New Morris Quantum air drill makes an impact

McIntosh Distribution, the national distributor for Canadian agricultural equipment manufacturer, Morris, says word of the new 24m Morris Quantum air drill is spreading rapidly, with strong interest leading to strong sales ahead of the 2024 season.

While Morris air drills with 18m and 12m working widths have consistently enjoyed strong acceptance here in Australia, McIntosh Distribution’s Duncan Murdoch says the new and larger 24m model could eclipse sales of its smaller siblings, with strong interest in the new model displayed at recent field days.

“There were some refinements and improvements from when the Morris Quantum air drills were first released, but growers now realise this work has been successful and they offer superior performance,” Duncan said.

“New owners are trading competitor machines to get into a 24m Quantum and others are upgrading from smaller models or are looking to add a second machine, depending upon current crop potentials, either for next year or the year after.”

The newcomer to the range features the same interlocking and laser-cut tubular frame, as well independent openers for excellent trash flow, live hydraulics for faster lift and lower cycle times, excellent flotation, improved air kit performance and reliability, and variable packing pressure, the distributor says.

The unit also boasts a narrow transport width, with the new 24m air drill’s 7.5m width and 5.5m height surprisingly even smaller than some alternative 18m seeding bars.

Strong interest in particular has come from Western Australian and Victorian farmers, but the model has attracted attention across the nation’s grain growing regions.

The model’s Auto-Pack and Auto-Lift technologies have been viewed particularly favourably, the former allowing automatic lowering and lifting of tines, while the latter delivers closed and packed furrows for an ideal seedbed environment.

“Various growers have been using these technologies for several seasons now and it’s recognised how good they are,” Duncan said.

“The benefits of the Morris air carts, including with section control technology, also are well accepted and, together, this Morris rig is becoming a strong seeding brand.”

The 24m model sports larger dual wheels on its centre frame and at the rear to carry the weight, while its stainless-steel air kits have been further refined.

“We have put quite a bit of time and effort into the stainless-steel air kits, looking to maximise the stainless-steel piping and minimise the flexible hose, including removing it for most of the bends,” Duncan said.

“This maximises efficiency as well, because any wearing also removes energy.”

See your nearest Morris dealer for more information.