FARM EQUIPMENT | Premium Farming Equipment

SPRINGBOK RANGE - SPR-2-3-4-SP

MAIZE, SOYA AND SORGHUM SEED PLANTER

The Springbok Multi-Seed Planter Range is the definitive choice for the modern farmer seeking a perfect balance of rugged durability and precision performance. Engineered for versatility, these units seamlessly handle a wide variety of crops - from maize and beans to sunflower and soya - delivering consistent seed placement and uniform plant populations across every hectare. Built with heavy-duty steel and featuring a user-friendly ground-driven system, the Springbok range is designed to maximise your seasonal efficiency and crop yields while minimising maintenance costs. Whether you are operating a 2- 3- or 4-row unit for light-duty tasks or high-capacity for larger fields, you are investing in a reliable, South African-built powerhouse that turns every planting season into a success.

Seed Planter

1/5

CORE FUNCTION

PRECISION SEED PLACEMENT:

Delivers consistent seed spacing and depth across every row to ensure uniform germination and a healthy, even crop stand.

SIMULTANEOUS FERTILISATION:

Applies fertiliser exactly where it is needed during the planting process, maximizing nutrient uptake and boosting early plant growth.

VERSATILE MULTI-CROP SEEDING:

Adapts easily to different seed types - including maize, beans and sunflowers - simply by swapping the internal planting plates.

EFFICIENT GROUND-DRIVEN SYSTEM:

Utilises a robust chain-and-sprocket drive powered by the planter’s own wheels, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic or PTO connections.

ADJUSTABLE ROW GEOMETRY:

Allows for customisable row spacings of 0.9m, 1m or 1.1m, giving you the flexibility to match specific crop requirements or tractor wheel tracks.

STREAMLINED FIELD OPERATIONS:

Combines seeding and fertiliser metering into a single pass, significantly reducing fuel consumption, soil compaction and total labour time.

"The South African Powerhouse for Every Hectare."

To ensure consistent seed spacing and depth, always calibrate your ground-driven system on the specific soil type you are planting in. In softer, tilled soil, the drive wheel may sit deeper than on firmer ground, slightly affecting the drive ratio. By checking your seed drop over a measured 10-meter strip before full-scale planting, you guarantee that your plant population per hectare hits the target for maximum yield. Consistency is the difference between a good crop and a great one."

OPERATIONAL CONVENIENCE & EXCELLENCE

UNIVERSAL 3-POINT LINKAGE:

Uses a standard Category II linkage for rapid attachment to utility tractors (35 HP+). The hydraulic lift ensures easy transport and high ground clearance between fields.

HEAVY-DUTY SEALED BEARINGS:

Equipped with triple-sealed bearing units that lock out dust and moisture. This rugged design minimizes wear and prevents downtime during the busy planting season.

SIMPLE FIELD ADJUSTMENTS:

Flexible Row Spacing: Quickly adjust widths from 0.9m to 1.1m to match crop needs without specialized tools.
Precision Depth Control: Manage planting depth directly from the tractor seat by adjusting the top link, allowing for real-time adaptation to soil conditions.

TOOL-FREE FERTILISER METERING:

The slide-plate system with wing nuts allows for easy, manual calibration. Our "23-revolution" method ensures accurate application rates and eliminates fertilizer wastage.

HIGH-SPEED EFFICIENCY:

Engineered for a consistent 5 km/h working speed. This provides the perfect balance of high-acreage coverage and precise seed singulation for uniform crop emergence.

LOW-COST VERSATILITY:

The low-draft design reduces tractor fuel consumption, while multi-crop capability (Maize, Soya, Sorghum, and Beans) means one machine handles your entire planting schedule.

KEY ENGINEERING FEATURES AND BENEFITS

HEAVY-DUTY TOOLBAR FRAME: Provides maximum structural rigidity; ensures the planting units remain perfectly aligned and won't twist when working in tough, uncultivated African soils.

TRIPLE-SEALED PRECISION BEARINGS: Uses advanced sealing technology to keep out dust, grit, and moisture. This prevents premature bearing failure and significantly reduces the time spent on daily maintenance.

