air seeders - Challenger

CH9000 SERIES
AIR SEEDERS
Serious Machinery, Serious Results.
SOWING THE SEEDS
Aimed at large scale farming enterprises which strive to be the most
efficient and productive in the industry, Challenger represents high
capacity, rugged and powerful agricultural machinery that is innovative
and technologically superior yet always practical and farmer focused.
Unsurprisingly, Challenger’s seeding equipment comes
with a significant heritage within the industry. Amity
Technology brought to market the first air seeder in the
world with a floating hitch and row-by-row packing –
the renowned Concord Air Drill.
The brand has a long history and is already proven and
admired in Eastern Europe as the market leader in the CIS
countries for air drills, having placed in excess of 600 air
drills in the market during the 1990s and has more than 30
years’ experience in the air seeding business.
Challenger’s parent company AGCO entered into a
joint venture with Amity Technology in January 2011.
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Headquartered in Wahpeton, North Dakota, USA, the
50/50 ownership venture is a symbiotic relationship
between two industry leaders, with ongoing product
integration and over $100 million in annual turnover.
Both partners have made a significant investment in
improvements to the Wahpeton factory since 2011.
With the Air Till Drill, Single Disc Drill and Air Cart
technology, the Challenger 9700 and 9800 series will
offer the most efficient, productive seeding solutions
for serious farming enterprises, where the priority is to
achieve optimum establishment in tight time windows
and on substantial acreages.
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SEEDING
There are a number of seeding
technologies which offer advantages
for different crop requirements.
Ribbon seeding
Ribbon seeding places the seed in a wide band with or without
fertiliser rather than a narrow row, offering optimum use of the
seedbed and allowing for higher fertiliser rates than narrow row
openers. A wide sweep provides weed control in the seeding pass.
This also allows the crop to make better use of available nutrients.
Plant response is a stronger stem, improved rooting and maximum
yields. Ribbon Seeding is successfully used on the CH9700.
Paired Row Spacing
The CH9800 drill is different from other offerings in that breaking out
the soil in the 6 inch seed band is desired. One issue with other no till
drills is not creating enough loose soil to pack with. Open rows with
seeds exposed, a common issue with these other drills, is eliminated
with the CH9800.
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delivery systemS
SINGLE SHOOT
A single delivery system has a single delivery line going direct to the opener.
The distribution line carries seed and can also carry granular fertiliser. This
system offers low overall soil and residue disturbance.
Can be specified on the CH9700 and CH9800.
10cm Ribbon
Double shooT
A double shoot delivery system has two distribution lines to take seeds
and fertiliser to the opener, which may transport seed only, seed and
fertiliser or fertiliser only. It offers low to moderate soil disturbance with
low residue disturbance.
A double shoot system allows the seed and fertiliser to be placed
independently at different locations and depths. Accurate placement of
the fertiliser in the root zone helps the planted crop be more vigorous
and competitive.
Can be specified on the CH9700 and CH9800.
OPENER CHOICE
A disc opener places the seed and/or fertiliser with low soil and residue
disturbance, in a narrow seed row, using on-row press wheel packing.
Discs offer precise depth control and their packer tyres down pressure for
seed placement.
The openers on disc drills must cut through crop residue. Cutting coulters
in front of the openers, residue manager or row cleaner attachments,
down pressure on the discs, opener design, and sharpness of the discs
all influence soil penetration and the ability of disc drills to cut through
crop residues.
Row width: 25.4cm or 38.1cm
Disc openers are successfully used on the CH9800.
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Important factors iN
Your priorities are our priorities, and are taken into account every step of the way in designing
Challenger drills. Selecting the right implement for the crop establishment is a testing issue for
farmers, but one that is absolutely crucial. We are all aiming for early and consistent germination
that gives the crop the best possible chance of achieving improved yields, but alongside this
common aim there are a number of other variables.
Cropping practice, tillage strategy, soil type,
crop residues, and the level of investment
available all have to be taken into consideration.
Farmers also want to cut input costs, help protect
their soil and the environment and provide
themselves with safeguards against difficult
weather and market conditions.
With all the available seeder options on the
market, knowing what to look for, and how to
assess a suitable seeding system before buying
becomes highly important.
