| 2018-07-13 |    |
Introducing Kuhn 4 metre Espro Min-Till Drill
The ESPRO 4000 RC joins KUHN’s existing line-up of trailed min-till drills which includes the 3-metre rigid ESPRO 3000, the 4-metre and 6-metre foldable ESPRO 4000 R and ESPRO 6000 R, and the foldable combination ESPRO 6000 RC.
Originally launched in 2015, the ESPRO range has become a firm favourite with medium to large-scale arable farmers and contractors thanks to the low power requirement and high output capacity of the various models: the CROSSFLEX coulter bar, which is the key to the ESPRO range’s high working speeds, ensures seed is accurately placed at up to 17kph: each coulter is mounted on polyurethane blocks which allow the individual coulters to closely follow terrain contours. Ground pressure and seeding depth adjustment are controlled hydraulically. This ensures a consistent seeding depth across the machine’s full working width and enables accurate seeding to be carried out at high forward speeds.
Kuhn Espro 400 rc
In common with other machines in the range, the ESPRO 6000 RC uses two rows of cultivating discs followed by a single row of large diameter (900mm) press wheels which are offset and fitted with specially designed deep tread tyres to create an ideal seed bed.
An additional row of single disc coulters behind the working discs delivers fertiliser or a second seed variety directly in front of the press wheels and equidistant from each of the two main rows of seed: placing fertiliser to this level of precision ensures the seed receives the necessary nutrients during the early stages of growth whilst also minimising the risk of the young plants being scorched by coming into direct contact with the fertiliser.
The ESPRO 4000 RC is fitted with a 4,000 litre, twin-compartment hopper which is divided on a 2400:1600 litre (fertiliser:seed) basis. Two separate metering and distribution systems provide several potential modes of operation including the ability to sow: one seed variety from both compartments; seed and fertiliser from the separate compartments; two main crop varieties; or a mixture of two seed varieties with each sown to a different depth.
An optional set of front press wheels with in-cab pressure adjustment can also be added to provide a level soil surface ahead of the working discs and to prevent the machine from sinking into lighter or wet soils.
ESPRO 4000 RC – full specification
| Working width | 4.00 metres |
| Transport width | 3.00 metres |
| Transport length | 9.00 metres |
| Weight (with covering harrow) | 6,000 kg (approx.) |
| 3-point hitch category | On Cat 3 lower link arms |
| Tractor power requirement | 160-230 hp |
| Hopper capacity | 4,000 litres (2,400 litres + 1,600 litres) |
| Loading height | 280 cm (approx.) |
| Hopper opening | 88 x 324 cm (approx.) |
| Application rate | 1 - 430 kg/ha |
| Number of opener discs | 32 over 2 rows |
| Opener disc diameter and width | 460 x 5 mm |
| Press wheels behind discs | 13 at 900 x 215 mm |
| Spacing between press wheels | 200 mm |
| Fertilisation rows | 13 at 30 cm centres |
| Seed placement rows | 26 over 2 rows |
| Seed row spacing | 15.48 cm |
| Seeding unit | CROSSFLEX: single arm unit with hydraulic ground pressure and depth adjustment. Offset double-discs with hard-coated scrapers. |
| Press and depth control wheels | 330 x 75 mm |