INDEPENDENT UNIT SUSPENSION: Each planting row operates independently, allowing the unit to follow the contours of the land. This ensures a consistent planting depth even on uneven or sloping terrain.

SLIDE-PLATE FERTILISER METERING: Offers tool-free, infinitely adjustable discharge rates via wing-nut locking. This allows the farmer to fine-tune nutrient application to match specific soil requirements and prevent wastage.

INTERCHANGEABLE MULTI-CROP SEED PLATES: Provides the flexibility to plant Maize, Soya, Sorghum and Sugar Beans with a single machine. The inclusion of blank plates allows for further customisation for niche crop types.

ADJUSTABLE ROW SPACING (0.9m – 1.1m): Allows for quick configuration changes in the field. Farmers can easily match the planter to their tractor’s wheel track (1.8m to 2.2m) to use front wheel marks as accurate row guides.

MECHANICAL CHAIN DRIVE SYSTEM: A simple, rugged and transparent drive system that is easy to monitor and repair using standard parts available at any local co-op, ensuring zero downtime during the planting season.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

SAFETY AND OPERATOR PROTECTION GUIDE

Operating a multi-row mechanical planter involves moving drive chains, heavy ground-engaging components, and corrosive chemicals. To prevent serious injury or equipment damage, all operators must adhere to these protocols:

1. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Hand Protection: Wear chemical-resistant gloves when handling fertiliser. Fertiliser is highly corrosive and can cause skin irritation. Use heavy-duty work gloves when adjusting drive chains or row units.
Respiratory & Eye Protection: Wear a dust mask and safety goggles when filling hoppers or operating in dry, windy conditions to protect against fertiliser dust and airborne debris.
Footwear: Always wear steel-toed safety boots. The planting units and coulters are heavy; accidental contact during setup or maintenance can cause severe crushing injuries.
Clothing: Ensure clothing is tight-fitting. Avoid loose sleeves, drawstrings, or scarves that could be caught in the rotating drive chains or the tractor’s 3-point linkage.

2. PRE-OPERATION SAFETY CHECKS

Drive Chain Integrity: Inspect the drive chains for proper tension and wear. Ensure they are lubricated with old engine oil -never grease, which traps abrasive grit.
Hardware & Mounting: Verify that all bolts on the toolbar and row units are tightened. Check that the Category II lynchpins are securely locked in the 3-point linkage.
Bearing Check: Ensure the all main bearings are greased daily. Seized bearings can cause the drive wheels to skid, leading to uneven planting and mechanical strain.
Hopper Condition: Check that seed and fertilizer bins are clear of old, caked material or moisture, which can cause clogs and mechanical binding.

3. SAFE HITCHING & UNHITCHING

Leveling & Stability: Use the tractor's leveling box to ensure the unit is level with the rear axle. Adjust check chains to eliminate side sway in the "UP" position to prevent the planter from swinging into tractor tires during transport.
Clearance Zone: Never allow anyone to stand between the tractor and the planter while the 3-point lift is in operation.
Safe Storage: Always park the planter on level, firm ground. Use support blocks under the row units to prevent the implement from tipping or sinking when unhitched.

4. OPERATIONAL SAFETY (IN THE FIELD)

Power Matching: Ensure the tractor is 35 HP or above. Under-powered tractors may lose front-wheel steering when the planter is raised, especially with full fertilizer hoppers.
Speed Control: Maintain a maximum speed of 5 km/h. Exceeding this speed can cause the planting units to "bounce", leading to inaccurate seed depth and potential damage to the independent suspension.
Obstruction Awareness: Be mindful of buried rocks or roots. Striking a solid object can shock-load the drive system and shear pins or damage the coulters.
Bystander Safety: Maintain a 15-metre safety perimeter. The drive wheels and markers can pose a hazard to anyone walking near the equipment during operation.

5. MAINTENANCE & CLEANING SAFETY

Lockout Protocol: Never work under the planter while it is supported only by the tractor’s hydraulics. Use mechanical stands or lower the units onto solid timber blocks before performing any adjustments.
Clearing Clogs: If a seed plate or fertiliser slide becomes jammed, stop the tractor, engage the handbrake and shut off the engine before attempting to clear the obstruction.
Chemical Safety: At the end of the season, wear PPE while cleaning out fertilizer bins. Use old oil to coat the interior of the bins to neutralize the corrosive effects of the fertiliser.

