Farmers seeking to enhance their drilling operations with advanced technology may soon find a promising solution in the new Lemken Solitair ST. Designed for maximum flexibility, efficiency, and power, this innovative seeding machine combines multiple operations into a single pass, significantly streamlining the planting process. With a robust working width of 12 metres, the Solitair ST is engineered to accommodate a variety of front implements, making it a versatile addition to any agricultural operation.
One of the standout features of the Solitair ST is its adaptability. Farmers can select from an array of implements tailored to their specific needs. For instance, when a defined row pre-consolidation is necessary to enhance seed contact with the soil, the machine can be equipped with a plastic trapezoidal roller. This tool not only prepares the seedbed but also ensures smooth operation of the seeding coulters, contributing to precise depth control. If a levelled and further crumbled seedbed is desired, a levelling tine section can be fitted, enhancing seed placement quality.
Moreover, targeted soil loosening is achievable with the integration of corrugated discs as a leading tool in front of the OptiDisc seeding coulter. This setup creates fine soil in the seed furrow area, optimizing conditions for seed placement while simultaneously conserving water through selective soil loosening. Such innovative features reflect a growing trend in agritech towards equipment that not only boosts productivity but also promotes sustainable farming practices.
The Solitair ST is built with efficiency in mind, featuring a pressure-resistant double hopper available in two configurations: a 6,000-litre version divided into two equal hopper sections or a 7,000-litre version split into 3,000 and 4,000-litre sections. The design incorporates a plastic hopper and a modular metering system that is resistant to fertilisers, enhancing durability and maintenance ease. With 600-mm openings equipped with screw lids and container filters, the system is designed for optimal functionality.
In terms of metering and placement, the Solitair ST’s basic version comes equipped with four metering units per hopper section, each supplying a distributor with seed. This setup allows for manual width section control, promoting efficient seed distribution. The four modular metering units also facilitate a single-shot process that can handle two different components simultaneously. Positioned directly above the OptiDisc coulter bar, the distributor heads ensure optimal transverse seed distribution, which is crucial for successful crop emergence.
The coulter bar itself features parallelogram-guided double disc coulters and trailing depth control rollers, allowing for seed or fertiliser placement at a row spacing of either 12.5 cm or an optional 16.7 cm. Both the hydraulic OptiDisc H version, capable of applying up to 70 kg of coulter pressure, and the mechanical OptiDisc M version, which offers up to 45 kg of pressure, provide farmers with flexibility in adapting to various soil conditions. The ability to adjust coulter pressure and seed depth independently ensures consistent seed placement, even at high forward speeds and across diverse soil types.
As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, the introduction of the Solitair ST is a timely advancement. With its ability to follow ground contours thanks to a divided coulter bar supported by a central section, farmers can expect improved performance, especially on uneven terrain. The design also allows the coulter bar to be raised at headlands, facilitating quick and gentle turns, further enhancing operational efficiency.
Set to be available in limited numbers from autumn 2025, with full-scale production commencing in 2026, the Lemken Solitair ST is poised to make a significant impact on modern farming practices. As farmers increasingly seek solutions that combine efficiency with sustainability, this innovative machine may well represent the future of precision agriculture.