Two Suffolk-made agricultural machines are set to be launched at LAMMA 2016, the UK’s largest agricultural and machinery show.

East Anglian Daily Times: The new ClaydonTerraStar, which provides a simple, low-cost, low disturbance, shallow cultivation option for farmers.The new ClaydonTerraStar, which provides a simple, low-cost, low disturbance, shallow cultivation option for farmers. (Image: Archant)

Family firm Claydon Drills, which was founded by farm engineering expert Jeff Claydon, will be launching the Claydon Hybrid T4 4m trailed drill and the Claydon TerraStar at the event, which takes place at the East of England Showground in Peterborough on January 20 and 21.

The firm, which specialises in direct strip seeding technology and exports its products all over the world, designs and makes the machines at its base in Wickhambrook, near Newmarket.

The Claydon Hybrid T4 4m trailed drill is based on the pioneering system which the company has perfected over the last 13 years and builds on the success of its existing range of drills, the firm says.

It can be used to deliver seed only or a combination of seed and fertiliser, a system which is becoming increasingly popular with farmers and agricultural contractors throughout Europe and Scandinavia.

East Anglian Daily Times: The new Claydon Hybrid T4 drill, which can deliver seed only or a combination of seed and fertiliser.The new Claydon Hybrid T4 drill, which can deliver seed only or a combination of seed and fertiliser. (Image: Archant)

The method, which involves placing the seed at exactly the required depth, is “highly effective” in encouraging very deep, complex rooting structures, it says.

Versatile, flexible, simple and with low operating costs, the Hybrid T4 incorporates 13 individually adjustable tungsten carbide leading tines which eliminate compaction, aerate the soil, optimise drainage and create tilth for the seeding zone. The following seeding tines create additional tilth and place the seed at exactly the required depth, above the drainage channel. This highly effective system encourages very deep, complex rooting structures to develop quickly, which minimises soil erosion and ultimately leads to stronger, healthier crops with improved yield potential.

It can also include four cameras to enable the operator to monitor the drill from the tractor cab, six work lights, a range of seeding tines to suit different crops and conditions, blockage sensors and a front tool bar to carry cutting discs or press wheels.

The Claydon TerraStar is aimed at complementing the Claydon Straw Harrow and aims to provide farmers with a simple, low-cost, low disturbance, shallow cultivation option. It can be used as a mechanical weeder.