FIELD SAFETY GUIDE:
SEED PLANTER

To achieve precise seed placement and uniform germination while protecting your equipment, follow these field procedures:

A. ENGAGING THE SYSTEM

Ground-Driven Startup: This planter utilizes an efficient chain-and-sprocket ground drive. Never engage the system while the unit is raised; the drive wheels must be in firm contact with the soil to begin metering seed and fertilizer.
Gradual Lowering: Lower the unit using the Category II 3-point linkage only while the tractor is in forward motion. Avoid "dropping" the planter into hard soil to prevent shock-loading the independent unit suspension.
Depth Setup: Before starting, adjust the tractor’s top link to set your planting depth. This allows you to adapt in real-time to soil conditions directly from the tractor seat.

B. FIELD PERFORMANCE & SPEED

The "Sweet Spot" Speed: Maintain a consistent working speed of 5 km/h. Exceeding this "brisk walking pace" causes seeds to bounce in the tubes, leading to uneven spacing and inconsistent depth.
Power Matching: Ensure your tractor meets the minimum power requirements (35 HP to 90 HP depending on row count). Under-powered tractors may lose front-wheel steering when the planter is raised, especially with full 15kg hoppers.
Calibration Protocol: Before full-scale operation, perform the "23-revolution" test on the drive wheels to verify accurate fertilizer and seed discharge rates.

C. TERRAIN & OBSTACLE MANAGEMENT

Obstacle Awareness: Be alert for buried rocks or roots. Striking solid objects can shock-load the drive system, shear pins, or damage the ground-engaging coulters.
Soil Conditions: This unit is designed for prepared agricultural soils. Avoid operation in unworked "virgin" land or heavy-trash "no-till" conditions to prevent clogging or structural damage.
Contour Following: Trust the independent row suspension to follow land contours, but maintain a 15-meter safety perimeter to protect bystanders from moving drive wheels and markers.

D. TURNING & MANEUVERING

The "Lift Rule": Always raise the planter completely before making headland turns. Turning with the openers in the ground puts massive lateral stress on the toolbar and row-unit hangers.
Transport Safety: Adjust tractor check chains to eliminate side-sway in the "UP" position. This prevents the planter from swinging into the tractor tires during transport.
Clearing Clogs: If a seed plate or fertilizer slide jams, stop the tractor, engage the handbrake, and shut off the engine before attempting to clear the obstruction.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE CARE GUIDE

Regular maintenance of your Springbok Range planter is essential for ensuring precise seed placement and extending the life of the machine. Follow this schedule to maintain peak performance:

DAILY: (BEFORE EVERY USE)

Bearing Lubrication: Apply grease to all main drive bearings. These are critical for the smooth rotation of the drive wheels and internal seed plates.
Fastener Security: Check all bolts on the toolbar and individual planting units. Vibration during operation can loosen nuts on the independent suspension mounts.
Hopper Inspection: Ensure seed and fertiliser bins are clear of moisture or debris. Even small clumps of old fertiliser can block the slide-plate metering system.
Lynchpin Verification: Confirm that all Category II 3-point linkage pins and lynchpins are present and locked. A secure connection is vital for maintaining level row spacing.
Weld Inspection: Perform a visual walk-around of the frame and row-unit hangers. Look for stress cracks, particularly around the 3-point mounting points.

WEEKLY: (EVERY 40-50 WORKING HOURS)

Chain Tension & Care: Check the tension of the mechanical drive chains. Do not use grease. Use old engine oil to lubricate the chains; this allows dust to shed rather than forming an abrasive paste.
Tire Pressure Check: Ensure drive tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Uneven tire pressure will change the wheel diameter, causing inaccurate seed and fertilizer distribution.
Coulter & Opener Inspection: Check the ground-engaging coulters for excessive wear or damage. Dull or chipped openers will struggle to maintain the required planting depth.
Fertiliser Slide Calibration: Verify that the fertilizer slides move freely. Clear any dust or chemical buildup from the wing-nut adjustment tracks.

