Fields of Approval: Farmers Speak Out on the Maschio Gigante Seed Drill
Dec 20, 2023 Posted by Brittany Cunningham
Farming has evolved significantly over the years, with technological advancements playing a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and productivity. One such game-changer is the Maschio Gigante seed drill. Farmers from different parts of Australia are sharing their experiences, and the consensus is clear – Maschio Gigante is a top performer in the field.
Ryan Royer, QLD - Embracing Efficiency
In the vast expanses of Queensland, Ryan Royer found a solution to his farming challenges with the Maschio Gigante 3-metre seed drill. Reflecting on his experience, Ryan expresses his satisfaction with the seamless integration of the Maschio Gigante into his farming operations. "We got into a Maschio Gigante 3 metre seed drill and haven’t looked back since."
"The Maschio is brilliant," says Ryan. He highlights the exceptional performance in the field, particularly in challenging terrains with hard black soil. Once the ISOBUS was configured Ryan reported planting 95 acres with "an excellent strike rate". Ryan also commends the Gigante's covering harrows, emphasising their ability to seed effectively and cut through demanding soil conditions. "The covering harrows are fantastic. It seeds well, it's got a nice lot of weight and will cut through hard black soil like we've got here".
John Stacpoole, VIC - Overcoming Challenges
In Victoria, John Stacpoole attests to the Maschio Gigante's ability to tackle diverse farming conditions. With a focus on trash management and optimal germination, John appreciates the Gigante's prowess in navigating through debris. In times of increased rainfall and challenges in obtaining glyphosate for spraying, the seed drill emerges as a reliable solution.
"People are struggling to buy glyphosate to spray, but we've been able to get out with the disc drill and get through it," says John. His testimony echoes the sentiment shared by farmers shifting towards seed drills, recognising the advantages in handling adverse weather conditions and agricultural residues. "With the Maschio we can go through trash and we're getting really good germination with it."
Mark McDougall, TAS - Diversifying
Mark McDougall, a Tasmanian farmer with a multifaceted agricultural enterprise, recently incorporated the Maschio Gaspardo Gigante Pressure pneumatic direct drill into his operations. Managing a diverse range of activities, from beef cattle farming to potato cultivation, Mark found a new avenue in seed drilling with the Gigante.
Mark expresses enthusiasm about the Gigante's depth control, a crucial factor in achieving precise seeding in challenging conditions. With 210 kilos of downward pressure generated by coil springs on each row unit, the Gigante ensures optimal seed delivery, making it ideal for sod seed direct drilling. Mark emphasises the importance of value for money, highlighting the Gigante's ease of operation and efficiency in various seeding applications.
To date, Mark has drilled permanent pasture into paddocks. The grass is already there so the drilling acts as a top up. He has also drilled oats and turnips and everything in between.
The beauty of the 6m Gigante quickly became evident. As word spreads of its performance, Mark believes his contract seed drilling work will grow.
“Everyone’s happy with it – I mean, you don’t want to be seeding 300 hectares with a three-metre drill,” said Mark. “And I like its capacity – if we really fill it up we could hold 60 to 70 hectares worth of seed, which is more than a day’s drilling.
“It's great because it doesn't tear the ground up – you're not pulling up the root matter from other grass. With tine drills they tear the root matter on the existing grass and when we're topping up the paddocks, we want to maintain as much grass as we can. That's why people like it.”
The Gigante's Impact and Future Prospects
As these testimonials showcase, the Maschio Gigante and its counterparts are transforming the farming landscape in Australia. Whether it's overcoming challenges in diverse terrain, navigating through debris, or achieving precise seeding in various crops, the Gigante has proven its mettle.
Mark McDougall, in particular, anticipates a growing demand for his contracting seed drilling services, thanks to the Gigante's performance and efficiency. As more farmers recognise the benefits of seed drills, the Gigante is poised to become an integral part of modern farming practices, providing not only increased productivity but also sustainability by minimising soil disturbance and preserving existing grass cover.
The Maschio Gigante seed drill is not just a piece of equipment; it's a testament to the continuous innovation driving agriculture forward. As farmers like Ryan Royer, John Stacpoole, and Mark McDougall embrace the Gigante, it's clear that the future of farming is being shaped by technology that enhances efficiency, productivity, and sustainability.
If you are looking to improve efficiency in an ever changing environment Maschio Gigantee could be the ideal solution for you. The team at Delmade are very happy to answer questions you may have. Reach out on 1800 335 623.