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Seeders need to be adaptable for different crops
and conditions since no two years are the same.
Sowing consistency, ground penetration and
effective packing will show their worth especially
when the going gets tough.
Seeding equipment has to work as part of an
overall system, so its ability to place fertiliser may
be significant, and the quality of field finish will
impact on the efficiency of sprayers and other
following machinery.
In addition, machine capacity needs to match
available horsepower and field size.
Time during the critical seeding season is always
at a premium, and ease of use is paramount to
keep a machine working to the maximum, from the
very first field to the end of the season.
The efficiency of the implement should not be
overlooked, while durability and low maintenance
requirement cut the costs of ownership.
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CH9700 SERIES Air Till Drill
The CH9700 Air Till Drill offers one-pass seeding and exceptional
yield potential from a tine system.
With a 15cm (5.5in) wide ribbon of seed and 10cm (4.5in)
or 15cm (6in) between rows, seed bed utilisation is the
highest available with a packed row. Plant response results
in a stronger stem, superior roots and maximum yields.
ribbon and below or to the side of the seed. This system
offers the utmost flexibility in fertiliser placement.
The weight of the drill and its wide packing wheels means
the Air Till Drill offers superior seed-to-soil contact.
Fertiliser can be placed with the seed in a 14cm (5.5in)
seed and fertiliser ribbon, or can be placed in the seed
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Models
WORKING
WIDTH
(m)
No of
Openers
Opener
Spacing
(mm)
NO OF FRAME
SECTION
TRANSPORT
WIDTH
(m)
Est HP
CH9730-4010
12,2
48
254
3
6,4
360-430
CH9750-5010
15,2
60
254
5
6,4
350-380
CH9750-5105
15,2
40
380
5
6,4
350-380
CH9750-6010
18,3
72
254
5
6,4
420-460
CH9750-6015
18,3
48
380
5
6,4
420-460
CH9800 SERIES Single Disc Drill
CH9900 SERIES Air Carts
Whatever your preferred seeding regime – direct
seeding, minimum till or conventional seedbeds, the
CH9800 Single Disc Drill works equally well.
Challenger Air Carts are the ideal way to deliver
seed and fertiliser to Challenger drills as well
as handling commodities for other seeding and
fertiliser applications.
The CH9800 Single Disc Drill has proven performance in a variety of soil, residue and moisture conditions.
Single disc openers require less down pressure for soil penetration with reduced soil disturbance
compared to double disc openers.
Advanced stainless steel air carts and meters offer a lifetime of durable, efficient and low
maintenance operation.
The CH9800 Single Disc Drill uses patented opposing single discs on a single strut. Designed
for optimum performance at forward speeds of 12-16kph, this is a drill that really covers the
hectares, and as it is available in working widths of 9, 12 and 15m, it matches perfectly to larger
scale operations. Down pressure adjustment from the comfort of the tractor cab eliminates the
need for opener adjustments.
The metering system has been re-engineered so it is virtually maintenance-free and will
gently handle all types of seed (including small seeds), yet accurately deliver any type
of granular fertiliser without corrosion or excessive maintenance. Reversible auger drive
offers easy loading or unloading of the Air Carts
Ease of depth settings, minimal in-season maintenance, easy access to openers and few pivot
points reduce downtime and maximise productivity.
New ISO compliant monitors offer state-of-the-art technology and are compatible with
most other in-cab terminals and many mapping application technologies.
WORKING
WIDTH
(m)
No of
Openers
Opener
Spacing
(mm)
NO OF
FRAME
SECTION
TRANSPORT
WIDTH
(m)
Est HP
Models
CH9830-30
9,10
48
150-230
3
4.3
210-270
CH9830-40FH
12,2
64
150-231
3
5.8
280-360
CH9830-40HLA
12,2
64
150-232
3
5.8
280-360
CH9850-50
15,2
80
150-233
5
6.6
350-450
CH9850-60
18,3
96
150-234
5
6.6
420-540
Models
No of
COMPARTMENTS
COMPARTMENT
SPLITS
(l)
Total
Capacity
CH9920-280
2
3946/5920
9866
CH9920-335
2
4757/7048
11805
CH9930-380
3
4510/5567/3313
13390
CH9930-525
3
6167/7929/4404
18500
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The CH9700 Air Till Drill for
versatile one-pass seeding
The Air Till Drill is a highly efficient one-pass seed and fertiliser solution which uses proven
technology for versatile drilling offering superb establishment and yield potential at optimum margins.
