Central Rural Life Newspaper - 28th April 2021

Known to manufacture reliable, practical and accurate Air Seeder machines, Allen Custom Drills have been proudly operating in Ashburton for over 18 years.

 

With a unique design, not all are one in the same, and after years of variations, five base models have been developed to suit the different needs and demands of customers.

 

The Contour Drill, commonly referred to as the C-D Series, is designed for contractors and larger scale farmers who require more hectarage per year. The design of this model is heavy, robust and strong, providing a low maintenance, low input cost drilling platform, with running costs as little as $6 per hectare.

 

The C-D Series is available in 3m – 6m widths and has the option for 5” or 6” row spacing. The model incorporates a Triple Disc system, featuring a wavy opening disc to provide penetration and tilth in the soil, followed by the double seeding disc arrangement and press wheel.

 

All five models run the Accord metering and distribution system, combined with a touchscreen rate controller with GPS coverage mapping for proof of placement standard. This system has proven to offer the simplest calibration and a high standard of accuracy, having the ability to configure seed or seed and fertiliser, and also operate optional small seed and slug bait applicators.  

 

In New Zealand, these drills are operating from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, and they are also exported to Australia, with many operating in Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales. 

 

The drills are all designed by Craig Allen with a state-of-the-art computer aided design (CAD) program. The majority of each drill is built in the Ashburton workshop, where visitors are welcome to tour the workshop, meet the team and see the creation of the drills from the ‘ground up’.

 

The company prides itself on their high quality, high performing machines and the results that they achieve. To find out more about Allen Custom Drills, visit their website; www.allencustomdrills.co.nz