MONTHLY: (DEEP INSPECTION)

Seed Plate Evaluation: Remove and inspect the 24-hole seed plates. Check for rounded edges or cracks in the plastic/metal that could lead to seed "skips" or "doubles."
Bush & Pivot Check: Inspect the pivot points on the independent suspension units. Ensure they move freely to allow the planter to follow soil contours accurately.
Alignment Audit: Measure the distance between row units to ensure they haven't shifted from your 0.9m, 1m, or 1.1m settings.
Paint Touch-up: Clean and paint any areas where soil abrasion has exposed bare steel on the row units to prevent the highly corrosive fertiliser from causing deep rust.

END OF SEASON STORAGE:

Chemical Neutralisation: Empty all fertiliser bins. Wash them thoroughly with water to remove residue, dry completely and paint the inside with old engine oil to prevent corrosion.
Drive System Protection: Coat the drive chains and sprockets with a heavy film of oil. Remove the seed plates and store them in a dry, rodent-free area.
Elevated Storage: Store the planter on a dry concrete slab or timber blocks. Keeping the openers and drive wheels off the damp ground prevents rust and tire flat-spots.
Hydraulic & Linkage Care: Ensure the 3-point linkage is fully lowered. Apply a thin layer of grease to the hitch pins and threads of the leveling box to prevent seizing.

12-MONTH LIMITED WARRANTY

1. COVERAGE:

This warranty covers the original purchaser against defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of purchase.

2. SCOPE OF WARRANTY:

Structural Frame: Coverage includes the main toolbar, row-unit mounting frames, and the Category II 3-point linkage attachment points against weld failure or structural cracking under normal operating conditions.
Mechanical Drive System: Coverage includes the drive wheel axles, internal sprockets, and the drive-chain tensioning assemblies (manufacturing defects only).
Planting Components: Coverage includes the fertilizer and seed hopper housings, the slide-plate metering tracks, and the independent suspension pivot arms.

3. EXCLUSIONS: (WHAT IS NOT COVERED)

Wear Parts: Items naturally consumed during operation, specifically the seed plates, opener/coulter blades, and drive chains, are not covered unless a manufacturing defect is identified prior to first use.
Corrosion Damage: Due to the highly corrosive nature of fertiliser, any rust or structural failure caused by failure to clean and oil the bins according to the Maintenance Guide is strictly excluded.
Misuse & Neglect: Damage resulting from exceeding the recommended tractor speed (5 km/h), impact with underground obstructions (rocks, stumps) or failure to grease the 5 main bearings daily.
Unauthorised Alterations: Any structural modifications or repairs performed by unauthorised personnel will void this warranty.
Incidental Damage: This warranty does not cover labour costs, transport to a repair facility, crop loss, downtime, or the rental of replacement equipment.

4. LIMITATIONS:

The Springbok Range is designed for precision planting in prepared agricultural soils. Damage caused by operation in unworked virgin land, stony terrain, or use for any purpose other than planting Maize, Soya, Sorghum, or Sugar Beans is not covered.

5. CLAIM PROCEDURE:

In the event of a failure, the purchaser must:

Stop Operation: Immediately cease use to prevent further damage to the planting units or drive system.
Proof of Purchase: Provide the original invoice from Premium Farming Equipment.
Documentation: Submit a written description and photographic evidence of the failure to the PFE service department.
Inspection: If required, return the defective component to the designated service centre at the purchaser's expense for evaluation.

6. REMEDY:

Premium Farming Equipment’s sole obligation under this warranty is the repair or replacement, at its discretion, of the defective part or component.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

SPR Series Seed Planter: FAQ

1. Will my 35 HP tractor really handle a 4-row unit?

The Springbok Range features a low-draft design specifically for smaller utility tractors. However, while a 35 HP tractor can pull the unit, you must ensure your tractor’s hydraulic lifting capacity can handle the weight of the 4-row frame when the fertiliser hoppers are at 100% capacity (±160kg of fertiliser plus the implement weight).

