With four metering units as standard, Lemken’s new Solitair F front-mounted tank can apply seed and fertiliser – as well as other product combinations – while providing half-width section control.

There’s also the option of upgrading to four-section seed only on-off control to minimise duplicate seeding at angled headlands.

The 2,400-litre hopper can be had in single-compartment form or with an asymmetric divide, providing two compartments for no extra cost and with much the same weight, at 1,900kg.

Both versions come with four electrically driven metering units, with the two-compartment model enabling application of seed and fertiliser or the seeds of two complementary crops.

See also: Farmer combines Karat and Solitair for one-pass bean drill

Lemken envisages placing fertiliser beyond seed depth on an Azurit precision planter for maize and the like, or adding fertiliser across the OptiDisc 25 coulter bar, which has been upgraded to make it capable for single- or double-shot grain drilling.

Pipework transferring seed and fertiliser to the drill or planter can be routed down the right-hand side of the tractor, as is commonplace, or beneath its belly, which is not.

The hopper is pressurised and sealed by a steel lid with multiple over-centre latches, is equipped for isobus control, and comes with full work and road lighting.

Extra weight

Up to 800kg of ballast can be added if needed to counter a heavy, rear-mounted drill, but there is also the option to slot in a rubber wheel packer. This is effectively trailed on its frame so steers with the tractor.

This unit can be used up front on its own to consolidate seed-beds ahead of a tine harrow or disc cultivator, and up to 500kg of suitcase ballast capacity can be exploited to cater for different soils and conditions.

Solitair F prices start at £27,300 for both single and twin compartment versions, with an upgrade to four-part section control adding £500.