Six of Kinze’s new electric multi-hybrid planters were used this spring on test plots in Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. The company says it will put the model into limited production for the spring of 2015 planting season.

Kinze first announced the concept planter in December. The system provides farmers with the ability to change the seed hybrid they are planting automatically as the planter moves through the field. This spring the company collaborated with several seed businesses, including AgriGold, Beck’s Hybrids, Burrus Hybrids and DuPont Pioneer, on test plots.

In the trials, the planter successfully demonstrated automatic on-the-go changing of seed hybrids and population. Hybrid changes were conducted within a single seed drop, so there were virtually no gaps or overlap when switching from one hybrid to the other.

The planter also successfully demonstrated the creation and application of prescription maps controlling the seed hybrid and population. This was done in conjunction with Raven and the partnering seed companies, which created prescription maps to take advantage of their portfolio of seeds and optimize every part of the farmer’s fields.

Kinze announces the 4000 series meters will be offered on 3000 series planters (with the exception of electric drive). The meter is available with both contact and hydraulic drive (not available on the 4900 model) .On the 4900 and 4900 multi-hybrid planters, the meter is available with rugged, high torque 24V motors which allow for precise seed rate control by row. This technology makes it possible to get consistent seed spacing from the inside row to the outside row – even on tight radius turns and contours (Kinze says seed spacing is dependent on factors such as terrain, speed and seed type). Kinze will no longer be offering the edge vac meter.

For more information visit Kinze.com.

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