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Disc Seed Drills:

Does this sound familiar? Seeding conditions are perfect. You ring the local contractor. They’re booked solid for three weeks. By the time they show up, the ideal weather window for seeding is long gone. Germination suffers. Feed’s short. Your stock pays the price. What if you didn’t have to wait?

The Aitchison® 3000 Series GrassFarmer® Disc Seed Drill puts you back in control. This is professional seed drill performance, without the contractor-scale cost. Designed specifically for pasture-based livestock farmers who want to sow when conditions are right — not when someone else’s schedule allows it.


Who is the GrassFarmer® Disc Drill Designed & Built For?

The GrassFarmer® is built for pasture-based livestock farmers working in tougher conditions who want to take control of their pasture management and get better returns.

If you’re running sheep, beef, or dairy, you know that timing is everything. Plant when conditions are right, and you get strong germination, better feed, and healthier stock. If you miss the right weather window, your germination suffers and you’re left short on feed, ultimately affecting your returns.

The GrassFarmer® is the entry level seed drill that hits the sweet spot: quality seed drill performance at an owner-operator price, giving you the ability to sow when you want to — not when the contractor is.

Finding the right seed drill isn’t always simple.
They vary in price, functionality, size and upkeep – Contact us and we’ll help you identify the right model for your requirements.
Talk to our team

Aitchison GrassFarmer disc seed drill with HD cover harrows improving seed to soil contact in pasture
The GrassFarmer® Disc Drill paired with Cover Harrows to maximise seed to soil contact and improve germination results.
erial view of Aitchison GrassFarmer disc seed drill creating clean furrows in pasture
An aerial view of the GrassFarmer® Disc Drill at work — 350mm concave discs cutting clean, precise furrows for accurate seed placement
Aitchison GrassFarmer disc seed drill in paddock with drilling depth adjusted to suit conditions
The GrassFarmer® Disc Drill gives you mechanical depth control as standard
Close-up of Aitchison GrassFarmer disc drill showing minimal soil disturbance after seeding
The GrassFarmer® Disc Drill’s concave single disc openers cut a narrow furrow, retaining soil moisture.
Aitchison GrassFarmer 14 row disc seed drill direct drilling into sprayed off New Zealand paddock
The GrassFarmer® 3014D direct drilling in a sprayed-off New Zealand paddock
Close-up of individually sprung disc openers on Aitchison GrassFarmer disc seed drill
Each disc is individually sprung, allowing it to deflect over rocks. One of the reasons Aitchison disc drills are the go-to choice for stony conditions.
Close-up of sprung metering wheel on Aitchison GrassFarmer disc seed drill for reliable seed metering
The sprung metering wheel maintains consistent ground contact to ensure reliable seed metering — delivering accurate, even seed distribution.

At the heart of the GrassFarmer® Disc Drill is a heavy-duty 350mm (14″) concave single disc opener, staggered for efficient trash flow. Each disc is individually sprung, meaning it can deflect independently over rocks and uneven ground without transferring shock through the machine or breaking down. As a general rule, Aitchison disc drills are among the best-performing seed drills available for stony conditions — and the individually sprung disc system is a big reason why.

These large 14″ concave discs are particularly effective in matted or dense pastures, cutting through where smaller discs bog down or clog.

Disc seed drills are the go-to choice for farmers working in rocky, compacted, or residue-heavy soils. Where other planting equipment struggles, the GrassFarmer® Disc Drill keeps moving — slicing cleanly through surface trash, riding over stones, and placing seed accurately with minimal soil disturbance.

If you’re farming in stony country, dealing with dense swards like Kikuyu, or working hard summer ground, this is the drill built for your conditions. Tine drills perform exceptionally well in many situations, but when it comes to rocky soils and heavy residue, the disc is the smarter choice.


Here’s what the concave discs do…

  • Slice through surface residue to avoid hair-pinning
  • Cut clean, narrow furrows for accurate seed placement
  • Crush clods and push aside or ride over stones
  • Penetrate harder, compacted ground effectively

Because disc openers minimise soil disturbance, they help retain soil moisture, protect beneficial soil structure, and preserve microbial life — contributing to long-term pasture health. Consistent seed depth and placement across all terrain types means you’re giving every seed the best possible chance from the moment it hits the ground.

