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Variocast seeders are typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets.
The Variocast range includes the Variocast 8, a pneumatic mechanical seeder where the seed roller metering is driven by a land wheel. The Variocast is also offered as an electronic seeder, where the metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed metering - the 8E, the 8E Pro and the 16E Pro.
GRANT ELIGIBILITY
As application deadlines have ended, now is the time to secure your purchase!
Air drill for establishing cover crops
FETF207 - Air drill for establishing cover crops
Eligible Items: Variocast E (400L)
Item must:
- be a pneumatic (air) drill
- be designed to be mounted on existing drills or soil tillage equipment
- have electronic metering
- be able to drill small cover crop seeds
- use either pipes, coulters or spreader plates to place the seed
- have a minimum 3m drilling width
- have a seed hopper with a minimum 300L capacity
Percentage paid towards item: 60%
Percentage based on RPA expected average cost of item
If you're interested in this machine, the first step is to apply for the eligible machine before the 17th April 2024. Secondly, once you have your application approved, and you’ve accepted your offer, the next step is to purchase the item/machine.
If your application for the above machine is successful, then speak to your local OPICO dealer in good time, to ensure timely delivery before the end of the claim window which is midday on the 10th January, 2025. Find your local OPICO dealer here.
Micro Seeder
Investment item: Micro Seeder
Eligible Item: Variocast E
Specification:
- small seeder, suitable for sowing small seeds such as grass, clover, rape, stubble turnips etc
- minimum hopper size 75 litres
- powered by an electric motor
- ability to calibrate and adjust application rate
- electronic on/off control system
- can be fitted to min-till cultivator, tractor or ATV
The grant will be a maximum 40% contribution against actual invoiced costs up to the maximum referenced costs as stated within Annex A.
If you're interested in this machine, the first step is to apply for the eligible machine before the 16th April 2024. Secondly, once you have your application approved, and you’ve accepted the contract within 30 calendar days of the offer date and adhered to all the requirements, the next step is to purchase the item/machine.
If your application for the above machine is successful, then speak to your local OPICO dealer in good time, to ensure timely delivery within 6 months of the submission of the claim. Find your local OPICO dealer here.
Variocast seeders are typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets. The Variocast range includes the Variocast 8, a pneumatic mechanical seeder where the seed roller metering is driven by a land wheel. The Variocast is also offered as an electronic seeder, where the metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed metering - the 8E, the 8E Pro and the 16E Pro.
It cuts seed rates and establishment costs whilst improving yields - utilise a Variocast to take advantage of till-seeding techniques and improve gross margins.
With the subsoiler working at a medium depth and the Variocast Seeder set to seed in bands behind the legs you make serious in-roads into output and cost. Furthermore the loosened sub soil promotes long, strong taproot growth.
Sowing in bands gives each plant the room to develop through better light interception, branching out and encouraging flower heads on the lateral branches as well as the main stem and overall requires less seed whilst still attaining good yields.
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Precise seed metering
Unlike most other types of seed applicators the Variocast Seeder uses individual metering wheels for each seed outlet enabling extremely accurate metering and guaranteeing the same amount of seed is fed to each outlet. This is crucially important when using low application rates.
Four types of metering rollers are available for the Variocast.
The Variocast 8 seeder comes with coarse (green) and fine (blue) seed rollers as standard -the third or fourth seed rollers can be supplied as optional extras.
There are eight seed outlets as standard but it is possible to blank off a number of them using the Blanking Roller and Stop Kit, for example for applying seed in a band behind a five leg subsoiler with one outlet per leg, running directly in-line with each leg.
Even seed distribution
The Variocast Seeder can be used for either band application (recommended for OSR) or to spread seed evenly across the whole width (recommended for cover crops and environmental establishment scheme mixes).
The standard broadcasting outlets spread the seed in a overlapping pattern for an even full width coverage. Alternatively modified outlets are used for band application of seed into rows. The seed placement is adjusted by changing the height of the distribution outlet, this will give you wider or narrower bands.
Robust build
Variocast seeder's are supplied with a strong mounting plate which assist fitting to whatever cultivation machine is chosen. The hopper and chassis are built to withstand the rigors of high speed seeding in hard ground.
RATE CONTROL
The amount of seed applied is controlled by the speed of the metering roller, which is adjusted until the desired application rate is achieved.
The in-cab control box facilitates a simple calibration and rate on the move adjustment on the electronically controlled version.
Calibration is performed by removing the metering roller cover and using a calibration tray.
