Morris 10 series air carts launched

The new Morris 10 Series has only just arrived in the country, however according to Australian distributor, McIntosh Distribution, enquiries and sales have well exceeded expectations with a large volume of machines for the 2025 season already secured.

The 10 Series offers seven models, complementing small and large frame air carts from the Morris 9 Series and features three and four-tank configurations including an integrated, stainless-steel liquid tank as well as small seeds (Optimizer) tank.

McIntosh Distribution National Morris Product Manager, Duncan Murdoch, said there was significant local design input into the tank configurations, largely to achieve three similar granular tank capacities, or two similar larger tanks with a liquid tank, and this was one of the leading attractions for growers because it better suited their seeding application rates.

He said growers liked the fact the liquid tanks were now stainless-steel and fully-integrated, and the latest pumping module offered much higher agitation capacity – 356 litres compared to 128L or optional 180L previously.

Load cells under every granular tank have improved application rate accuracy, McIntosh Distribution added, including via rate optimisation when a product is shared between two tanks, which also results in the tanks emptying at the same time.

Product is transferred into the tanks quickly using the single belt Convey-All conveyor, which offers a flow rate of 3800l/min. A parallel lift function with the conveyor helps to lower its chute into product tanks, minimising spillage.

Growers have also noted the strength of the chassis on the new Morris 10 Series air carts that incorporate larger wheel hubs compared to previous models.

“The air capacity has also increased as a result of stepping up from 17-inch to 22-inch fans, which ensures the ongoing ability of the air carts to supply the required volumes of air, to cater for larger tillage bars,” Murdoch said.

A piece of tech on the Morris 10 Series that has caught growers’ eyes is electric metering, McIntosh Distribution said, aided by the use of brushless motors.

“Apart from allowing accurate application of very low seeding rates, down to 1kg/ha of canola, growers also recognise the electrically-driven system is very reliable and will simplify the air cart’s hydraulic system, minimising the incidence of hydraulic leaks.”

The 10 Series will be making an appearance at several upcoming field days and will be joined by the popular Morris Quantum air drills, now available in widths up to 24m and have undergone further enhancements recently.

“We have developed new single and dual liquid kits specifically designed for the Quantum. This allows more accurate and reliable application of deep-banded liquid fertiliser,” Murdoch said.

“The dual liquid kits allow application of soil wetter with the seed in conjunction with liquid fertiliser. Both deep-banded liquid fertiliser and wetter kits are available to suit either section control or variable rate applications, depending on air cart configurations.

“They have also been designed by McIntosh Distribution to be ‘factory-fitted’ with specific brackets, fittings and layouts, which will increase reliability and improve serviceability.”

Murdoch said liquid kit information with seeding bars could sometimes be limited, however McIntosh Distribution had collaborated with Furrow Management Systems Australia (FMSA) and Primary Sales Australia on the use of a friction tube assembly especially made for the Quantum.

“This will eliminate messy routing of friction tubing,” he said.

“The aim was to come up with an easy, ready-to-install liquid kit that turns up for dealers or growers all pre-done. We have a lot of dual systems already going out this season, which reflects an industry move to dual liquids in some regions.

“Farmers often find that it’s the fiddley things that need attention to keep things going, so this can really make a difference.”

Growers will be able to inspect the Morris 10 Series at the upcoming Eyre Peninsula Field Days at Cleve in South Australia, as well as at the Mingenew, Dowerin and Newdegate field days in Western Australia.