New electronics optimize the accuracy of the Tempo planter

Since its launch 10 years ago, the high-speed precision planter, Väderstad Tempo, has gained a leading position in the European planter market and popularity around the world. In the summer of 2024, the Tempo row unit will be upgraded with Väderstad's self-developed new electronic system, WSX with brushless motors and improved cabling performance. But it is not only the WSX itself that will optimize the planting accuracy further; this will come from the new features that it enables.

-The new WSX system enables us to integrate three new features to further optimize the accuracy of the Tempo planter, says Oskar Karlsson, Director of Planter Product Management at Väderstad.

First, automatic seed singulation is introduced to always ensure precise seed singulation in the seed meter, without the need for manual setting.

-With sensors in each row unit, the seed singulation is continuously monitored and automatically adjusted to the optimum setting. The automatic singulation saves time and increases productivity in the field, a feature that will especially be appreciated by farmers who regularly change crops, says Oskar Karlsson.

Secondly, active hydraulic row unit downforce is introduced to ensure an exact planting depth, independent of soil conditions. The system will adjust row unit pressure to the ground depending on the soil conditions. For example, when going over a lighter field area, the pressure will decrease and when entering an area with firmer soil conditions, the pressure will increase. The planter can be equipped with individual active hydraulic downforce for each row unit, or with active hydraulic downforce using a single point feedback and universal control for the full machine width.

-The active hydraulic downforce allows the driver to set an optimal row unit downforce, which is maintained automatically. This ensures planting depth precision despite changing soil conditions, such as variations in soil type or soil compaction, says Oskar Karlsson, and continues:

-Additionally, this functionality can be used to improve tramlining, preparing unplanted tracks for the following sprayer. Equipped with individual active hydraulic downforce for each row unit, the planter is also able to use the system to relieve pressure and lift individual row units when making the tramlines. When doing so, the active hydraulic downforce works in conjunction with the planter's dynamic tramlining system, meaning that the tramlines will be clearly visible to the sprayer operator even before the crop has emerged.

The third new feature is the introduction of curve compensation, ensuring a consistent metering output over the entire planter width when turning. This means that the inner row units in the turn will temporarily decrease their metering rate, while the outer row units will increase theirs.

-Gyro sensors identify when the machine is turning and adjust the metering output of each row unit to ensure a consistent rate over the full planter width, says Oskar Karlsson.

The new features and electronic WSX system for Tempo L 8-32, Tempo V 6-12, and Tempo F 6-8 will premiere at the international tradeshow, Agritechnica, in November 2023. A limited series of machines will be available in the field for the spring of 2024, with serial production beginning in the summer of 2024.