The Air Till Drill uses a shank opener designed to lift the soil as it works and a design which enables
seeding at high forward speeds, giving exceptional work rates. The system offers a wide choice of
fertiliser placement options.
Seeding for maximum yields
Drills to suit your farm and cropping
Ribbon-seeded bands offer the seed the space to develop a good root system and
make the most of available nutrients. With a 14cm (5.5in) wide ribbon of seed and
only 11cm (4.5in) between rows, at band spacings of 25 and 38cm, seed bed
utilisation is the highest available with a packed row. The plant response is to
produce a much stronger stem, superior roots and maximum yields.
Shanks are optimally placed on the Air Till Drill for maximum residue clearance.
Optional cutting coulters are available to allow operation in extreme residue
conditions such as maize or sunflower stalks.
The standard ‘edge on’ shank can be fitted with a low disturbance shovel and its flat
edge and narrow profile at the base gives a shallow angle of attack for a good soil
flow. As an option, the C shank can be fitted which allows the use of a wide sweep.
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There is a choice of working width - 12m (40ft), 15m (50ft) and 18m (60ft) models
to suit a wide range of farming operations and available tractor horsepower.
Effective packing in all conditions
The Air Till Drill weighs significantly more than competitive drills and combined with
its wide packing wheels, ensures the best chance for seed-to-soil contact and
maximum germination.
Packing wheels are mounted on walking beams, each separately spring mounted to
the drill frame, so packing remains uniform even on stony or rutted ground.
Flexible seed and fertiliser options
Depending on the choice of seed openers, fertiliser can be placed with the seed in a
14cm (5.5in) seed and fertiliser ribbon, or a portion of the fertiliser can be placed in
the seed ribbons and the remainder below the seed or off to the side. This seeding
system offers the most flexibility in fertiliser placement to match crop requirements
and tillage regimes.
High operating speeds
When row spacing is narrow and opener soil disturbance is high, the rear furrow
openers may throw soil into the furrows made by openers mounted at the front of
the seeding implement causing seeding depth to vary from row to row. This
‘stepping’ effect is eliminated by fitting a pair of disc levelers to either side of the
tine, allowing higher forward speeds and thus greater outputs to be achieved,
without compromising field finish.
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Ease of operation
Positive depth control gives absolute control of each drill section,
with easy and sure depth control changes via collars. Coloured
stops assist in keeping all cylinders the same.
Low Maintenance
There are no routine maintenance items on the seed rows and
daily greasing is confined to a few points on the transport
assemblies, while seasonal greasing of packer wheels is all that
is required. Revolutionary seal design ensures that bearings will
last many years with minimum maintenance.
Stepping
The best-in-industry disc levelers on the CH9700 prevent
stepping effects that limit most drills on the market. As operating
speeds increase shanks are prone to throwing more soil farther
from the furrow, often causing rear openers to bury furrows made
by the front mounted openers. Our optional disc levelers contain
this soil immediately, allowing the closing wheels to properly seal
the furrow. With the Challenger drill you can seed at high speeds
with ease and comfort, knowing that you have precise control
over the depth of your seed.
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CH9800
SINGLE DISC DRILL
This paired row, single disc model is effective under a wide
range of tillage practices from conventional through to
direct seeding regimes.
It offers simplicity and efficiency through on the go seeding depth and down pressure adjustment and
optional built-in mid-row fertiliser banding.
Productivity is enhanced by simple, precise depth setting across the drill, achieved by placing depth control
collars in the frame lift cylinders. The desired setting is maintained by the packer.
With minimal soil disturbance and by eliminating stepping the SDD can be operated at the optimum forward
speeds for the local conditions, increasing outputs.
This is a drill designed to minimise downtime with its heavy duty frame and world class welding quality for a
long, trouble-free life and low maintenance requirements.
