Sky Agriculture (formerly Sulky) has recently unveiled what it suggests is a major advancement in seeding technology with its new front hopper, the Progress TF.

The Progress TF is is available with 2, 3, or 4 compartments and is the first front hopper on the market capable of managing up to four distinct products all controlled through a single ISOBUS interface.

Sky Hopper TF in field — The Progress TF is designed to place up to four products in one pass

This configuration allows the simultaneous management of each of the different products which are distributed through two independent air circuits.

Operators can therefore adjust four different rates and seed at two distinct depths at the same time, therefore offering the flexibility needed to meet modern farming practices, which rely on particular crop mixes.

High flow rates from Sky

Another innovation is a pressurised pneumatic circuit enabling the Progress TF to achieve elevated flow rates of 60kg/min, while maintaining optimal user comfort.

The hoppers themselves, however, are not pressurised, offering numerous practical advantages, not least of which is there not the need to maintain a seal around the hopper top, enabling the lid to be lighter.

Tramline establishment — Packer rollers at the front help distribute the weight of the hopper

As an option, the Progress TF can be equipped with a new packer, positioned forward of the hopper to facilitate driving.

This packer features two large-diameter wheels and a quick-hitch system, allowing its easy detachment when it is not required.

side vision on Sky hopper — Cameras on the side of the hopper enhance safety at junctions and gateways

Safety and user comfort are said to have been top priorities in the design of the new the Progress TF, especially on the road.

It comes equipped with two side cameras giving greater visibility at at junctions, and so reduces the risk of collisions.

There are also numerous work lights, allowing safe operation at the end of long days and throughout the night if need be, giving a greater degree of safety and comfort for the operator.

Establishing tramlines

Like all seeding equipment from the Sky Agriculture range, the Progress TF can be optionally equipped with the innovative EDrive system.

This smart system allows in-cab control of the opening and closing of each row, offering simplified and universal tramlining management, regardless of sprayer width. It is also possible to easily seed every other row.

Sky hopper in field — The EDrive system allows tramlines to be established automatically while sowing

The slope of the hopper top enhances visibility but not at the expense of capacity, as it offers a generous volume of 2,200 to 2,400L in total.

In terms of user comfort, Sky Agriculture has introduced a new single point attachment which as been developed in-house.

This is claimed to simplify the mounting of the unit and also has the advantage of maintaining a constant angle between the hopper and the side pipe, optimising both performance and ease of use.

High flow rates from Sky

Establishing tramlines

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Seed mix

New Sky Progress TF sows four products in one pass