Forward speed related metering
Mechanical Variocast Seeders come with spoked land wheel drive to give constant forward speed related metering. The electronic, 8E, 8E Pro and 16E Pro Variocast seeders use a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed metering.
On some tractors it is possible to connect to the tractors own GPS system. Forward speed related metering means accurately maintained application rates on high draft machines and in awkward shaped fields where ground speed may vary.
EASY TO FIT
Three simple steps to mounting your Variocast for ideal seed placement.
Step 1 - Hopper Positioning
The Variocast Seeder Hopper can be mounted anywhere but it is important to ensure that the pipes to the outlets are not too long and that the seed always flows downhill.
Practicalities of calibration and filling the hopper should always be considered when mounting the hopper. A simple base plate is provided to bolt or weld onto the implement, the Variocast can then be mounted onto this and removed if necessary.
Step 2 - Land Wheel Drive / GPS Receiver
Variocast's are capable of metering to within 0.1Kg/ha if required which is critically important with expensive small seeds. The land wheel drive is an important part of this accurate metering and should be mounted out of the way of soil flow from the cultivator where it can float freely to follow the contours of the land.
A correctly positioned piece of 50mm box section is all that is required to mount the land wheel assembly. The optional GPS receiver needs to be mounted at 45 degrees from horizontal and the sensor should ideally be mounted between 60cm and 90cm above the ground to ensure an accurate reading of the forward speed. A GPS receiver cutout switch may be needed to cut off reading when turning on the headlands.
Step 3 - Outlets
Positioning the outlets correctly is critical for good seed placement. With most applications the outlets should be mounted just behind the cultivation elements and in front of the press roller.
Where possible some adjustment should be designed into the mounting of the outlets to allow fine tuning of the seed placement in the field. The optional 1.5m or 2m distributor holders assist mounting the outlets and allow horizontal and vertical adjustment to alter the spread pattern.
VARIOCAST MODELS
Typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets, this low cost 8 outlet, mechanically driven, pneumatic seeder is usually mounted to subsoilers and other cultivation machinery. The rotary feed, seed roller metering is driven by a land wheel, with delivery via an twin electric fans.
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Maximum spread width of 6m, hopper capacity 180 litres
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Ground wheel drive – consistent seed rate
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Stepless metering gearbox with individual metering roller per outlet
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Green “coarse” and blue “fine” seed roller as standard - other rollers available
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Special distribution plates – even seed distribution in a band or broadcast
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Calibration control - simple calibration at the press of a button
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Powder coated and anodised - built to last
Being ground wheel driven it maintains a consistent seed rate whatever speed the implement is working at. Drive is taken from the spoked land wheel and transmitted through a 12mm flexible drive cable to a variator gearbox. A simple lever system on the gearbox adjusts the output shaft speed and therefore seed rate.
Variocast 8 Mechanical - No mounting brackets included
| Model No. | Working Width | Seedbox Volume | Seed Outlets | Control | Weight |
| 1739002V | Up to 6m | 180L | 8 | Mechanical | 123kg |
INCLUDES: Coarse (green) and fine (blue) seed roller, 25m of seed hose, 8 outlets, 7m of fused power cable from battery to controller, 4.5m of cable from connector plug to fans, 2.4m flexi-drive cable as standard (in lieu prices available for longer cables).
IMPORTANT - when mounting flexible drive cables ensure they are supported adequately and follow a smooth curve from land wheel to seeder - if in doubt contact your OPICO dealer.
IMPORTANT - when mounting seeders on cultivation machinery hopper bracing is recommended.
When ordering please state width of machine seeder is to be fitted to.
Typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets, the pneumatic, electronic Variocast 8E is usually mounted to subsoilers and other cultivation machinery.
The metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed monitoring on all models, with air supplied via twin electric fans, allowing infinitely variable and extremely accurate seed rates to be achieved.
-
Maximum spread width of 6m (8 outlets), hopper capacity 180 litres
-
Individual metering roller per outlet – precise distribution
-
Green “coarse” and blue “fine” seed roller as standard - other rollers available
-
Special distribution plates – even seed distribution in a band or broadcast
-
Variable seed rate and calibration control - accuracy
-
Low level hopper alarm and drive belt sensor
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Hectare meter
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Calibration control - simple calibration at the press of a button
-
Powder coated and anodised - built to last
OSR seed rates or rather seed numbers per square metre are critical to control cost and maximise yield. The Variocast 8E allows unmatched precision whilst also monitoring the seed levels and work rates for the operator.