Close-up of GrassFarmer® individually sprung discs
Each Disc is Individually sprung meaning it can deflect independently over rocks and uneven ground for superior contour following,
A photo showing the the large 14" concave discs on the GrassFarmer disc drill.
The large 14″ concave discs cut clean, narrow furrows for accurate seed placement, and are are particularly effective in matted or dense pastures.
GrassFarmer® tine seed drill fitted with full accessory range including Tread Board, BAIT-IT applicator, and HD Cover Harrows.
The GrassFarmer® isable to be fitted with a full range of accessories to help you get more done in each pass.
"Close-up of the GrassFarmer® tine seed drill foam pad seed delivery system.
The Aitchison® foam pad seed distribution system delivers exceptional accuracy while staying gentle on all product types — from fine grass seed through to heavier mixes
Close-up of the GrassFarmer® rodent stop system for secure seed hopper protection from rodents.
The new rodent stop system blocks unwanted visitors from entering the seed hopper — protecting your seed distribution foam pads when not in use.
Close-up of GrassFarmer® sprung metering wheel for consistent ground contact and accurate seed rate on uneven terrain.
The sprung metering wheel follows ground contours closely, maintaining constant contact to deliver a consistent, accurate seed rate — even across uneven paddocks
Close-up of the GrassFarmer® 3018C large 365L seed hopper designed to maximise time in the paddock and minimise downtime
The large Hopper (up to 365L capacity on the 3018C) means more ground covered between fills, less downtime
Close-up of GrassFarmer® two-range gearbox providing sowing rates from 1kg/ha to 350kg/ha for versatile seed application.
From 1kg/ha to 350kg/ha — the two-range gearbox covers the full spectrum. Dial in the right rate for any seed.
GrassFarmer® tine seed drill narrow width design available in 8, 14, and 18 row configurations for easy transport.
Available in 8, 14, and 18 row configurations, the GrassFarmer® is designed to keep overall width narrow — making it straightforward to move between paddocks and through tight gateways.
GrassFarmer® sowing rate adjustment handle — simple to set up, simple to calibrat
Simple to adjust, easy to calibrate. The sowing rate handle lets you dial in the right rate quickly.
Close-up of GrassFarmer® removeable front and rear hopper panels for easy inspection and cleaning access
Removeable front and rear panels give you quick, unobstructed access for inspection and cleaning — making maintenance between jobs as simple as it should be.
Closeup showing the disc seed drill depth control legs enabling farmers to easily set their desired sowing depth.
Quickly and easily set your desired sowing depth with the depth control legs.

All GrassFarmer® models feature the unique Aitchison® sponge seed distribution system — a long-proven design trusted by farmers for over 50 years and used across both the GrassFarmer® and Seedmatic® drills.

At the heart of the system is a unique sponge metering unit that handles the selected seed gently and accurately, without cracking or damaging the product. Whether you’re sowing fine grasses, coated seed, larger legumes, or heavy blends, the sponge system delivers consistent, reliable distribution across the full width of the drill.

Sowing rates run from as little as 1kg/ha right up to 350kg/ha — the versatility you need when you’re dealing with different seed types. A variable gearbox (with two ranges) rotates the sponge disc to give you precise control over your rate, making it straightforward to dial in the right output for any job.

The system is gravity-fed, so there’s no complicated air system to maintain or troubleshoot. Simple, Effective & Proven for over 50 years.

"Close-up of the GrassFarmer® tine seed drill foam pad seed delivery system.

When your drill is stored, its recommended storing it without any seed in the hopper, as rodents will try and find their way to this seed. 

The New and Upgraded Rodent Stop Slide fitted to GrassFarmer® models shuts off access to the foam pads completely, so rodents can’t reach them.  A great addition that protects your seed metering system. 

The Rodent Stop Slide sits open during sowing, allowing seed metered by the foam disc to fall freely down the tubes to the ground
The Rodent Stop Slide closes during storage, blocking access to the foam disc and seed — keeping mice out and your system protected between uses.
The latch pin locks the Rodent Stop Slide firmly in position (open or closed) so it stays put and doesn’t rattle or shift during operation or storage

Filmed near Hunterville, New Zealand, this video shows the Aitchison GrassFarmer® Disc Seed Drill being set up and operated by a NZ Farmer. It shows how the individually sprung discs deliver exceptional contour following and consistent ground contact, producing a tidy, professional finish. 

This video shows a GrassFarmer 18 Row Disc Seed Drill (fitted with a treadboard upgrade & Cover Harrows) direct drilling into pasture in the Manawatu Region of New Zealand. 

Filmed on a farm in the Northland Region of New Zealand, this video shows a GrassFarmer® 14-row Disc Drill with a tread board upgrade, oversowing a paddock to increase pasture production. Notice the sprung metering wheel maintaining constant ground contact to deliver a consistent, accurate seed rate.


This is a great upgrade to your GrassFarmer® seed drill making it easier to use and more versatile. It gives you safe and simple access for loading and space to carry extra bags of seed. With a rear drawbar, you can tow a compaction roller at the same time, while the integrated mounts enable you to tow cover harrows and mount a slug and rodent bait applicator (Bait-It) when needed. This upgrade is available for all GrassFarmer® 3008, 3014 and 3018 Disc and Tine models, and can also be retrofitted to existing machines. Why this is a great upgrade option :

    • Provides easy and safe access for loading seed.
    • Allows you to carry extra bags of seed right on the machine.
    • Rear drawbar enables towing of a compaction roller.
    • Integrated mounts for towing and carrying cover harrows.
    • Additional mounts for a slug or rodent applicator.
    • Fits all GrassFarmer® 3008, 3014 & 3018 models—both disc and tine versions.

