A revamped version of Maschio Gaspardo’s high-speed precision drill allows owners to quickly alter row spacings to suit a range of different crops.

While fixed-frame Chrono 500s come with set spacings of 45cm, 50cm, 70cm or 75cm in eight- and 12-row configurations, the fanciest variable frame models offer a welter of combinations.

This means row units can be fitted or removed to switch from maize to sugar beet drilling – ostensibly in less than two hours, according to Maschio.

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Chrono drills are also designed to work at speeds upwards of 15kph thanks, in part, to the electronically controlled metering system that keeps each seed under pressure as soon as it leaves the vacuum-based singulation disc.

From here, a venturi applies positive pressure to the seed down the coulter tube, rather than relying on gravity, to maintain control of the delivery speed and minimise the risk of it bouncing off the ground and affecting depth uniformity.

To further aid consistency – particularly of in-row spacing – the metering units are set at a 15deg angle, which encourages the seeds to drop off the disc and straight down the tube without catching the sides.

Each parallelogram linkage also has integrated air suspension to provide up to 300kg down-pressure and some protection from shock loads.

The GPS-compatible drill controller is capable of automatic row shut-off or section control, and can be used for variable-rate seeding and fertiliser applications. For the latter, Maschio offers a 1,100-litre front hopper.

Other options include electronically controlled micro-granule applicators with 16-litre hoppers, and trash-cleaning wheels for working in min-till or direct-drilling situations.

Prices start for a standard fixed-width, eight-row Chrono 508 start at £76,535, while variable row spacing and four additional planter units adds roughly £9,000 to the cost.