Variocast 8E - No mounting brackets included
Complete with electronic in-cab control, variable seed rate, low level hopper sensor, calibration control and hectare meter
| Model No. | Working Width | Seedbox Volume | Seed Outlets | Control | Weight |
| 1739002EV | Up to 6m | 180L | 8 | Electric | 123kg |
INCLUDES: 5m of fused power cable from battery, 2.4m of CPU power cable, 7m of multi-core cable to machine. 4m of cable from GPS receiver to seeder and 25m of seed hose.
Acoustic and visual fan alarm.
Typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets, the pneumatic, electronic Variocast 8E Pro is usually mounted to subsoilers and other cultivation machinery.
The metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed monitoring on all models, with air supplied via a hydraulic fan, allowing infinitely variable and extremely accurate seed rates to be achieved.
-
Maximum spread width of 6m (8 outlets), hopper capacity 180 litres
-
Individual metering roller per outlet – precise distribution
-
Green “coarse” and blue “fine” seed roller as standard - other rollers available
-
Special distribution plates – even seed distribution in a band or broadcast
-
Variable seed rate and calibration control - accuracy
-
Low level hopper alarm and drive belt sensor
-
Hectare meter
-
Calibration control - simple calibration at the press of a button
-
Powder coated and anodised - built to last
The hydraulic fan is ideal if you require more air flow due to one of the following reasons:
- The Variocast seeder needs mounting a long way from the seed application point requiring seed hoses larger than 4m.
- Where dividers are required to achieve 10 or more outlets.
- Especially high seed rates or forward speeds are required.
- Working widths above 6.5m are required (9.5m)
Variocast 8E Pro - No mounting brackets included
Complete with electronic in-cab control, variable seed rate, hydraulic fan, low level hopper sensor, calibration control and hectare meter
| Model No. | Working Width | Seedbox Volume | Seed Outlets | Control | Weight |
| 1739002VEPRO | Up to 6m | 180L | 8 | Electronic | 123kg |
INCLUDES: 2.4m power cable to cpu and 6m cpu controller cable to machine. 4m cable from GPS receiver to seeder. 5m battery power cable. 4m hydraulic pressure and return pipes c/w 1/2” male coupling. 2m of 75mm fan to air manifold pipe. Fan speed sensing and 25m seed hose. For full width spreading above 6.5m additional Y-pieces and outlets are required (Max rec. 9.5m).
IMPORTANT - when mounting seeders on cultivation machinery hopper bracing is recommended.
Hydraulic fan requires 0-20l/min max oil supply and free flow return.
Typically used to sow small seeds e.g. OSR, stubble turnips, cover crops as well as to apply slug pellets, the pneumatic, electronic Variocast 16E Pro is usually mounted to subsoilers and other cultivation machinery.
The metering roller is driven electronically utilising a GPS receiver for accurate forward speed monitoring on all models, with air supplied via twin electric fans or hydraulic fan on PRO models, allowing infinitely variable and extremely accurate seed rates to be achieved.
-
Maximum spread width of 6m (8 outlets), hopper capacity 180 litres
-
Individual metering roller per outlet – precise distribution
-
Green “coarse” and blue “fine” seed roller as standard - other rollers available
-
Special distribution plates – even seed distribution in a band or broadcast
-
Variable seed rate and calibration control - accuracy
-
Low level hopper alarm and drive belt sensor
-
Hectare meter
-
Calibration control - simple calibration at the press of a button
-
Powder coated and anodised - built to last
The Variocast 16E Pro has all the features of the Variocast 8E Pro but with twice the outlets giving you 16 in total. It has a maximum working width of 12.3m and is the machine to use if you require more outlets than 8. The Variocast 16E Pro Seeder also comes standard with a large 400ltr hopper, hydraulic fan and electronic control box.
Variocast 16E Pro - No mounting brackets included
Complete with electric in-cab control, variable seed rate, low level hopper sensor, calibration control and hectare meter
| Model No. | Working Width | Seedbox Volume | Seed Outlets | Control | Weight |
| 1739008EV | Up to 12m | 400L | 16 | Electronic | 160kg |
INCLUDES: 2.4m power cable to cpu and 6m cpu controller cable to machine. 4m cable from GPS receiver to seeder. 5m battery power cable. 4m hydraulic pressure and return pipes c/w 1/2” male coupling. 2m of 75mm fan to air manifold pipe. Fan speed sensing and 50m seed hose.
IMPORTANT - when mounting seeders on cultivation machinery hopper bracing is recommended.
Hydraulic fan requires 0-20l/min max oil supply and free flow return.
OPTIONS & ACCESSORIES
VARIOCAST SEEDER BROCHURE
Check out our latest brochure by clicking the image below, download is available.
