BRANDON – When Morris Industries introduced its 650-bushel Eight Series XL cart, all variable rate models came standard with hydraulic drive metering rather than ground drive.
“All four tanks are equipped for variable rate. The hydraulic motors are controlled by the monitor in the cab,” said Don Henry of Morris at the recent Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon.
“The variable rate carts still have the traditional Morris metering units with fluted rollers. And it’s still easy to switch between single shoot, double shoot and triple shoot.
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“There’s sectional control for each side, but we expect to increase the sectional capability. We’re certainly being questioned on that by our customers.”
The XL cart displayed at Brandon was equipped with a conveyor rather than an auger.
Henry said the conveyor is becoming more popular with farmers who grow pulses and other delicate crops because they get better germination percentages when seeds are handled gently.
Cleanout time is another advantage, Henry said. One complete revolution completely cleans the conveyor.
“The conveyor moves 60 bushels per minute. That’s 3,600 bushels per hour.”
Both the standard auger and the conveyor are available with a hydraulically operated steering system to locate it directly under the truck hoppers.
“You use just one lever to move it in or out and from tank to tank,” Henry said.
“Most of the guys filling a cart this size use a trailer. You need an auger that’s easily manoeuvreable like this to go from hopper to hopper without wasting seeding time. With 60 bu. per minute capacity and hydraulic steering, I’d say you’re looking at 20 to 25 minutes for a complete fill.”
Henry said producers have penciled out the numbers on seeding equipment and know that their investment in a big drill and a big tractor is compromised if they don’t have a big cart. It’s just as bad if they have a big cart that takes an hour to fill.
Big is fine when the weather’s fine. But when it’s wet, big can be a problem.
“That’s a lot of weight to pull in the mud. It’s definitely a consideration, especially at the back where you carry most of the weight. That’s going to be a challenge for all of us this spring. We may find that we need to adapt different tires for better flotation.”
Depending on options, an Eight Series XL cart carries a price tag of $130,000 to $170,000.
For more information, contact Don Henry at 306-933-8585 or visit www.morris-industries.com.
