Why Equipment Like Flexicoil Air Seeder Frames Are Sitting Idle In WA - And How Pasture Farmers Can Use Them Again
Across Western Australia, equipment like Flexicoil Air Seeder Frames and Morris Air Seeder Frames increasingly sit unused under trees. Farmers continue upgrading to larger, more specialised seeding systems. As a result, many older frames no longer suit the main cropping program, even though they remain structurally sound and fully serviceable. Instead of being worn out, these machines are often surplus to broadacre requirements and waiting for a new role.
Consequently, many growers keep these frames on-farm. They hesitate to sell them due to limited local demand or uncertain resale value. However, this does not mean the machinery has reached the end of its useful life.
Flexicoil 820 Air Seeder Frame
Bigger Seeding Systems Have Changed Machinery Roles
Over time, seeding systems have become wider and heavier. Therefore, many farms now rely on a single main bar to handle broadacre cropping. As a result, older Flexicoil Air Seeder Frames and Morris Air Seeder Frames often lose their original role within the operation.
Even so, these frames remain robust and familiar machines. Instead of selling them cheaply, many farmers park them while considering future options. This is where RYAN NT’s retrofit disc solution provides a practical path forward, allowing growers to repurpose second-hand frames into effective seeders, including dedicated pasture seeders, without replacing entire machines.
The Second-Hand Market, For Flexicoil Air Seeder Frames And Alike, Has Become More Localised
The machinery marketplace has changed significantly in recent years. In the past, farmers relied heavily on newspaper classifieds and dealer listings. Today, most second-hand trading happens online, particularly through Facebook buy-and-sell groups.
In Western Australia, this shift has created a highly localised machinery market. Seeder frames are commonly advertised through groups such as WA Wheatbelt Farm Equipment Buy & Sell and Wheatbelt WA Farming Non-Wowsers Buy & Sell, where sellers can target growers operating in similar regions and conditions.
As a result, older Flexicoil Air Seeder Frames and Morris Air Seeder Frames may attract limited interest if local demand is already satisfied. Consequently, many frames remain unsold despite being serviceable, simply waiting for a practical on-farm use rather than an interstate buyer.
Morris Concept Air Seeder Frame
Why Some Flexicoil Air Seeder Frames And Alike Still Sit Idle In WA
Despite active online marketplaces, demand remains uneven, as nearby farms often already own similar equipment. In addition, buyers may struggle to see how older frames fit modern systems, particularly when they are no longer required for primary broadacre seeding programs.
Therefore, otherwise sound machines, like a Flexicoil Air Seeder, sit idle rather than being sold. Importantly, this reflects uncertainty about use, not a lack of value or remaining service life.
Where Flexicoil and Morris Air Seeder Frames Still Make Sense
Pasture and mixed farming systems operate differently from full-scale broadacre cropping. Growers often seed smaller areas and work around livestock programs. As a result, reliability and simplicity matter more than overall size.
This creates an opportunity. Older Flexicoil Air Seeder Frames and Morris Air Seeder Frames can suit pasture seeding very well when repurposed correctly.
Flexicoil 820 Air Seeder Frame with RYAN NT Discs
Proven in WA: Pasture Farmers Using Existing Frames Successfully
Several WA pasture farmers now use existing frames productively again. Instead of replacing machinery, they focused on improving performance within their existing systems. By retrofitting RYAN NT double discs, they improved trash handling and consistency across a wider range of pasture conditions.
As a result, pasture establishment became more reliable, while operating costs stayed lower and machinery investment remained manageable. This approach increased flexibility during busy seasons, improved confidence at sowing time, and helped farms adapt machinery to changing conditions.
Below are real world examples of the benefits of fitting discs to systems – just like what you could do for a Flexicoil Air Seeder Bar or Morris Air Seeder Bar.
Morris Concept Air Seeder Frame with RYAN NT Discs
Improving Reliability on a Duncan Seeder
Busselton pasture grower Chris Davis used a Duncan Seeder with a traditional tyne setup. Blockages and uneven sowing slowed pasture establishment. After converting the drill to run RYAN NT discs, trash flow improved significantly.
Chris noted that the build-up issue disappeared. The drill now suits pasture conditions far better.
Full interview here: https://ryannt.com.au/duncan-seeder-retrofit-double-discs-review-busselton-wa/
Pictured: Chris Davis
A Practical Upgrade for Contractors and Mixed Farms
Near Donnybrook, Phil Giancono upgraded his Duncan Drill with RYAN NT discs. As a result, the machine became more versatile for pasture work. It now handles a wider range of paddocks with ease.
Phil described the upgrade as simple and effective. The frame now complements larger cropping equipment instead of sitting unused.
Full interview here: https://ryannt.com.au/duncan-drill-with-retrofit-ryan-nt-discs-testimonial-wa/
Pictured: Phil Giancono
From Homemade Toolbar to Reliable Pasture Seeder
Near Busselton, dairy farmer Ian McGregor operated a homemade toolbar, opting not to purchase a secondhand bar, such as a Flexicoil Air Seeder frame. However, ryegrass trash regularly caused problems. After fitting RYAN NT retrofit double discs, performance improved immediately.
As Ian explained, they struggled to achieve soil contact before the upgrade. The retrofit solved that issue. Today, the machine operates reliably as a dedicated pasture seeder.
Full interview here: https://ryannt.com.au/dairy-farming-machinery-upgrade-retrofit-discs-seeders/
Pictured: Ian McGregor
Turning Idle Flexicoil Air Seeder Frames And Alike Into Working Assets
Many Flexicoil Air Seeder Frames are not obsolete. Instead, they are underutilised. The same applies to many Morris Air Seeder Frames across Western Australia.
With the right setup, these machines regain a clear purpose. Therefore, retrofitting offers a practical alternative to replacement, allowing growers to retain familiar equipment, reduce capital expenditure, and extend the working life of proven machinery without disrupting existing farming systems.
Flexicoil 820 Air Seeder Frame with RYAN NT Discs
Looking for More Information On Retrofitting Your Flexicoil Airseeder Frame Or Similar?
If you are considering upgrading an existing Flexicoil Airs Seeder frame or alike, the following resources provide more detail:
- Retrofit Double Discs – https://ryannt.com.au/retrofit-double-discs/
- Small Farm and Pasture Disc Seeder Options – https://ryannt.com.au/ryan-nt-retrofit-double-discs-small-farm-disc-seeder-pasture-cropping-drills/
These pages explain how older frames can work effectively in pasture and mixed farming systems.
Final Thought
In summary, upgrading does not always mean replacing. Sometimes, it means rethinking how existing machinery is used. Across Western Australia, farmers are proving that a Flexicoil Air Seeder Frame or Morris Air Seeder Frame can still earn its place on-farm when matched to the right role.