OPICO has announced the launch of the TJG300 with Stocks Ag 1000L steel hopper. The direct drill is 3m wide, with 20 spring loaded discs spaced at 150mm centres. Featuring a pressurised steel hopper with a 1000L capacity for reduced refill frequency and interchangeable feed block rollers, for sowing a variety of seeds. A High Capacity feed block can be specified for sowing arable crops, and when specified with a high-capacity fan it can achieve seed rates up to 320 kg/ha. Other feed blocks can be used to give further flexibility and the ability to seed grassland, SFIs and cover crops.

The Simtech TJG300 with Stocks Ag 1000L hopper will be on display for the first time at Groundswell show on the Wednesday 1^st and Thursday 2^nd of July 2026. This timely addition to the market qualifies for the FETF44 direct drill grant. Funding was allocated last week and the first batch of successful applicants are now able to order their machines.

T-Slot Technology

The trademark feature of Simtech drills is the opener disc ahead of a distinctive, patented T-slot Z tip coulter. This proven design consistently places seed at a uniform depth in its own micro-environment, providing the ideal conditions for germination and crop establishment. The “inverted T-slot” concept was first invented by John Baker in 1976, while it has been developed and refined by various manufacturers since then, its core principle remains unchanged; a simple, yet highly effective design.

The Z Tip 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). Diagram showing the Z Tip coulter creating the 40mm wide T-Slot opening, in which the seed is placed. Consequently, forage and arable crops established using the T-slot system are able to thrive in both dry and wet growing conditions.

“The Z Tip coulter is a simple, yet effective method for direct drill establishment and Groundswell is an excellent show to demonstrate the drills capabilities” Product Specialist Tom Brookes commented. “These coulters are manufactured from forged steel and equipped with a tungsten tiled tip, which offers extended durability. This contributes to the overall longevity of the drill and help keeps operating costs low, making these drills a cost-effective option”.

Seed Metering

Featuring a Stocks Ag Turbo Jet farmers can now have the simplicity of the Simtech direct drill combined with the precision of a Stocks Ag seeder. Twin digital brushless 12volt electric fans provide high output airflow sufficient for the application of grass seed, SFIs and cover crops. However, the applicator can be specified with an optional hydraulic fan, for arable crop establishment, which can achieve seed rates up to 320 kg/ha.

Stocks’ 4.3 inch colour touchscreen i-CON controller provides automatic forward speed-related rate control for ultimate accuracy. Variable rates can be applied according to mapping data (unlock required). An ISOBUS controlled option is also available if preferred.

There is a choice of 400L or 1000L hopper to suit all requirements, applying seeds at rate of 1 to 320Kg/ha.

Grant Eligible

The Simtech TJG 300 when equipped with the 1000L stocks Ag hopper is eligible for the English FETF44 Direct Drill grant. This item scores 57, with a maximum Grant Payment Amount of 50%, up to the value of £15,067.

(Fig. 2). TJG 300, fitted with Stocks Ag 400L Turbo Jet i-CON.

(Fig. 3). TJG 300, fitted with Stocks Ag 1000L Turbo Jet i-CON.

Parts

Replacement parts for both new and legacy Simtech machines have been made available to order via OPICO’s new online ordering platform “MyOPICO”, my.opico.co.uk/s/simtech. This platform allows drill owners to purchase genuine parts direct to their door.