2. Is it compatible with both Category 1 and Category 2 hitches?

The unit comes standard with a Category 2 (CAT 2) 3-point linkage. If you are using an older or much smaller tractor with CAT 1 pins, you will need to use reduction bushes, which are readily available at most local co-ops.

3. Can I plant Sunflower or Dry Beans with this unit?

Yes. While it is marketed for Maize, Soya and Sorghum, the inclusion of blank plates allows you to drill custom hole sizes for Sunflower or Sugar Beans.

4. How does it handle wet/marshy or high-residue lands?

The mechanical drive wheels are designed with a lugged pattern to maintain traction in damp soil. For high-residue lands (stover from the previous season), we recommend ensuring your primary tillage is clean, as the standard coulters are designed for prepared seedbeds rather than "no-till" heavy trash conditions.

5. Why do I have to turn the wheel 23 times for calibration?

This is a calculated constant based on the circumference of the drive wheel and the standard row spacings. It represents a specific fraction of a hectare, allowing you to weigh the output and multiply it by a simple factor (e.g., 222 for 0.9m rows) to get your exact kg/ha rate without complex math in the field.

6. What happens if I plant faster than the recommended 5 km/h?

At higher speeds, the mechanical seed plate may "flick" the seeds, causing them to bounce in the seed tube. This results in uneven spacing (gaps and clusters) and inconsistent planting depth. 5 km/h (a brisk walking pace) is the "sweet spot" for maximum accuracy.

7. Are the parts standard or do I have to order them from the factory?

We carry a full inventory of replacement parts at our facility, but the Springbok Range is designed with standardised components for your convenience. High-wear items like drive chains, bearings, and bolts are common sizes obtainable at most local agricultural stores, ensuring you aren't stranded during the critical 2-week planting window.

9. Why can’t I grease the drive chains?

South African planting conditions are often incredibly dusty. Grease acts as a "glue" for that dust, creating an abrasive grinding paste that will wear out your sprockets in a single season. Using old engine oil lubricates the metal-on-metal contact but allows the dust to fall away.

10. Can I change the row width to 750mm (30-inch)?

The frame allows for significant adjustment, but for 0.75m spacing, you must ensure the tractor wheel centers are adjusted accordingly (e.g., 1.5m or 2.25m) so that you aren't driving over your planted rows.

11. What is Calibration?

Think of calibration like tuning a musical instrument or setting a watch. Your planter is a machine with many moving parts that work together to drop seeds and fertiliser.

Calibration is the simple process of checking exactly how much seed or fertiliser your machine drops over a small distance before you start planting your whole field.

12. Why use the "23-Revolution" Method?

It’s a professional shortcut. By turning the drive wheel exactly 23 times, you simulate planting a small, precise fraction of a hectare without leaving your yard.
Save Money: Avoid wasting expensive seed and fertiliser on incorrect settings.
Maximise Yield: Prevent plants from "fighting" for nutrients if too close or wasting land if too far apart.
Quick & Easy: All you need is a bucket, a scale and 15 minutes.

13. What is "Plant Population"?

It is simply the total number of plants on one hectare.
Too Low: You lose potential profit on empty soil / Too High: Plants become weak and stunted from competition.

The Result: Use our calibration table to predict your harvest before you even start. If you count your seeds after 23 turns and multiply by 222 (for 0.9m rows), you’ll know your exact population.

14. How do I calculate my exact application rate (kg/ha) using the "23-Revolution" method?

To calibrate your planter accurately for your specific row spacing, follow these steps:

Raise the planter and turn the drive wheel 23 full revolutions.
Collect and weigh the fertilizer or seed output (in grams) for one row.
Multiply that weight by the Multiplier Constant for your row spacing:
Example: If you collect 500g at 0.9m spacing, the math is:

HOW TO DO IT:

Lift the planter off the ground.
Turn the drive wheel exactly 23 full circles.
Collect what comes out of ONE row (Seed count or Fertilizer grams).
Multiply that sample by your Multiplier from the table above.
Result = Total kg per Hectare (Fertilizer) or Total Seeds per Hectare.

MASTER PLANTING & CALIBRATION GUIDE

This table shows you the target population for your crop and the multiplier you need to use during your 23-revolution test to verify it.