Solatronic comes as standard on an Ares drill. It is simple to program and monitors forward speed, area sown, fan speed and hopper low seed level, but with mechanical drive to the metering mechanism. The tramline sequence is operated automatically as the markers are raised at the end of each bout. The 2+2 tramline shut-offs save seed to the hopper for a clear start to each tramline.

Solatronic Lite controls the tramline sequence with 2+2 tramline shut offs and monitors the forward speed, area sown, fan speed and hopper low seed level. In addition, Solatronic Lite will also provide electric drive to the metering unit. The forward speed is provided by a GPS sensor mounted on the drill. The single control box then gives the operator fingertip control of:

Automatic rate calibration : simply input the seed weight collected during the calibration procedure and the required sowing rate, then the Lite will automatically adjust the metering to the precise setting for the target sowing rate.

On-the-move rate adjustment : at the touch of a button, the operator can increase or decrease the sowing rate to suit the needs of individual parts of the field . . for more efficient and optimum use of expensive seed.

Variable Rate : (Option) A software unlock and connection cable allow the Solatronic Lite to be connected to a GPS unit  to follow pre-prepared variable rate sowing maps.

KRM Auto-Switch can be linked to Solatronic Lite  for automatic on/off seeding control at headlands. This accurate start/stop prevents over sowing or misses and allows the centre of the field to be drilled leaving an accurate headland border. Auto-Switch can also follow a pre-prepared GPS variable sowing rate map to automatically adjust the sowing rate.

As a Solo drill the Ares is available in 4, 4.5, 4.8, 5 and 6m widths. Even in wider widths the compact design of this drill allows a low horsepower, lightweight tractor to be used. Resulting in reduced fuel usage and compaction whilst maintaining high daily work rates.

The Ares is also available with an integrated cultivator. The design allows the weight of the hopper contents to remain close to the tractor for reduced lift requirement. It features two rows of adjustable tines to provide initial loosening prior to sowing. Suitable for use in a wide range of conditions including heavy, wet soils and Min-Till incorporated seed beds. The cultivator frame can be raised or lowered, allowing the operator to adjust the amount of seedbed cultivation to match field requirements.

Elite tine coulters can be mounted in three or four rows on equal length arms. Pressure is supplied by a heavy duty spring positioned at a shallow angle below the tine. This geometry ensures that for each movement of the tip the corresponding deflection of the spring is small resulting in more even pressure and therefore depth. This system works equally well when shallow drilling (rape) or deep drilling (peas) as well as in varying soil conditions.

The 3 rows of high clearance and large stagger Elite coulters allow material to flow through in the most difficult cloddy, stony or incorporated min-till seedbeds without blockage. Short coulter arms allow high forward speeds without “bounce” for increased daily work rates. The special Elite coulter tip is shaped to give positive penetration and trash clearance but not lift wet, cloddy soil. Central depth setting working through a parallelogram linkage ensures pressure on all coulters is identical for constant depth setting. Individual coulter pressure can be adjusted if required.

For “low disturbance” sowing the PT coulter has a very narrow tip, angled forward for positive penetration with the seed delivery tube positioned behind. The tine is tungsten carbide tipped to minimise wear giving the benefits of maximum working life in the hardest conditions and low operating costs.

The PT coulter will operate in hard dry or in very wet conditions providing positive depth control with minimal soil disturbance to minimise blackgrass seed germination, so helping reduce any blackgrass infestation.

PT Tine coulters are mounted in 4 rows of equal length arms for each row. Special shaped arm and a spring mounted above the coulter ensure maximum clearance to prevent risk of blockage in Min-Till or Direct seedbeds. The narrow tip reduces tractor horsepower requirement and central depth setting working through a parallelogram linkage ensures pressure on all coulters is identical for constant sowing depth. Individual coulter pressure can be adjusted if required.

For working in reduced tillage or conventional seedbeds, when precise control of sowing depth is required, KRM with Sola has developed a Double Disc coulter system for positive penetration and depth even at higher forward speeds, but with minimal disturbance of the seedbed to conserve moisture and prevent secondary weed germination.

To achieve this, each double disc coulter consists of two 350mm diameter boron steel flat discs. The discs are staggered to leave a narrow seed furrow. This minimises the movement of soil to create the ideal seed furrow, but also provides a self-cleaning effect to prevent blockage when working in high residue or difficult seedbeds. Discs are mounted on maintenance-free ball bearings and can be adjusted for wear to maintain the correct spacing between the discs. A rubber depth control wheel behind each double disc coulter ensures that seed is always placed at the same depth, even in varying soil conditions and even when operating at higher forward speeds. Pressing of the soil by the depth control wheel provides positive soil to seed contact, close to moisture for rapid germination and emergence.

Triggered automatically when the drill enters a tramling bout these markers with their big diameter scalloped disc's leave a clear mark for the sprayer to follow. The angle of the disc can be adjusted for an optimal mark and the width of them is easily tweaked. Symmetrical or asymmetric tramling can be accommodated.

All Ares-P drills have two externally mounted distribution heads. Half width shut off is achieved by splitting the metering unit in two and driving each half independently. This removes the need for complex valve arrangements and ensures a clean start/stop when switched. When used with GPS the system also offers section control, switching off half of the drill to reduce over drilling on residual widths and in short work.