Väderstad Spirit Next: "the Spirit, but better..."

New suspensions for the seeding coulters, new Fenix II electric metering system, new cylinders with greasable bearings, new press wheels, Biodrill seeder as an option.
Described as more precise and more robust than its predecessor, the new Spirit, according to the Swedish firm, increases comfort and versatility for all high-speed seeding, including cover crops.

The main improvements made to the Spirit Next are:

- the original "TriForce" mounting of the seeding unit suspension arms.

The rubber suspension now consists of 3 rubber elements that clamp around a new axle with a triangular cross-section. It is said to provide both more travel and more stability thanks to the very high seeding pressure, adjustable up to 80 kg.

The coulter could thus follow the contours of the terrain perfectly, even in the presence of stones.

The front soil-working discs remain mounted on four-section suspensions, because the forces exerted at the front of the machine, like the work required, are greater and call for a firmer suspension.

For the farmer, the TriForce mounting makes it possible to sow at high speed, up to 20 km/h, with maximum precision. In addition, the service life of the seeding units is said to be extended.

- a new Fenix II metering system developed 100 % by Väderstad.

Driven by an electric motor providing constant power, the metering system delivers the selected seed flow at all working speeds. With only two rollers for all types of seed, even small ones (up to 9 rotors for the competition), its use is simplified and any risk of error is eliminated.

The high and low gear ratios simply have to be selected according to the size of the seed.

The materials used are corrosion-resistant (notably to withstand the aggressiveness of fertilizers) and manufacturing complies with Väderstad standards, which makes the Fenix II virtually indestructible according to the manufacturer.

The overall service life, and therefore the resale value of the seeder, are extended accordingly. A shut-off flap on the seed supply makes work on the metering system easier when the hopper is full.

The reliability and high precision of this new metering system would allow sowing at less than 1 kg/ha.

- new hydraulic cylinders for the disc system and for the seeding units

The bearings at both ends of the cylinders have been redesigned with a new greasable ball bearing and a new reinforced square-section notch to prevent any risk of rotation and the appearance of play. There is thus no wear on the steel and the service life of the machine would be considerably increased

- a new, softer tread on the press wheels

Larger and fitted with a new rubber band, the new "Flex" wheel is said to stay clean even in wet weather.

- the optional BioDrill

The pneumatic seeder for small seeds and cover crops is now available as an option on all Spirit models. The BioDrill is driven by an electric motor and seeding rates are precise, between 1 and 30 kg/ha. Travel speed is measured by a radar that is said to give an exact count.

The hopper is designed so that the metering system can feed all the seeds down to the last kg. The nozzles are spaced 50 cm apart and fitted with a distribution plate for an even spread of the flow across the entire working width.

The seeding rate can be easily increased or decreased in steps from the control box in the cab.

Calibration takes only a few minutes. A calibration kit containing a sample bag, a scale and a seeding depth gauge is supplied as standard. The hopper has a capacity of 360 liters.