Product Review: Virkar direct drills

A new option for farmers and contractors needing a high output direct tine drill is available from Virkar. David Williams visited Samagri Ltd, the manufacturer’s UK importer, to see it at work.

A new option for farmers and contractors needing a high output direct tine drill is available from Virkar. Farmers Guide’s David Williams visited Samagri Ltd, the manufacturer’s UK importer, to see it at work.

Virkar direct drills have been manufactured in Spain since 2010 and are imported to the UK by Hampshire-based Samagri, which took on the brand in 2018 to complement its existing Kockerling machinery range. “The Kockerling line-up doesn’t include dedicated direct drills, so adding Virkar has allowed us to provide a solution for the growing number of farmers looking for drills capable of establishing crops into both cultivated and undisturbed soils,” explained Samagri sales manager, Nigel Long.

Coulter options

Virkar’s drill range includes Dynamic models in working widths from 4.5–7.0m, and larger Ocean models which are available with working widths up to 8.0m currently, but from September this year there will be versions up to 15.0m wide. This is the first time that tine-only coulters have been available from Virkar, and the new option can be specified for all drills right up to the widest 15.0m.

“Of the drills sold in the UK since we took on the brand three years ago, 24 have been Dynamic DC (disc and coulter) models – with a leading disc to cut through trash and create a slot ahead of the seeding tine which is followed by two closing press wheels,” explained Nigel. “There has also been demand for the Dynamic D (disc) version with a simple single disc coulter, and we also offer a (DD) double-disc coulter version which features a Turbo disc in front of the disc coulter to cut through residues and prevent hair-pinning.”

All models have up to 35cm of vertical coulter travel, with even seeding depth across the width ensured by a pressure accumulator. The coulters bolt directly to the main frame, rather than relying on separate brackets and Nigel explained that this ensures maximum strength and performance. The complete central section of the drill including the chassis, hopper and frame are identical whatever type of coulter is specified, so it is possible to change the coulter type during the season, or as the transition to zero-tillage progresses.

The rear steering axle helps maintain constant seed row spacing during turns and on cross slopes. It also allows the 6m drill to make consecutive passes with headlands of only 12m.

Affordable and versatile

“Although the DC leading disc and tine coulters have been most popular so far, buying the drill with the new tine-only option provides considerable cost savings. For those not drilling into high trash volumes or cover crops, then the simpler tine-only design is a cost-effective solution,” he continued. “It offers the same precise depth control which for many growers is a priority, and the coulters are staggered for the widest possible spacing to ensure trash and large stones flow through easily without creating blockages.”

Easy conversion

The coulters are divided between four rows, and 19 or 25cm row spacing is available – even on the widest versions. The modular construction allows the working width to be easily altered by bolting on or removing sections. The main frame is pre-drilled which makes it possible to convert the drills from 19 to 25cm spacing to suit different crops during the season. In addition, alternate rows can be shut off to achieve double row spacing.

Coulter pressures up to 280kg ensure reliable ground penetration and depth control. Pressure is adjusted from the cab, and Samagri director Sam Berry said that this allows users to optimise the drill’s performance and ensure consistent seeding depth as soil types and conditions vary between fields, or within the same field. Control is through an Isobus link, and possible future developments include the ability to automatically adjust the pressure according to field maps and the GPS location, reducing the operator’s workload.

A pair of wheels with a slight stagger follow the tine coulter and close the slot, ensuring seed to soil contact.

Improved accuracy and manoeuvrability

Large rear transport wheels have active steering, controlled by a potentiometer on the drawbar. The steering compensates during turns to keep the seed rows at the correct spacing, and it can also be controlled by the operator to compensate for slip when working on cross-slopes. Control by GPS is an option. “The steering angle is very small, but it makes a surprising difference to the drill’s performance,” suggested Nigel. “It also allows return working bouts, even on small headlands.”

The 5,000-litre drill hopper can be divided into three sections, split longways to maintain even weight distribution. Three Accord-type metering units are used on the Dynamic drills. The flow from all three units is combined and delivered through a single tube to each coulter, avoiding the need for wider working elements which would move more soil. Virkar’s own metering system is fitted to Ocean versions, which have larger 10,000-litre capacity hoppers capable of being divided into four sections.

There are four rows of coulters with 19mm or 25mm row spacing. The coulters have up to 35cm vertical travel. The working pressure across all the coulters is linked through a single circuit with an accumulator, allowing convenient adjustment from the cab.

Tine advantage

“We are very pleased to have the new tine coulter drill which will allow us to provide solutions for even more farmers and contractors,” said Sam. “On hard, clay soils and stony ground, then tine drills perform better than disc drills, and the tines will perform better in wet, sticky conditions too. Also, being less expensive than a disc, or disc and tine drill, it’s a more affordable option for those just starting the transition to direct drilling.”

The staggered, open tine arrangement is popular with operators as it is easy to monitor all the coulters from the cab, and very resistant to blocking.

Saving costs, improving soils

“It’s been noticeable that more farmers are considering the move to direct-drilling regimes for a host of reasons; from reducing establishment costs and saving time, to improving soil health. Many have managed a gradual transition from full inversion tillage to min-till regimes and then direct-drilling, and others just moved straight to direct-drilling.

“Some of our own farm is direct-drilled and the rest was pre-cultivated, but this spring’s weather highlighted that on our Hampshire flint and clay soils, the direct-drilled land recovers much more quickly after wet weather, which increases opportunities to get on the fields to apply fertilisers and crop treatments in a timely manner.”

Attractive features

In Spain, Virkar drills are the most popular choice for direct-drilling, and the UK has become the brand’s number one export market. Nigel isn’t surprised. “It’s a rugged and well-designed drill, with attractive features,” he stressed. “The amount of coulter travel is exceptional and whether ground undulations are across or along the drill, they can adapt to maintain consistent seeding depth. Achieving even establishment is key to effective crop management throughout the season, and when potential customers see the drills working the benefits of the design are immediately obvious.

“The coulters are rugged and create very little soil disturbance. The amount of stagger between the four rows allows plenty of space for trash, and if the crop establishment system evolves or changes then the coulter type can be easily changed. The drill can also accommodate a rear three-point linkage, allowing implements such as spreaders, harrows or a roller to be attached.”

Sam commented that several farms near the Samagri Hampshire base have invested in Virkar drills recently. “I think that because we farm on soils that can be quite challenging, customers from all over the UK can tell that we understand their farming challenges and trust us to recommend appropriate solutions. We use both a Kockerling drill and a Virkar on our own farm and both systems work well. It has been interesting that since we took on the Virkar range, many growers in the local area have seen our crops, looked at the drills and then invested.”

Sam Berry (right) with Nigel Long.

Attractive pricing

The new Dynamic C tine drill is available now to order, and the larger Ocean C version will be available from September. Prices for a Virkar Dynamic C 6m drill with 25cm coulter spacings start from approximately £90K, the DC leading disc and tine coulter version costs from £110K and the D disc, and DD double-disc models are from approximately £120K.

Browse second-hand drills for sale at FarmAds.