Used Direct Drills for sale in the UK

AMTEC has a range of used Direct Drills for sale to farmers in the UK and we export worldwide. With over 30 years of experience sourcing a wide range of used farming machinery, we stock machines from ploughs to seed drills, including a wide selection of direct seed drills at a range of widths. Discover direct drills from popular machine brands such as Claydon, Horsch and Moore.

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MORE ABOUT DIRECT DRILLS

At AMTEC, our range of direct seed drills available includes machinery of different working widths to suit your farm and requirements. We source well-known, trusted manufacturers, with the majority of our direct drills undergoing rigorous inspection and maintenance at our yard prior to being sold, ensuring our stock only includes high-quality and reliable machines. Choose from direct drills at different widths, including 3m and 4m drills, and find a machine that offers efficient unploughed and low-disturbance seed drilling.

What’s the difference between a conventional seed drill and a direct drill?

Conventional seed drills rely on initial soil preparation before seeds can be drilled into tillaged soil. This process requires preparation including clearing of existing crop residue from the field before drilling can commence, either performed prior to or in the same pass as the drill. Direct drills, on the other hand, perform direct drilling of the seeds into the soil without the need to clear stubble or prepare the soil beforehand. Direct seed and direct grass drills use tines or discs to open a furrow which the seed is then dropped into before the furrow is closed. The direct method of seed drilling is typically quicker than conventional drilling and emphasises on preserving soil structure. Without having to plough and till the soil prior to seeding, there’s less disturbance to the soil, making it ideal for conservation farming. Without the requirement to plough and till, fewer field passes are required, reducing time spent and fuel costs. Discover more about the pros and cons of direct drilling with our guide.

Used machinery in a selection of widths – 3m, 4m, and 6m direct drills

Find a direct drill ideal for your farming operation with our range of machines with different working widths. Our stock includes widths of 3m, 4m, and 6m so you can find a direct drill that suits your specific requirements.

What are the most popular brands of direct drill?

We have direct drilling machinery from the most popular manufacturers including:

Choose AMTEC - The UK's leading provider of used direct drills for sale in the UK

As one of the nation’s leading suppliers to the agricultural industry, with more than 30 years’ experience, we have the knowledge to help you get the best deal on a direct drill. Our nine-acre site has hundreds of machines in stock. We’re conveniently located in central England.

Our customer-centric approach is at the core of everything we do, ensuring all the farmers who choose us as their equipment partner save time and money while making the best decisions for their needs. Contact us today by calling 01926 640 637, sending an email to sales@amtec.co.uk, or by using the form on our website. Discover the ways we can help - you won’t regret it!

FAQ's about Drills

The drill you buy will depend on the type of tillage system that youprefer, and the soil type and conditions, amongst other factors that can change with the weather! Take advantage of expert knowledge by discussing your needs with our experts and we’re sure to source a great machine for you. Contact us today!

Direct drilling is very attractive to most farmers as it removes the need for multiple cultivation passes to create a seedbed. The main benefits of direct drilling  are cost reduction due to the reduced groundwork and soil heath as there is less traffic and soil disturbance helping the soil to work organically as nature intended.  Unfortunately, it doesn’t work for everyone; in some situations, the soil or conditions mean that more cultivation is needed to increase the germination of the crop.

To extend the life of your drill and to reduce damage how you store your drill after use is very important.  There are 3 main actions to carry out:

  1. Ensure the drill is thoroughly cleaned out, and all the seed (and fertiliser if it is a grain and fert drill) is removed, leaving seed in the hopper can not only damage the drill but also encourages rodent activity which can cause a lot of expensive damage to the metering system and the electrics.
  2. The drill should be cleaned and oiled/greased this will help keep any water out of the bearings and moving parts which will prevent them from being seized next time you come to use it.
  3. Keep the control box in a warm, dry place. The control box is one of the most important parts of the drill but is also one of the most delicate.  Ensuring that it doesn’t get damp and is kept at a constant temperature means it’ll be working again next year.

A combi or combination seed drill is an agricultural machine that allows for efficient seed planting. A combination drill combines ploughing and sowing into one, using tine or disc cultivators to turn and produce a stale seedbed before sowing the seeds.

Väderstad is a Swedish company, and most of their products (including seed drills) are manufactured in Väderstad, Sweden, the town after which the company is named. All Väderstad Farm Machinery is manufactured at their factory in Langbank, Saskatchewan, in Canada.

Väderstad’s Seed Hawk line is manufactured in the company’s factory in Langbank, Saskatchewan, in Canada.

Row Crops – Precision drills are ideal for row crops like maize

Cereals and Beans – Cultivation and combination drills are better for cereals and larger fields. Direct drills can also be used when zero-til is the goal.

Oilseed Rape (OSR) – Oil drills are used but you won’t find these on our drills page! Oil drills tend to be seeders mounted onto subsoilers because of how OSR root systems develop.

Tubular Crops – Potato planters and other specialised equipment.

What’s more important to consider is matching the drill to the soil type and possibly swap out drills as soil conditions change over the seasons.

What is the best drill for different soil types, soil conditions, and tillage concepts?

Disclaimer: This list is to act as a starting point to help form decisions. It’s best practice to discuss your land type, geographical location, planned crops, and preferred tillage concept with machinery experts, neighbouring farmers, and your agronomist to help create a detailed view of your needs.

Based on soil types

  • Heavy (clay) soils: when wet = combination drill, when dry = cultivation drill
  • Sandy soils = cultivation/ direct drill
  • Silt = cultivation/ direct drill
  • Loam = cultivation/ direct drill
  • Chalky soils = tine drill
  • Peat soils = cultivation drill

Based on soil conditions

  • Wet soil = tine/ combination drill
  • Compacted, wet soil = combination drill
  • Dry = cultivation and direct drills

Based on tillage concepts

  • Controlled traffic method = direct drill/ strip drill
  • Zero-tillage = direct drill
  • Min-til = cultivation

Yes, combination drills are slower as they include an additional soil cultivation step. Direct drills are faster since they skip the heavy cultivation stage.

Yes, the Väderstad Rapid can function as a direct drill, allowing seeds to be sown straight into stubble with minimal soil disturbance. However, it is also designed for versatile drilling, meaning it can be used effectively after conventional cultivation, such as ploughing or deep tillage. This adaptability makes it a popular choice for UK farmers looking to optimise soil health and crop establishment.
Väderstad drills are designed and built in Sweden, at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. Renowned for their precision engineering and durability, Väderstad machines are widely used across the UK and Europe, helping farmers achieve more efficient and consistent seed placement.

The Väderstad Rapid is engineered for high-speed drilling and features single-pass seeding, allowing for direct drilling or use after minimal cultivation. It is well-suited for high-output operations that require efficiency and versatility.

In contrast, the Väderstad Spirit is specifically designed for precision seeding in pre-cultivated soil. It features a pressurised seed metering system and advanced depth control, making it ideal for farmers focused on uniform seed placement and optimised germination rates.

What People Are Saying About AMTEC

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