In the ever-evolving landscape of agricultural technology, innovation continues to streamline operations and increase efficiency. The latest development comes from HeGro Agri Service, which has introduced the Onionmaster 2.25, a fully electric-powered onion and bulb planter designed to revolutionize the planting process. This cutting-edge machine is set to transform the way farmers approach onion planting, making it more efficient and less labor-intensive.
Traditionally, onion planting has required a team effort, with one person operating the tractor and another managing the planting machine. The new Onionmaster 2.25 changes this dynamic by allowing a single operator to control all functions from the cab. This not only reduces labor costs but also enhances precision and consistency in the planting process.
The Onionmaster 2.25 is equipped with a 2,700-liter hopper that can hold approximately 1,600 kilograms of onions, depending on their size. The hopper, conveyor belt, vibrating plates, and transparent hoses to the planting coulters are all mounted on four load cells. These load cells, along with a measuring wheel that tracks driving speed, communicate data to a programmable logic controller (PLC) at the rear of the machine. The PLC performs calculations approximately every 20 meters to ensure the desired planting rate is being met, providing real-time feedback to the operator.
One of the standout features of the Onionmaster 2.25 is its electric power supply. A 1,500 W inverter converts 12V DC to 220V AC, powering the machine without the need for hydraulic components. This electric solution offers greater precision and simplicity, making the machine user-friendly and reducing the need for experienced planting staff. The electric drive also allows for seamless communication with the PLC, eliminating the need for Isobus.
During a demonstration, the Onionmaster 2.25 proved its capabilities in a one-kilometer-long field. The operator, seated in the cab of a Fendt 211 Vario, used a touchscreen display to input the desired dosage in kilograms per hectare and adjust the slide opening to achieve the correct layer thickness on the conveyor. At the headland, the system calculated the amount planted in that run, allowing for real-time verification of the settings. The actual amount deviated by just 7 kilograms from the target, showcasing the machine’s impressive accuracy.
The Onionmaster 2.25 is largely built in-house, with electrical components, vibrating mechanisms, and discharge conveyors sourced from Koops Machines & Techniek. The machine features Duport cutting discs mounted in front of the planting coulters, which move soil aside and slice through crop residue and clods, preventing blockages. The planting coulters themselves are equipped with replaceable wear strips, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance.
The Onionmaster 2.25’s flexible press wheels, mounted behind the planting coulters, apply 90 kilograms of pressure to press the onions firmly into the seedbed. The eight planting units are mounted on a single frame that can oscillate thanks to a parallelogram suspension, ensuring stable planting depth even in challenging field conditions. The machine’s weight distribution and spring-loaded design reduce pressure on the tractor and machine wheels, maintaining a consistent seedbed at speeds of 5 to 8 km/h.
HeGro Agri Service plans to build a 4.5-meter-wide version of the Onionmaster for the next season, in addition to the existing 1.5- and 3-meter versions. The Onionmaster 2.25 is available at a target price of €57,500, making it a competitive option for farmers looking to upgrade their planting equipment.
The introduction of the Onionmaster 2.25 marks a significant step forward in agricultural technology. By streamlining the onion planting process and reducing the need for manual labor, this innovative machine offers farmers a more efficient and precise solution. As the agricultural industry continues to embrace technology, the Onionmaster 2.25 stands as a testament to the potential of agritech to revolutionize traditional practices and drive the future of farming.