The product of two centuries’ worth of experience

Today, Maschio Gaspardo offers a comprehensive range of direct seed drills to cater to the demands of farmers and contractors, with an array of highly adaptable products with plenty of configuration options that place seeding quality, environmental sustainability and return on investment above all else.

In 1989, Maschio Gaspardo produced Diretta, the first in-line seeder for drilling seed into untilled soil. Today, nearly 35 years on from that first model, the company continues to perfect
its creations, introducing innovations that it
says have allowed its direct drilling machines to set a benchmark for farmers and contractors.

The direct drilling range features models with mechanical or pneumatic distribution, and both fixed and folding frame versions.

Seeding unit

The Maschio Gaspardo seeding unit, designed and manufactured entirely by Gaspardo, delivers reliable, quality direct drilling, regardless of seed type and actual conditions in the field, even where there is a lot of trash material to contend with. The considerable down pressure (up to 250kg) allows it to easily cut a seeding line even through tough soil. Seeding depth remains constant thanks to the independent furrow-opening and furrow-closing movements. Maschio Gaspardo says its direct seed drills offer an extensive range of adjustments, to better adapt to soil conditions and the farmer’s own preferences, including:

• Unit height spring to adjust soil cutting depths
• Clothing wheel pressure adjustment spring
• Seed press wheel arm operated independently
• Interchangeable depth gauge wheel
• Disc coulter of 475mm
• Interchangeable wear resistant cast iron shoe
• Closing wheel with soil scraper.

Flagship model

The Gigante pneumatic seed drill with pressurised hopper is Maschio Gaspardo’s flagship model in its direct drilling range with pneumatic seed and fertiliser distribution, available in both fixed and folding frame versions. The innovative pressurisation system optimises distribution efficiency from the hopper to the seed furrow. With the hopper’s lowered centre of gravity, the company says Gigante Pressure’s manoeuvrability is second to none, even when faced with steep slopes. Key features include:

• Liftable seed-covering harrow
• Short distribution tubes
• External mixing head
• Hermetically sealed pressurised hopper
• Low centre of gravity
• Wide liftable wheels
• Optimal distance between rows
• Electrically driven seed + fertiliser metering units
• Steering drawbar up to +/-90°
• Isobus communication.
• Isobus digital seeding

The metering units’ electric-drive system makes Gigante Pressure a fully digital control solution. The tractor’s Isobus terminal handles seed calibration and work parameter control. In addition, it allows you to access the Precision Farming Advanced Isobus monitoring functions, including TERRA 7 functions, prescription map import, geo-referenced seeding data export, automatic seeding shut-off, and variable input rate – all on a backlit 8in graphic display.

Specifications overview

Available in 3m, 4m, 5m and 6m using a twin hopper pressurised tank allows the application of both seed and fertilser, accessible via a fold out platform. An optional third unit can be added to allow slug pellets (molluscicides) or tri-allate (Avadex) to be applied. All controlled via Isobus technology.

Drawn via the lower link arms with the steering drawbar allowing +/-90° articulation, the low centre of gravity and forward mounted seed hopper enables easy and safe filling without the need of a long reach telehandler.

The Gigante Pressure is equipped with electrically driven twin metering units which are easily accessible to calibrate, change seed rollers or empty surplus seed into a tote bag all being a positive feature of the drill.

Coulter discs spaced either 15cm or 18cm have a great ground clearance to enable trash through-put, and 250kg downforce of surface penetration and the following press wheel enables to ‘heel in’ the seed, all seeding coulters are individually adjustable to suit ground conditions. Power required is from 180hp for the 3m and from 200hp for the 6m. Optional following harrow creates an optimum seed bed finish and the centralised greasing as standard provide a huge benefit to the operator.

Maschio Gaspardo UK says it is excited to introduce the Gigante to the UK market. UK product manager, Alastair Hall, commented: “The Gigante is an easy-to-use drill and affordable option for the UK direct drill market. We look forward to presenting the drill at Cereals, in the Direct Drill Arena and demonstration roadshows up and down the UK throughout 2024.”

Speak to your local Maschio Gaspardo dealer for more details or to arrange a demonstration.

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