It also has fewest moving parts per row of any drill of this type which means fewer grease points, fewer
service parts and low cost of ownership.
Working widths of 9-18m are available to suit a wide range of farm sizes.
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NO STEPPING
A limiting efficiency factor of most
drills is that with any amount of speed,
trailing rows cover front rows forcing
the operator to slow down.
The CH9800 single disc drills displaces the soil between each pair of
discs then use the following press wheels to pack the soil.
The press wheels are skewed for self cleaning and leave level fields.
The CH9800 can be driven at any speed that conditions allow without
concerns for stepping.
3 degrees
3 degrees
CH9800 Single disc
opener toolbar
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Designed to work at higher
forward speeds
All openers are on individual toolbars, achieved by
arranging the seed rows in a 152-228mm (6-9in)
paired row, a design which eliminates stepping
and allows higher forward speeds.
Each independent toolbar comprises of four single disc openers, two packer tyres each
packing two rows and two optional fertiliser discs.
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Optimum seed-to-soil contact
Ease of operation
Depth control is achieved without a gauge wheel, which results in minimal
hairpinning, increased accuracy in high residue conditions and less compaction.
Down pressure can be set on the go from the tractor seat, without the need for
adjustment at the opener. Hydraulic cylinders on each tool bar connected on a
parallel circuit maintain equal pressure on all rows regardless of the terrain. A
digital display on the in-cab control indicates the amount of pressure being applied.
The heavy duty single disc seed openers open the soil in a 15cm (6in) seed band
ensuring that there is sufficient loose soil to pack with, so that the seeds are
securely covered.
The five degree angle and three degree tilt of the seed discs creates the slot
for the seed without compacting or smearing the side wall of the seed trench.
Excellent seed-to-soil-contact is achieved, and with unrestricted root growth,
larger potential yields can be realised.
While the CH9800 drill displaces soil and residue in the 15cm (6in) seeding zone,
the 23cm (9in) between the paired row of seeds is untouched. Residue in that
area is left standing to protect the seedlings as they emerge.
Full width packing
The pneumatic packing tyre packs the full width of the seed row, following the
contours of the land.
By running the packer at approximately five degrees from straight ahead, the soil
is pressed more firmly into the seed rows for enhanced seed to soil contact and
improved cleaning in sticky conditions.
Setting depth precisely across the drill is achieved by simply by placing depth
control collars in the frame lift cylinders. As the frame is lowered the discs
penetrate more, as the frame is raised the discs penetrate less. Once set, the
packer maintains the desired setting due to its close proximity to the discs.
Frame leveling is simplicity itself with one adjustment per wing and no front to
back leveling required.
REDUCE THE RISK OF Hairpinning
Excessive crop residues can create problems for some disc drills by interfering
with disc penetration into the soil and forcing the uncut straw or residue into
the opener furrow, known as ‘hairpinning’. When hairpinning occurs, the straw
and residue ‘pop-up’ after the drill passes leaving the seed on the soil surface.
Moisture can wick away from the seed trench and poor seed-to-soil contact
leads to poor germination and hits yields. In wet conditions hairpinned residue
leads to disease problems.
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OUR Air Carts deliver with
Challenger Air Carts deliver seed and fertiliser to the CH9700 and CH9800
drills with exceptional precision. They are user-friendly, versatile and robust –
perfect for drilling and commodity handling for a wide range of applications.
High capacity, versatile hoppers
Hoppers are stainless steel for a long working life and low
maintenance and offer high capacities - 9867 litres (10
tonnes) for the CH9920-280 and 11,805 litres (12 tonnes) for
the CH9920-335 model, with two compartments.
The impressive 13,400 litre CH9930-380 and 18,500 litre
CH9930-525 models have three compartments to maximise
product use efficiency.
The CH9920-335 and CH9930-525 also offer the option of
dual air streams allow fertiliser to be placed through separate
delivery lines on the drill. A second fan means that the dual air
stream can deliver substantial rates of seed and fertiliser to
high output drills. Meters on the dual air option feature baffles
that allow the operator to direct the flow of material into either
air stream.
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Accurate,
maintenance-free metering
The metering system gently handles all types of seed and can
deliver granular fertiliser without suffering corrosion.
