In 2021, Horsch introduced the Universal Avatar 60M single-disc drill with a 60-foot, single-row toolbar. This past summer, the brand added to the Avatar SD line with the introduction of three smaller versions: the Avatar 8.25 SD, Avatar 9.25 SD and the Avatar 10.25 SD. These models are equipped with the same options as the larger Avatar 12.25 SD, but with narrower eight-, nine- and 10-metre (26-, 29- and 32-foot) working widths.
They get a tank capacity of 166 bushels, split into two 83-bushel compartments for double-shoot capability. But that’s not the only tank option available. Buyers can also opt for a 60-40 split or a three-compartment version with a 60-10-30 partition for triple shoot seeding.
The Avatar SD models use a single-disc opener, with the discs mounted at a six-degree angle and three degrees of pitch. Horsch says this minimizes draft requirements and allows for easy furrow closure. The openers are mounted individually on a hydraulically actuated rock shaft, and they use a rubber bushing suspension system to minimize shocks and opener damage. As an added benefit, the rubber bushings also minimize maintenance requirements by eliminating pivot pins, bushings and the necessary grease points to keep them lubricated. In all, the Avatar SDs only have eight grease points on the entire unit.
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Down pressure can be adjusted on the fly to a maximum of 550 pounds per unit. Seeding depth adjustments can also be easily made to each individual opener at the rear of the toolbar. A variety of closing wheel options are available to match soil conditions.
The Avatar SD’s weight distribution system transfers some of the mounted tank’s weight to the single-row toolbar, which minimizes compaction from wheel tracks. Opener spacing is set at 10 inches; however, that can be increased to 20 inches by using a special insert in the distribution towers. And Horsch says the single-row toolbar design eliminates the “stepping” of multi-row units and allows for faster field speeds.
Each compartment has its own individual metering system, which use electric drive for smooth, consistent operation.
Optional trash wheels can be mounted in front of the single-disc seed coulters to remove organic matter as well as stones and clods from the row. They can be hydraulically adjusted to meet changing field conditions. Trash wheels also help to significantly reduce the hair pinning effect in fields with a lot of surface organic matter.
The drills are fully ISOBUS compatible, so they can be controlled from any virtual terminal in a tractor, eliminating the need for mounting another dedicated monitor in the cab.
When it comes to road transport, the Avatar SDs fold up to a travel width of just 12 feet, making moving them between fields safer and easier than some competitive implements with much wider transport widths.
