Fendt Momentum planter launched in North America

AGCO Corporation introduces the new Fendt Momentum planter to North American row crop producers. The Momentum has been designed to help overcome planting conditions that have historically challenged even emergence and resulted in less than optimum crop yields.

Innovative secondary toolbar evens planting depth

The Fendt Momentum is deliverd with so-called SmartFrame technology. Most notable is its vertical contouring toolbar, configuration and smart, automated capability.

The planter is made up of 3 independent, intelligent sections that operate automatically, ensuring the row units on each section maintain the ideal seeding depth. The planter’s sensor-controlled hydraulic system monitors the angle of the row-unit parallel arms to automatically adjust toolbar height, keeping the arms level and the row units properly engaged with the soil as ground conditions and terrain change.

The vertical contouring toolbar flexes up and down as much as 65.9 inches to follow the contour of the field and ensure the row units properly engage with the soil.

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The planter’s sensor-controlled hydraulic system monitors the angle of the row-unit parallel arms to automatically adjust toolbar height, keeping the arms level and the row units properly engaged with the soil as ground conditions and terrain change. – Photos: AGCO Corporation

Planting terraces or uneven fields

“Where the Momentum planter really shines is when planting terraces or uneven fields,” says Alex Lundgren, product manager, Global Crop Care, Seeding & Tillage at AGCO. “The planter essentially flexes to wrap itself over the top of the terrace and down into the lowest point, putting each row unit in the best possible position for optimal row-cleaning, downforce, furrow forming, seed placement and closing. We see more consistent emergence even in fields that appear level.”

Pinch rows and soil compaction

Instead of side-by-side duals for center transport, wide in-line tandem wheels travel in front of the row units, eliminating pinch rows. The wheels are positioned in the same path as the tractor tires, limiting compaction. The in-line tandem wheels also provide the flotation advantage of tracks and the high road speed of tires.

Wing wheels can be placed according to customer preference but are typically on the end of each wing, to run outside the last row unit. This puts wing wheels in the same path on each pass through the field, reducing overall compaction without sacrificing row numbers or spacing.

In addition, the Momentum planter is equipped with VF, or “very high flexation,” tires that have a large footprint and carry 40% more weight at the same inflation as conventional radial tires.

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In Peoria with the Momentum planter. Agco/Fendt have got it going . pic.twitter.com/jHJ9uFWHkp

— David Brown (@tvfarmer) January 21, 2020

Automated weight management system

Like other Fendt products, the Momentum planter can be equipped with a central tire inflation system that automatically adjusts tire pressures from the roadway to the field, deflating the tires as the wings unfold. To reduce yield-robbing soil compaction during planting, the system will automatically adjust tire pressure up or down compensating for the fluctuating weight of the planter as seed and fertiliser are used or replenished.

The system reduces each tire’s pressure to the lowest field setting as suggested by the tire manufacturer for the weight present at any given time, down to the pre-set low of 15 psi.

2 automated modes

Operators can select from 2 automated modes. The Load Balance mode equalises the weight across the planter, adjusting based on weight and speed information from sensors on each axle. Without such a system, traditional central-fill planters can cause an 11-bushel/acre loss in corn yield from wheel-traffic compaction in the center vs. wing rows, according to research from Pioneer.

The Controlled Traffic mode transfers the bulk of the weight to the center section of the planter, practically eliminating the weight on the soil from the wing tires. By concentrating the planter’s weight in the tracks made by the tractor, soil compaction is limited. AGCO says this mode works well for growers who maintain tram lines and use the same path for each field operation.

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The Momentum planter is equipped with twin seed tanks that hold 65 bushels each, while the fertiliser tank holds 1,000 gallons of liquid for more acres planted between fills.

Twin seed tanks

The Momentum planter is equipped with twin seed tanks that hold 65 bushels each, while the fertiliser tank holds 1,000 gallons of liquid for more acres planted between fills.

When equipped with the optional SpeedTube seed tubes from Precision Planting, Momentum will operate at up to 10 mph ‒ twice the conventional planting ground speed ‒ with more than 99% singulation and seed-spacing accuracy when planting.

Changing from 15-inch row spacing to 30-inch spacing can be done in record time according to AGCO, thanks to splitter rows that hydraulically rise and lock up based on planter configuration choices made on the in-cab monitor. A single touch folds and unfolds the planter automatically and simultaneously activates the tire inflation system.