More seeding, less stopping

From larger tanks to individual scales and faster filling, the new Multistream Series III makes seeding more efficient.

Getting the seeding window right has never been more important. With bigger programs, tighter timeframes and rising input costs, every hour in the paddock counts.

That’s exactly what Ausplow had in mind when developing the new Multistream Series III, which makes its Australian debut at this year’s Eyre Peninsula Field Days.

At first glance, it might look similar to previous models, but General Manager Chris Farmer says there’s been plenty happening under the hood.

“We haven’t reinvented the wheel,” he says. “We’ve taken all the components we know work and improved the features customers have been asking for. It’s new, but it’s building on what we’ve already created with Series I and Series II.”

The new machine has been three years in the making, with prototype machines put through their paces in Western Australia before being unveiled.

Built around flexibility

One of the biggest changes to the Series III is its new modular design.

Instead of being limited to just a couple of tank configurations, growers can now choose from a much wider range of tank sizes and layouts to better suit their operation. Depending on the model, capacities range from 13,000 litres to 36,000 litres.

“That flexibility delivers real benefits in the paddock,” Chris explains. “In the past we were very limited with tank sizes. Now we’ve got 9,000-litre, 6,000-litre and 4,200-litre tanks, plus a small seed tank. That means we don’t need as many tanks to build the larger machines.”

Using fewer tanks also means fewer metering systems, creating a more streamlined machine with less complexity.

“It makes it more user friendly,” Chris says. “It’s not as big and cumbersome, it’s easier to turn at the end of the run and it just rationalises the whole machine.”

The modular chassis has also been designed with the future in mind.

“If someone buys a tow-between machine today, they can convert it to a tow-behind later if their operation changes, or vice versa,” Chris says.

“That gives people much more flexibility, especially when they’re thinking about resale or buying second-hand equipment.”

Knowing exactly what’s in the tank

Another major addition is individual scales on every tank.

Rather than estimating how much product is left, growers can now see exactly what’s in each tank throughout the day.

Chris says that’s becoming increasingly important as input costs continue to rise.

“The farmer knows exactly what he’s got in each tank. He can work out that he’s got enough seed for 10 hectares or exactly how much fertiliser is left,” he says.

“With the cost of inputs these days, if we can make sure we’re putting product exactly where it’s needed, that’s a real benefit.”

It’s all about giving growers more confidence in the decisions they’re making throughout the day.

The machine also incorporates section control capability, allowing more accurate product placement while reducing unnecessary overlap. Combined with the individual tank scales, it helps improve efficiency by giving operators greater confidence they’re applying the right amount of product where it’s needed.

Less downtime, more seeding

When every hour counts, reducing downtime can make a real difference.

One of the practical improvements is a larger 12-inch hydraulic auger, allowing the Series III to load product more quickly so growers can spend less time filling up and more time getting on with the job.

“Obviously they want to be seeding, not filling up,” Chris says.

“If we can fill the machine quicker, that’s less downtime and helps get the program finished.”

Loading has been made easier, too. Larger tank lids make it simpler to fill the machine, while new electrically actuated lids can be opened from ground level before climbing onto the platform.

“You can open the lids from the ground, position the auger, then head up to the platform rather than climbing up and down multiple times.”

The platform, walkways and handrails have also been redesigned to provide safer access during filling and maintenance.

Ready for what’s next

The Series III might be the latest addition to the Ausplow range, but Chris says it’s far from the finish line.

“We’re always evolving,” he says. “We’re always asking ourselves what we can improve next.”

Sales and Marketing Manager Greg Bunker says that mindset is driven by listening to growers.

“We certainly listen. We’re a relatively small business and if there’s an issue we can address, we try to make those changes as quickly as we can,” he says. “We’re always trying to evolve and get better.”

That thinking doesn’t stop with the Series III either.

“We’re increasing our electro-hydraulic capability all the time,” Greg says. “That gives us more features we can continue building on into the future.”

See it at Field Days

See the new Multistream Series III unveiled at this year’s Eyre Peninsula Field Days, where Chris, Greg and the engineering team will be on hand to answer questions.

“It ticks a lot of boxes that people have been wanting. From what we’re seeing already, it’s really hitting the mark,” Greg says of the response so far.

For Chris, it all comes back to helping growers get more out of every season.

“What growers want is to be more efficient, more productive and more profitable,” he says. “It’s the whole package.”

What’s new with the Ausplow Mutlstream Series III

1. Modular chassis with flexible tank
configurations
2. 13,000L–36,000L capacity options
3. Individual scales on every tank
4. Larger 12-inch hydraulic auger
5. Larger electrically actuated tank lids
6. Improved platform and walkways
7. Standard camera system and lighting
8. Section control capability
9. Tow-between or tow-behind flexibility

After more than 14 years with the Ausplow DBS, fourth-generation farmer Josh Richardson has just purchased his third machine. We asked what keeps him coming back. READ HERE