OPICO has added the Simtech range of direct drills to its portfolio of products. A mix of specialist grassland seeders and more mainstream arable machines, the line-up includes straightforward mechanical box-drills and wider, more sophisticated pneumatic units.

The smaller, simpler gravity-fed box drills start at 1.8m with the VT180 model aimed at the viticultural market and also include the popular TSG240 and TSG300 grass drills and TS300 arable direct drill. With options for both grassland and arable, the range of air drills starts at 3m and runs through to the range topping 6m TS6004A which utilises a front tank and rear coulter frame. Grain only or grain and fertiliser split hoppers are available and additional metering units can be fitted for multi-species establishment in one pass. 

The Simtech brand was established by George Simon in 2005, its trademark feature being an opener disc in front of a distinctive, patented T-slot coulter. Known for its ability to consistently place seed at a uniform depth in its own micro-environment, the design is well-proven in providing the ideal conditions for germination and crop establishment.

The T-slot coulter creates a 40mm wide opening with a permeable base in which to place the seed. In grassland, growing roots from the existing sward are pruned which allows the newly placed seed to germinate and outcompete the remaining species when stitching in to existing leys. Where the drill is used to establish a new ley or arable crop, the seed is placed in a free-draining, weather-proof micro-environment ideal for germination and early growth (Fig. 1). Consequently, forage and arable crops established using the T-slot system are able to thrive in both dry and wet growing conditions.

Having taken over the reins, OPICO will maintain the established Simtech hybrid distribution model selling the drills direct to farm and through specialist dealers. The Lincs-based distributor has set up a web shop where customers can purchase wearing metal and spare parts which can be delivered direct to the farm the next day. https://my.opico.co.uk/ 

“OPICO has a proven track record with no-till crop establishment equipment and can see great potential with the Simtech range in helping farmers work towards cost-effective, financially sustainable arable and forage crop production,” says OPICO managing director James Woolway.

“We have nearly 60 years’ experience in supplying and supporting agricultural machinery throughout the UK. We hold over £1 million worth of spare parts at our warehouse and can pack and ship next day to the majority of the UK – we know how important back-up is to the farmer.”

Technical support will be provided through the OPICO service team with over-the-phone advice as well as a team of field-based technicians.

Simtech drills are eligible for grant funding through the Scottish FFIS and English FETF schemes as well as a number of other regionally administered support and funding options. OPICO’s sales team is well-briefed to advise on the various options.

Contact OPICO: 01778 421111

https://www.simtechuk.com/

Technical and sales enquiries: Tom Brookes, Product Specialist – tom.brookes@opico.co.uk or 07508 875189