LAMMA 26: Standen SR300 cup planter

Spud kit specialist Standen had a new tunnel-type cup planter on display at the show. What apparently sets the new machine apart is its dual function cups that both singulate and cradle seed tubers as they are delivered to the ground. This in turn makes it possible to run the chains significantly faster so that forward speeds can be increased by a claimed 10% to 30%. Available in two row mounted format as well as the three-in-a-bed variant on the company’s LAMMA stand, SR models have been designed to have an extended distance between the planter openers and the rear ridging hoods to encourage decent soil coverage and avoid hang-ups in damper conditions. Fitted with hydraulic hood pressure control and a steering rear axle, the SR300 comes in at just shy of £100,000.