Up to four products can be applied simultaneously with the latest high-spec front drill hopper from Sky Agriculture.

This allows the Progress TF to plant a cash crop, companion crop, starter fertiliser and slug pellets without the buyer needing to bolt on extra units.

Bulkier seeds and fertilisers are housed in a split main hopper, with two smaller vessels bolted to either side, giving a combined capacity of 2,200-2,400 litres.

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Each of the four metering units is controlled via a single isobus interface, saving tractor cabs getting cluttered with several displays.

And by distributing their contents via two air streams, growers have the option of feeding separate sets of coulters running at different depths.

Cleverly, engineers have opted to pressurise these air streams rather than the hopper itself, allowing accurate outputs at rates of up to 60kg/min.

Sky says the system brings other benefits too, such as larger hopper openings for easier filling, simpler lid sealing and the ability to look inside while the fan is running.

Auto opening

Like all of the firm’s seeding equipment, the Progress TF can be fitted with an EDrive system, which offers automated opening and closing of each row.

This allows accurate tramlining to take place when working in “lands” rather than a back-and-forth pattern, as well as the capacity to seed every other row.

Another option is a front tyre packer, which takes weight off the tractor’s front wheels.

This is detachable via a quick hitch, meaning it can be removed when working in bone dry conditions and put back on when ground gets softer.

Visibility has been considered too, with a sloping top cover, plenty of work lights and twin cameras for pulling onto the road.

The Progress TF is compatible with all Sky drills and those from other manufacturers, as well as cultivators such as the Methys, with the addition of a distribution head.

Buyers don’t have to take the full complement of hoppers, with both two- and three-section versions available for those with less complex seeding regimes.