model No.	Working Width	Seedbox Volume	Seed Outlets	Control	Weight
1739008EV	Up to 12m	400L	16	Electronic	160kg

INCLUDES: 2.4m power cable to cpu and 6m cpu controller cable to machine. 4m cable from GPS receiver to seeder. 5m battery power cable. 4m hydraulic pressure and return pipes c/w 1/2” male coupling. 2m of 75mm fan to air manifold pipe. Fan speed sensing and 50m seed hose.

IMPORTANT - when mounting seeders on cultivation machinery hopper bracing is recommended.

Hydraulic fan requires 0-20l/min max oil supply and free flow return.

 

Typically used for reseeding and overseeding pastures, the pneumatic Air 8 (8 outlets) and the Air 16 (16 outlets) are usually fitted to an OPICO Grass Harrow.

Download the brochure here: OPICO Grass Harrow and Air Seeders (fliphtml5.com)

Designed to accurately meter and distribute grass and small seeds evenly across the full width of the grass harrow which opens up the soil, creating a tilth for improved seed to soil contact. 

The seed roller metering is driven by a land wheel on the Air 8 and by an electronic GPS receiver on the Air 8E and Air 16E. The 8 outlet seeders have an electric fan whilst the 16 outlet has a hydraulic fan. Hydraulic fan upgrades are available for the Air 8 and 8E models.

The grass seeder seed rate can be varied from 1 to 80kg* per hectare, according to the type of seed being sown and whether reseeding or overseeding. Where oversowing only specific areas of a field, electronic seeders can also be switched on or off during the harrowing operation.

Sowing should always be followed with rolling to ensure good seed-to-soil contact is achieved.

The productivity of old or patchy leys can be rejuvenated and the life of the ley extended, simply by overseeding. This is especially useful where poor drainage or flooding has killed off grass in certain areas of a field, or where livestock have poached ground near gateways and troughs. In addition, the field does not have to come out of use.

With few effective clover-safe herbicides around, many farmers have adopted the approach of ridding the leys of perennial weeds like docks and thistles first, and only stitching-in clover once a clean grass ley has been established. Using the OPICO Grass Harrow, bare ground is exposed onto which the broadcast clover seed can land and establish.

Typically a first year reseed is expected to give 25% more yield than an old ley, although improvements of 40% have been known. Furthermore the modern grass varieties in seed mixtures have been bred to utilise nitrogen better, and have higher yields and digestibility than older grasses.

In soil conditions where it is difficult to establish new leys, aggressively cultivating the surface and heavily overseeding with a OPICO Seeder in consecutive seasons can give a reliable alternative.

After the usual ground cultivations, always roll the field at least once to obtain a good firm seedbed before harrowing and seeding and then roll again after to ensure good soil to seed contact.

Pneumatic Seed Delivery

A hydraulic fan or two 12v electric fans provide the airflow to deliver the seed down the pipe to the correct position on the machine.

Electric fans have a full wiring looms and switch unit in the cab. There is an optional air flow alarm to warn the operator in case of blockage or malfunction.

Hydraulic drive units (left image) include a fan speed sensor and alarm to warn the operator if the fan is not turned on when seeding or if there is a malfunction.

AIR SEEDER MODELS

AIR 8