VIDEO: GreenPRO seeder takes home local award

As farm machinery gets larger by the minute, local manufacturer greenPRO is bucking the trend by producing ag implements for smaller farms which are compact enough to be towed behind small tractors and even ATVs.

One of its latest offerings, the 6-in-1 seeder performs six tasks in one go - disc, plough, fertilise, seed, cover and roll all in one pass, according to greenPRO. Its versatility and affordability has won a panel of judges over at the Elmore field days in October this year, which awarded it with the prestigious Australian Machine of the Year accolade.

The award is given out to the best piece of locally produced machinery displayed at the annual field days, which is one of Australia’s leading events on the agricultural calendar.

The GP1200 6-in-1 seeder

GreenPRO is part of the QuikCorp group of companies based in the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, which specialises in agricultural implements, weed sprayers and firefighting vehicles.

“The owner of QuikCorp bought a small farm up in north Queensland, and he realised there are hardly any implements on the market for small hobby farms,” says QuikCorp territory manager, Kyle Giannone. “So he thought, why not start designing smaller implements to suit those with small paddocks.” From there, greenPRO was born.

The GP1200 6-in-1 seeder is 1.2m wide and weighs 350kg, allowing it to be transported on the back of a ute easily.

It comes with either one or two seed boxes, depending on the seeding and fertilising requirements. Disc harrows, roller, rake and an electric lift system come standard with the GP1200 6-in-1 seeder.

The machine and its seed boxes are made from hot dip galvanised steel which allows it to withstand the harshest of conditions.

Farmers can seed a variety of crops and pasture with the seeder, from alfalfa to wheat.

“Basically whatever can fit through the seeder hole here is what you can seed. You can adjust the rate with the seed control handle," Gianonne explains.

A unique reverse auger brush system in the seed boxes help distribute seeds and fertiliser evenly, regardless of seed type or blend.

“They’re nylon brushes so wear and tear is minimal even with hard seeds and granular fertilisers. It is not going to degrade quickly,” Gianonne says.

The electric lift system raises and lowers the unit for easier transport, as well as adjust the cutting depth of the disc and planter.

The roller helps compact the soil to increase contact between seed and soil for optimal germination.

According to Giannone, the award means a lot for the locally owned and operated company.

“It definitely puts us on the map. To win an award like that just shows you the quality behind a machine like this and that there is a need for something like that on the market, which is why we built it.”

A dual seed box GP1200 6-in-1 seeder is priced at $11,513.