Drill’s First Working Demo at ScotGrass 2026
OPICO will be hosting the first working demonstration of the HE‑VA G‑Drill, giving visitors a unique opportunity to see this new drill operating in field conditions. Attendees will also be able to gain first‑hand insight and technical expertise from the OPICO team throughout the event.
The HE-VA G-Drill was introduced at LAMMA 2026, responding to market demand and offering a low cost means of establishing grass, grain and cover crops. The G-Drill is a straightforward machine built around proven components, ensuring seed placement at a consistent depth whilst consolidating the seedbed with a weather-resistant finish.
At the drill’s core are two rows of 400mm diameter vector scalloped discs sat at a 4-degree angle to the direction of travel.Each disc is paired with a replaceable coulter boot running in its “shadow”, creating a particularly narrow seed slot to minimise surface disturbance. The discs’ narrow pitch also means wear is kept to a minimum, contributing to lower running costs.
The 3m G-Drill can be specified with either 32 openers to give a row spacing of 9.4cm – ideal for drilling grass seed – or a 24-coulter option, providing a wider 12.5cm spacing for either grass or grain establishment.
The rubber-damped torsion-arm arrangement employed on the unit provides ultra-accurate contour following and therefore consistent seed placement. It also means the discs are able to kick out of harm’s way when obstacles such as stones are encountered as is often the case in old grass leys. While protecting the drill and ensuring precision depth control, the vibrating action of this set-up also ensures the creation of a tilth-rich, smear-free slot for the seed.
Crucial to providing consistent depth control as well as generating surface consolidation and suitable seed-to-soil contact, the G-Drill is equipped with a 450/500mm diameter Star Ring roller of the type found across HE-VA’s grassland machinery range. Proven in breaking up clods in cultivated ground as well as consolidating and closing the seed slot, it leaves a porous surface for weather to penetrate and seedlings to emerge evenly. A 600mm diameter flat roller can also be fitted.
Metering & Distribution
Previously the G-Drill has only been available with a 400L Stocks Ag Turbo Jet Hopper, but it will now be optional with a 1000L Turbo Jet Hopper, for those looking for more capacity and grant eligibility. Twin digital brushless 12volt electric fans provide high output airflow sufficient for seed rates up to 300 kg/ha. However, the applicator can be specified with an optional hydraulic fan for even greater volumes of air, a useful upgrade for those looking to predominantly use the G-Drill to sow cereals and pulses.
Stocks’ 4.3 inch colour touchscreen i-CON controller provides automatic forward speed-related rate control for ultimate accuracy. Variable rates can be applied according to mapping data (unlock required). An ISObus controlled option is also available if preferred.
Grant Eligible
The HE-VA G-Drill, when equipped with the new Stocks Ag 1000L hopper, is eligible for the English FETF44 grant. Giving farmers the choice of a straightforward, low-cost establishment drill with a maximum funding amount of £15,067 and a score of 57.
The OPICO ScotGrass working plot is stand 101, located near the clamp demonstration area.
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