Orthman’s Unverferth SeedPro 400 seed tender was the highlight at their NAMPO 2024 exhibit. The bulk box seed carrier was introduced to South African farmers for the first time at NAMPO, although it has been on the market abroad for some time.

Brian Nieuwoudt, Orthman’s Regional Manager, explains they would like to scope the interest of South African farmers before making the seed tender a permanent addition in South Africa. At this stage the interest seems very good.

Brian Nieuwoudt, Orthman’s Regional Manager, with the SeedPro 400 on display at NAMPO 2024.

SeedPro 400

This seed tender is designed to transport bulk seed. Seed containers, called Proboxes, are placed on top of the seed tender and each container can carry up to 500 kg of seed. With four containers two tonnes of seed can therefore be transported at once. Additionally, more containers can be added.

The seed can also be separated, a farmer can load maize seed into one container and soya bean seed into another container.

The SeedPro 400’s functions can be controlled from a distance with a manual control. Brian explains you can start the engine, set the seed cart’s acceleration, move the auger around and set how fast it should discharge.

The SeedPro 400 at Orthmans’ stand was fitted with all the specifications and accessories, but Brian explains that you can choose which accessories you want to buy with the seed tender. Although the one shown was built on its own trailer, Brian says it is not necessary. You can also place the seed tender on a trailer and tow it behind your tractor or even a bakkie.

The SeedPro 400 has a Honda engine, and the angle of the auger can be changed, or it can be swung out to right above the planter’s seed tray or trays. It also has a self-loading option, and the auger can be used to load seed from bags into the bins.

“One man can manage the whole seed tender by himself,” explains Brian.

Planter frames

Another big attraction at the exhibition was Orthman’s upgraded planter frames. Brian says most farmers already know Orthman’s planter frames, but the design has recently been adapted. Hydraulic power can now be used to push the foldable wings down. In the past, farmers had to rely on gravity and weights to keep the wings level with the middle part of the beam.

Orthman’s planter frames can now, with the help of hydraulics, also ensure that the beam always stays in position and does not lift when the drawbar is pushed down. The whole planter is therefore better balanced by means of the new technology.

Where an operator previously had to get out to lock the wings in place himself, this is now also done automatically with a hydraulic lock.

Brian explains as technology advances, they also try to improve their tools to adapt.

Graders

Orthman took their famous graders with them to NAMPO. These graders have been on the market for two years. One big advantage is that radar or laser equipment can be added to ensure a level outcome.

Brian says it is unnecessary and expensive to go and buy a big yellow machine which does the same job as their road grader that you can just hook to the back of your tractor.

Orthman’s CS series graders are designed for applications where the removal of material by a backhoe is not necessary, like the construction of terraces, building sites, roads, and of course fields.

The side plates have replaceable front and bottom cutting blades and the grader itself is an A-frame. It has a hydraulic tilt axis for precision grading. Lubricated tips make servicing your grader easy and ensure years of reliable use.

With cutting widths of 305 mm or 350 mm and the ability to move 5,5 or 6,5 cubic metres, the CS graders are particularly suitable for farm work.

Visit their website www.orthman.com to learn more about their wide range of other products also on offer.