Retrofit Discs on a Horwood Bagshaw Air Seeder Bar: Richard James’ Experience in Bute, SA
Richard James, a seasoned farmer from Bute, South Australia, has been relying on RYAN NT retrofit discs for over a decade. Since fitting the discs to his Horwood Bagshaw Air Seeder (Scaribar) bar in 2012, he has completed 11 planting seasons with consistent results. Operating on sandy loam soils, Richard shares his insights into how these discs have transformed his seeding operations, from handling trash to reducing maintenance, managing chemicals, and improving efficiency.
Transitioning Tynes on The Horwood Bagshaw Air Seeder to RYAN NT Retrofit Discs
In 2012, Richard made the decision to upgrade his Horwood Bagshaw Air Seeder with RYAN NT retrofit discs. Over the years, the system has proven to be a durable and reliable addition to his farming operation. “I’ve had these discs for 11 plantings now,” he shared. While the discs themselves have required replacement due to wear, the original bearings remain intact—a testament to the product’s durability. “I’ve still got all the original bearings on there,” Richard noted.
This long-term reliability has allowed Richard to sow approximately 1200 acres annually, making the retrofit discs a critical part of his operation.
Richard James and his Horwood Bashaw Airseeder fitted with retrofit discs
Exceptional Performance in Sandy Loam Soils
Operating on sandy loam soils, Richard has experienced the discs’ ability to cut cleanly and efficiently. “They cut through that nicely,” he said. Even in challenging conditions like stony ground, the discs perform without issue. “It obviously doesn’t pull up any stones. Just glides through,” Richard added.
The retrofit discs have proven their worth in providing consistent seed placement, reducing downtime, and ensuring efficient planting across varied terrains.
Retrofit Discs on a Horwood Bagshaw Air Seeder
The Discs on the Horwood Bagshaw Air Seeder Handling Wire
Weed with Ease
Trash and residue management are common concerns for broadacre farmers, but Richard emphasized how the discs have made this task nearly effortless. “I’m not stopping to pull wire weed or cow top or anything off of tynes,” he said. Unlike traditional setups, the discs slice through tough vegetation and standing stubble without dragging or clogging.
Richard also mentioned his preference for leaving stubble as high as possible to protect the soil, which the discs handle seamlessly. “I leave the stubble full height, as high as I can standing, and it just cuts through that. No worries at all,” he explained.
RYAN NT Retrofit Discs Tyne to Disc Conversion
Managing Chemical Use and Avoiding Damage
Another notable benefit of the RYAN NT retrofit discs is their compatibility with various farming chemicals. While Richard acknowledged that some chemicals could potentially cause damage, he manages this by selecting products carefully. “It does limit me with a few chemicals that I do use,” he explained, “but the ones I do use, I don’t have too much trouble with any chemical damage.”
Reduced Maintenance and Fuel Efficiency with the Discs on
My Horwood Bagshaw Air Seeder
After 11 planting seasons, Richard continues to benefit from the discs’ low maintenance requirements. “We haven’t worn the pivots at all on these. They’re still fine,” he shared, adding that the bearings remain in excellent condition. This durability reduces downtime and ensures his seeding operations run smoothly year after year.
Fuel efficiency has also been a standout advantage, particularly when operating on hilly terrain. “It is a lot easier on the tractor,” Richard noted. Using a 240-horsepower New Holland 9282 tractor, he shared that his 36-foot machine handles the discs comfortably, even when traversing sandhills. “In general, the fuel use is down,” he added, highlighting the economic benefits of using the retrofit discs.
Solving Hairpinning Issues with Serrated Discs
Before upgrading to the RYAN NT retrofit discs, Richard experienced significant issues with hairpinning—when residue is pushed into the seed trench instead of being cut cleanly. “A previous machine, we did have a bit of pinning trouble,” he admitted. However, the serrated edges of the retrofit discs have completely resolved this problem. “These discs with the serrated edge on the front seem to chop through the straw quite fine. We don’t have the hairpinning troubles we used to.”
This improvement has enhanced the consistency and quality of Richard’s planting, particularly when working with heavy stubble.
Direct Sowing and Yield Improvements
The retrofit discs on the Horwood Bagshaw Air Seeder have enabled Richard to adopt a direct sowing approach, allowing him to plant directly into stubble without the need for additional field passes. “These discs give me the option to just whack it straight in direct sow,” he explained. By eliminating unnecessary steps, Richard saves time and resources during the planting season.
Despite concerns that direct sowing might reduce yields, Richard has observed no such penalties. “There’s definitely no yield penalties,” he said. “If anything, it would be an overall increase in yields.” While variations in rainfall make it difficult to measure precise yield improvements, Richard is confident that the retrofit discs contribute to his farm’s productivity.
Word from the Company
The team at RYAN NT is committed to designing products that deliver long-term value to farmers. “Richard’s story highlights the reliability and efficiency of our retrofit discs over more than a decade of use,” said a company spokesperson. “Our goal is to provide innovative solutions that enhance farming operations while reducing costs and maintenance.”
Learn More About RYAN NT Retrofit Discs
Are you ready to upgrade your seeding equipment like Richard? The RYAN NT retrofit double discs offer a proven solution for broadacre farming, delivering consistent results and exceptional durability. Learn more about how they can enhance your operations:
Conclusion
Richard James’ experience with the RYAN NT retrofit double discs is a testament to their reliability, efficiency, and versatility. From tackling wire weed and standing stubble to managing chemical compatibility and reducing fuel consumption, these discs have consistently delivered results over 11 planting seasons. For farmers seeking a durable, cost-effective solution, the RYAN NT retrofit discs offer an unbeatable combination of performance and longevity.
As Richard confidently states, “They’ve been well worthwhile.”
