Retrofit Discs on Janke Parallelogram: George Burdett’s Experience in Western Victoria
Broadacre farming in Wickliffe, Western Victoria, demands efficient and versatile equipment to handle varied conditions. For George Burdett, retrofitting his parallelogram Janke bar with RYAN NT retrofit double discs has transformed his planting operations. After seven years of using the discs, George shares his journey of improved sowing practices, reduced clogging, and the ability to adapt to challenging conditions.
Transitioning a Janke Parallelogram to RYAN NT Discs
George has owned his Janke parallelogram bar for nearly two decades. Initially set up with tynes, the machine worked well but faced limitations, especially when handling straw and stubble. “After a few years of catching a bit of straw and everything, we decided to try your Ryan discs,” George explained. Starting small, he tested just two discs on the setup for one season. “We had no problems with it,” he noted, and the positive experience encouraged him to fully retrofit the machine seven years ago.
Since making the switch, George has never looked back. The discs, set at 30cm spacings, have eliminated many of the issues he experienced with tynes and allowed for earlier planting. “Without the tyne, we’re sowing earlier with the disc,” George shared. “That gives us more early vigour while the soil’s warmer.”
George Burdett with his Janke Parallelogram fitted with RYAN NT Discs
Simple Yet Effective Design for Small Seeds
One of the standout benefits of George’s retrofit is its effectiveness with small seeds like canola. Using a simple bracket and pipe system, the seed falls directly onto the soil before being covered by press wheels. “The press wheels press the seed into the bit of loose soil,” George explained. While basic in design, the setup has proven highly effective, ensuring consistent seed placement and optimal germination.
The retrofit discs have also made it easier for George to incorporate liquid fertilisers during planting. “With the liquid setup, we can put a little bit of zinc, copper, and sometimes liquid nitrogen down as well,” he noted. This flexibility allows George to provide essential nutrients directly to the soil during planting, improving crop health and yield potential.
George Burdett's Janke Parallelogram fitted with RYAN NT Discs
Handling Wet Conditions with Ease on the Janke Parallelogram
The 2023 planting season presented significant challenges, including heavy rainfall around Easter. “We had to handle wet conditions this year because we had a big rain before we started sowing,” George recalled. Despite getting bogged over 25 times, the discs performed exceptionally well. “The disc kept turning,” he said. “We didn’t have to stop at any stage to remove mud from the disc.”
This resilience in wet conditions sets RYAN NT retrofit discs apart from traditional tynes, which are more prone to clogging and blockages. This reliability has been a game-changer for George, allowing him to maintain productivity even in less-than-ideal conditions.
George Burdett's Janke Parallelogram fitted with RYAN NT Discs
Adapting to Different Crops and Conditions
While George has fully embraced the discs for most of his planting needs, he occasionally switches back to tynes for specific crops like faba beans. “When we’re sowing faba beans, we convert back to a tyne to get the sowing depth,” he explained. However, this switch is rare and only necessary because faba beans are sown on 60cm row spacings, requiring fewer tynes to go through the stubble. George relies on the discs’ versatility and performance for all other crops.
A Cost-Effective Solution for the Janke Parallelogram
One of the key advantages of the RYAN NT retrofit double discs is their cost-effectiveness. Farmers like George can upgrade their equipment without purchasing a new seeder. The RYAN NT discs are an alternative to buying a new machine, saving heaps of money in the process.
Designed to work with most seeding machines manufactured in the last 30 years, the retrofit discs offer broad compatibility and exceptional value. This flexibility makes them popular among farmers looking to enhance their operations without a significant financial outlay.
RYAN NT retrofit double discs offer the ideal solution for farmers seeking a cost-effective and reliable alternative to purchasing new equipment. As George confidently states, “We won’t be going back to tynes.”
Managing Soil and Stubble
For broadacre farmers like George, managing stubble and soil conditions is a constant priority. The Janke parallelogram setup combined with the RYAN NT discs allows for precise sowing depth, even in challenging soils. “With the parallelograms, the dryness is our biggest issue because we can’t force the parallelogram into the ground,” George explained. “It’s the weight of the parallelogram that basically sets the depth. “We can change the settings on the disc in relation to the front coulter for sowing depth,” an added benefit he explained when referring to the adjustment holes in the disc leg.
The discs have proven effective in creating an ideal seedbed. Minimising soil disturbance helps preserve soil health and improve water retention, critical factors in regions like Western Victoria. This aligns with the principles of no-till farming, which focuses on reducing soil erosion and maintaining organic matter.
“When we retain stubble and everything, we don’t really have hard-setting soils anymore,” he noted, highlighting how the discs have helped improve soil conditions and reduce compaction.
A Word from RYAN NT
The team at RYAN NT is dedicated to developing products that meet the practical needs of Australian farmers. “George’s story reflects our mission to provide cost-effective, reliable solutions that enhance farming operations,” said a company spokesperson. “Our retrofit double discs are designed to handle tough conditions, improve efficiency, and deliver consistent results season after season.”
Learn More About RYAN NT Retrofit Discs
If you’re ready to upgrade your seeding operations like George, the RYAN NT retrofit double discs offer a proven solution for broadacre farming. Compatible with a wide range of machinery, these discs provide exceptional performance and value. Explore the benefits for yourself:
Conclusion
George Burdett’s experience demonstrates the transformative impact of retrofitting RYAN NT double discs on existing machinery. The discs have proven their worth over seven seasons of use, from handling wet conditions to improving small seed placement and reducing maintenance requirements.