Rust-proof stainless steel meters are housed in a stainless
meter box assembly for minimal service costs. Bearings are
located on the exterior of the meter box for easier greasing
and a longer life.
Choose from four metering rollers to match seed or
product size.
Metering drives for GREATER reliability
There is a choice of metering system drive. The hydraulically driven version uses a
simple meter slide gate to offer a vast range of rates, giving variable rate seeding and
fertiliser capability. The meters work from the fan hydraulic circuit so no additional
drives are required.
Ground drive uses a simple, service-free magnetic clutch for reliability in all conditions.
Easy to fill and user-friendly
The large capacity reversible onboard auger can be used for loading or unloading and
employs cupped poly flighting for gentle handling of the seed or fertiliser.
Compartments are designed for minimal residue holding, important for switching crops
or varieties. Easy access through the large compartment lids makes quick work of
removing any remaining seeds.
A single hydraulic circuit with an output of 99l/min powers the blower, loading auger
and variable rate meters. Simple controls divert the oil to the loading auger or stop the
blower for meter calibration.
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Fertiliser placement for
Nutrient availability to the seedling is one of the most important factors affecting
crop development, health and ultimately yield. Research by Montana University
showed that 30-40 per cent of surface applied urea can be lost to the atmosphere if
there is limited rain after application, even in cold or damp conditions.
Placing fertiliser accurately at seeding ensures that nutrients are
available at crucial growth stages, and can eliminate additional
machinery passes, reducing compaction risks and cutting costs.
the fertiliser germinate in safety from the nitrogen undergoing the
nitrification process. The plant proliferates its root system to where it
senses the nutrient radiating out from the band of fertiliser.
Correct placement promotes a rapid early growth, makes early interrow cultivation possible for better weed control and reduces fixation of
P & K. However, fertiliser can be harmful if placed too close to the seed
and/or at too high a rate. This is especially true of nitrogen fertilisers
that release ammonia gas into the soil.
Fertiliser placed too near a seed row will also create a local ‘salt
effect’, where seed germination is prevented or delayed or seedling
roots are damaged due to the fertiliser salts pulling soil moisture away
from the seed.
Plants that experience fertiliser toxicity have difficulty developing
a healthy root system. Seeds placed at an optimum location from
Nitrogen and nitrates (N & N03)
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Optimal seed-to-fertiliser placement ensures roots can become
established by keeping seeds away from the area of fertiliser salinity.
Ammonia (NH3 and ammonium (NH4) - toxic
Seed killed
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SIDE BANDING INITIAL PLACEMENT
254mm
MID ROW BANDING INITIAL PLACEMENT
127mm
127mm
75mm
SIDE BANDING PLACEMENT - WEEK 4
254mm
MID ROW BANDING PLACEMENT - WEEK 4
127mm
127mm
200mm
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Side banding
After planting moisture and nearby nutrients are
immediately absorbed. Absorbing ammonia (NH3) can
severely damage the seed. Absorbing ammonium (NH4)
leads to slow development and reduced plant growth.
Within 24 hours the band of ammonia and ammonium will grow to typical 75mm in diameter in
normal conditions, and larger in dry or sandy soil.
After one week, generally 30 to 40% of the nitrogen has been converted to nitrate (NO3). Many of
the seeds are still being subjected to NH4 which can be toxic to the plant in higher concentrations.
The seed and seedlings are also being subjected to high levels of salt caused by the tight band.
Seeds placed too close to the nitrogen concentration have been killed. Seeds further from the
concentration may suffer mild to severe damage.
After four weeks, most of the nitrogen has now been converted into NO3. The nitrogen has now
diffused to a 150mm to 200mm wide band. The nitrogen is now far less concentrated and the salt
effect stress on the plant has eased considerably. Plant density has been reduced due to fertiliser
toxicity and/or salt effect.
The plants that have survived are generally beginning to recover.
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Mid-row banding
Mid-row banding encourages an extensive plant root system that draws in
moisture and nutrients contained in the soil. This system provides enough
distance to prevent nitrogen from damaging the seed, but close enough for
the seedling roots to quickly find the fertiliser.
