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.
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.
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.
We have direct drilling machinery from the most popular manufacturers including:
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!
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:
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.
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.
Yes, combination drills are slower as they include an additional soil cultivation step. Direct drills are faster since they skip the heavy cultivation stage.
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.