The Great Plains Spartan II triple disc, no-till air drill range has been updated to better meet the evolving needs of Australian farmers.
Enhancements to the model year 2020 NTA607-2 Spartan have been shaped by the experience of operating in tough Australian conditions since its release in 2018.
Great Plains product manager John Moloney said customers would reap significant rewards from the improvements.
"A revised hydraulic circuit design further optimises the active row-unit down pressure system as well as folding to ensure every seed is planted at the correct depth to maximise germination," Mr Moloney said.
"Given the Spartan's popularity in fodder production, the 2020 year NTA607-2's blockage monitor system has been optimised to work with small, low-rate pasture seeds such as rye grass - which can often be difficult to detect," he said.
A software update also supported the use of prescription maps for variable rate application to ensure growers get the highest value from every seed, he said.
Other improvements include upgrades to a more durable 18-ply rear castor tyre and a redesigned row-unit mounting bracket which increases durability and reduces maintenance requirements.
The Spartan II is available with 15.24cm (6 ins) or 19.05cm (7.5 ins) row spacings.
Alternate row seeding, individual row shut-off and individual row depth control were all possible, Mr Moloney said, and all machines have double-shoot capability.
"We're very excited to bring this updated Spartan II to the Australian market. The new enhancements will help our customers overcome the challenges of operating in a tough Australian landscape."
Great Plains dealers are taking orders for the Spartan II series now.
Now a division of Kubota, the manufacture of Great Plains seeding equipment started in Salina, Kansas, in 1976.
Manufacturing and research has continued in Midwest America with staff connected to a global distribution network.