Wanting to retrofit? Drop us some details and we’ll be in touch.

Tread board fitted to GrassFarmer 3018D | Towing HD Harrows for better seed to soil contact, improving germination.
A farmer standing on the tread board to load seed into the GrassFarmer 3018C seed hopper. HD harrows mounted in transport position behind.
GrassFarmer seed drill using the rear hitch for towing compaction rollers.
The rear hitch on the GrassFarmer tread board allows you to easily tow rollers etc behind the seed drill.
The rear hitch on the GrassFarmer tread board allows you to easily tow rollers etc behind the seed drill.
The tread board provides a safe and stable platform for standing on when loading seed.
The Tread board fitted to a GrassFarmer 3008 Seed drill. This upgrade can be retro-fitted to any GrassFarmer model.

The Aitchison® BAIT-IT is a rugged 12-volt broadcast spreader, built to apply slug and rodent bait in the same pass as you sow. With a spread pattern of up to 24 metres and a 75-litre hopper, it delivers wide, efficient coverage without adding time or trips to your day.

Five application rate settings give you control from 2.5–20 kg/ha. Compatible with GrassFarmer® and Seedmatic® models — a straightforward upgrade that protects your establishment from the moment seed hits the ground.

Up to 24 metres spread width. The BAIT-IT spinner disc delivers wide, efficient coverage every pass.
Compatible with GrassFarmer® and Seedmatic® models. The BAIT-IT fits straight on and gets to work
The Aitchison® BAIT-IT features a robust 75-litre plastic hopper. Plenty of capacity to get the job done without having to refull it to often.

Designed to mount directly onto the GrassFarmer® treadboard and tow behind the drill, the Aitchison® HD Cover Harrows enable you to achieve more in the same pass. The heavy-duty three-row chain design spreads seed, breaks trash, and scratches soil over the row — improving seed-to-soil contact and giving you a better strike rate.

Available in 2.1 m or 2.8 m widths and complete with a tow chain. These HD Harrows are a simple upgrade that goes a long way to improving your germination.

Aitchison® HD Cover Harrows working the soil for better establishment
A bird’s eye view of the Aitchison® GrassFarmer® and HD Cover Harrows.
The HD Cover Harrows lift onto the treadboard for safe, easy transport between jobs.

Make calibration quick and accurate. The digital weight scales let you easily weigh seed or fertiliser during calibration, ensuring your drill is set to deliver the right rate every time.

The Area Meter displays area in hectares or acres, travel speed in km/h or mph, and distance in kilometres or metres — so you always know exactly how much ground you’ve covered. Optional functions include working-time tracking and high/low-speed alarms.


SPECIFICATIONS 3008D 3014D 3018D
Overall Width 1.2m (4′ 1″) 2.6m (8′ 11″) 3.2m (10′ 11″)
Overall Height 1550mm (5′ 1″) 1550mm (5′ 1″) 1550mm (5′ 1″)
Overall Length 1950mm (6′ 5″) 1925mm (6′ 4″) 1925mm (6′ 4″)
Weight Empty 440kg (970lb) 615kg (1355lb) 730kg (1565lb)
Seed Hopper Capacity 130lt (3.6 bu) 280lt (7.5 bu) 365lt (10 bu)
Sowing Width 1.2m (4′) 2.1m (6′ 11″) 2.7m (8′ 10″)
Number of Discs 8 Discs 14 Discs 18 Discs
Row Spacing 150mm (6″) 150mm (6″) 150mm (6″)
Upgrades Code
Treadboard & Rear Hitch Assembly ASGFTH
Flotation Tyre Upgrade (210mm Wide) | Replaces standard 150 mm width A28009
Lower Seed Box | Reduces overall drill height by 150 mm *NZ Only n/a
Hydraulic Extension Hose Kit for Towable Roller AGF-RR-ASSY
Hydraulic Ram Disc Coulter Kit *NZ only A2429
Area/Hectare Meter A2389A
Digital Weight Scales TB403
Aitchison Bait-It Applicator (75 Litre | 12V) AZS75
2.1m HD Cover Harrows 3 rows of 12/16mm chain c/w tow chain AZGH21
2.8m HD Cover Harrows 3 rows of 12/16mm chain c/w tow chain AZGH28

Established in 1970, the Aitchison® brand has been around for more than 50 years. The GrassFarmer® models from Aitchison have been trusted by farmers across New Zealand and Australia for reseeding and renovating existing pastures or cultivated soils. It’s built form the ground up to deliver consistent, reliable performance season after season.

These economical 3-point linkage drills have low horsepower requirements, robust construction, and a simple, effective design. GrassFarmer® drills make it easy to get started with direct drilling—giving you full control of your pasture management without sacrificing reliability or results

Finding the right seed drill isn’t always simple.
They vary in price, functionality, size and upkeep – Contact us and we’ll help you identify the right model for your requirements.
Talk to our team