Within 24 hours of being injected into the soil, nitrogen will radiate
to a 75mm diameter as ammonia (NH3) or ammonium (NH4).
Where the fertiliser has been placed in a mid-row band, the seed is
out of harm’s way while the nitrogen is in the NH3 and NH4 forms.
A small amount of nitrate (NO3) has formed, and begins moving
away from the core of the concentrated band - research has shown
that NO3 from a mid-row band can reach the plants in as little as
two days.
The seed has sprouted, with roots beginning to project downwards
and outwards. The emerging seedling is feeding off the nitrogen
found in the seed, soil and phosphate fertiliser. Roots will also
intercept some of the N03 which has reached the seed row from
the mid-row band.
After four weeks, the nitrogen has diffused outwards to produce
a band width of 150- 200mm with approximately 90% of the
nitrogen now being in the more usable NO3 form.
The plant roots have grown into the nitrate band and increased
in thickness to reflect the availability of nitrate in that area.
Typically at the four week interval, plants have consumed 20%
of the nitrogen that they will require in their growth cycle. Root
development is extensive.
Mid-row coulters allow for fertiliser placement with very little soil
disruption, helping to preserve existing moisture and standing
stubble. A narrow seed-only opener can be used to minimise soil
disturbance and maintain the integrity of the seedbed.
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- GET THE BEST FROM YOUR CHALLENGER SEEDER
Challenger offers the industry’s most advanced function control and precision farming technologies.
The result is more efficiency, lower input costs and greater profitability. On the CH900 drill range there
is a state-of-the-art electronic system to monitor and control all air cart functions.
Monitoring
Wireless blockage monitoring
The C-1000 virtual terminal features a full colour screen which displays all important
information in a logical, operator-friendly layout.
Inaccurate sowing due to blockages in an air seeder’s system and resulting uneven
establishment and yield loss can be avoided with the Wireless Blockage Monitor on
Challenger drills.
Seeding rate, hopper level status, hectares covered, ground speed and fan speed are
displayed on the home screen for monitoring at a glance. NH3 application can also be
specified as an option.
Calibration screens are simple to access and displayed for ease of use.
All functions and data are easily to hand, for effortless, intuitive operation of the drill.
• 7” Diagonal Colour Display
• Soft Key Control
• (1) Video Camera Input
Challenger drills are also ISObus-compatible to be used with an existing ISO terminal,
where fitted to the tractor.
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This innovative, acoustic-based monitoring solution for air seeding implements
provides quick and accurate notification of blockages anywhere on the implement.
The system monitors every opener on the implement and uses the Apple iPad to
instantly display blockages.
As seed leaves the manifold and enters the sensor, it impacts a stainless steel
membrane, causing a small pulse of sound. Those pulses are transferred through
a tube to the ECU, which converts all the analogue audio pulses into digital signals
transmits them wirelessly to the iPad in the cab of the tractor.
Easy to use
One screen contains all the information you need to run the monitor and shows which runs
on specific manifolds are blocked. A screen shot of the blockage locations can be taken to
simplify clearing blockages.
The Wireless Blockage and Flow Monitor also displays variances from manifold to manifold,
delivering a more complete view of how the drill is performing.
This system is easy to install and configure, and is self-calibrating for different products
and rates.
Total reliability
The wireless interface between the ECUs and display results in a system with significantly
fewer connections than optical and electromechanical systems, for increased reliability.
Adaptable for different seeding systems
The Wireless Blockage Monitor also provides options for operations using multiple product
types and rates through dual-shooting or mid-row banders.
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AIR SEEDERS
CH9000 SERIES
Serious Machinery, Serious Results.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this publication is as accurate and current as
possible. However, inaccuracies, errors or omissions may occur and details of the specifications may be changed at
any time without notice. Therefore, all specifications should be confirmed with your Challenger Dealer or Distributor
prior to any purchase.
Visit the Challenger Site: www.challenger-ag.com or for Challenger Merchandise: www.challengerstore.com
Cat®, Caterpillar® and Challenger® are registered trademarks
of Caterpillar Inc. and are used under licence by AGCO.
© AGCO Limited. 2014 | A-A-15381/0414