Case IH is introducing the new Flex Hoe™ 900 air drill, which is agronomically designed to help producers efficiently seed small grains, no matter the ground conditions. New for 2020, this model expands the Flex Hoe series of hoe air drills with a durable seeding solution that provides operators the flexibility to make quick adjustments across changing terrains.
“We designed the Flex Hoe 900 for producers who need a reliable air drill they can count on to get their seeds in the ground,” said Trent Nowosad, Case IH marketing manager for seeding equipment. “The Flex Hoe series of air drills has provided a lineup of proven performers for many years, and this new addition for 2020 offers the added flexibility, durability and productivity that producers need today.”
The Flex Hoe 900 is equipped with a proven parallel link opener, designed for exceptional ground contour following to ensure accurate and consistent seed placement. Available in 50-, 60- and 70-foot tool bars with 10- or 12-inch spacing, this air drill features a new, intuitive user interface, so operators can make quick, on-the-go adjustments with ease.
New opener for accurate, consistent seed placement
Designed with agronomic ground-engaging components, the Flex Hoe 900 features a short opener length, creating a true 1-to-1 ratio between the knife and press wheel. This proven parallel link opener — and a shorter, more flexible three-rank frame — yields exceptional ground contour following compared with competitive units for superior crop emergence. Additionally, a lower-weight design improves flotation to minimize soil compaction.
A new, patented QUICK-LOCK depth adjuster is ergonomically positioned at waist height and built with presets for easy, tool-free adjustments on each opener to accommodate changing terrain, eliminating the need for a wrench or any other tools.
“At Case IH, we understand the importance of Agronomic Design. The true 1-to-1 ratio is key to ensuring accurate and consistent seed placement, and the Flex Hoe 900 is one of the few of its kind on the market today with this important feature,” Nowosad said. “When field conditions run the gamut, a parallel link opener paired with the ability to make quick adjustments will ultimately help producers cover more acres.”
New user interface
The Flex Hoe 900 air drill incorporates a user interface with the look and feel that operators of Precision Air™ 5 series air cart and Precision Disk™ air drill operators have come to love. With the Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) Pro 700 display, an intuitive, easy-to-use interface controls opener and frame down pressure from the run screen and comes with five presets to allow easy changes for varying soil conditions — all from the cab. This new software emphasizes operator empowerment by providing them with the tools to fix any unexpected issues right in the field.
To further simplify operation, the Fold Wizard — a feature of the AFS Pro 700 display — prompts the operator when to remove transport lock pins, what remotes to activate and when to activate them, as well as safety reminders. This functional automation takes some of the technical skills out of the tasks, making it easier for the operator to run efficiently — regardless of skill level.
Built for tough and varying soil conditions
The Flex Hoe 900 air drill is built tough through innovative manufacturing practices, such as laser cutting and machine after-welding, which yield stronger and more robust row units. Advanced materials paired with durable components in all joints eliminates wear, while large-diameter chrome pins and sintered metal bushings are used on all pivots to increase uptime and reduce maintenance costs.
“When it’s time to seed, there’s no time for downtime,” Nowosad said. “This spring showed the importance of maximizing tight windows. With the Flex Hoe 900, producers won’t have to worry about fixing or replacing parts when they need to be in the fields.”
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