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Tine Seed Drills

The Aitchison® 3000 Series GrassFarmer® has been trusted by farmers for over 50 years. Designed specifically for reseeding and renovating existing pastures or cultivated soils, the GrassFarmer® range is built to deliver consistent performance in real-world conditions.

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

All GrassFarmer® models feature the unique Aitchison® sponge seed distribution system. This gentle, accurate system can sow most seeds in nearly any condition, with rates ranging from as low as 1kg/ha (0.9lbs/acre) up to 350kg/ha (311lbs/acre).

The Tine System

  • Clears trash and prunes roots
  • Creates fine tilth for fast germination
  • Lets in light, moisture, and warmth

The inverted T-slot Baker Boot forms a microclimate that promotes strong seedling establishment. Paired with high-tensile coil tines, the system reduces soil disturbance while maintaining accurate depth and excellent trash flow.

Ni-hard knock on/off Aitchison inverted “T” boots (with Tungsten tips) are standard to all tine drill models. Ideal for pasture renovation or cultivated ground, they consistently perform year after year.

Not sure if a tine drill is the right one for your farm?
Our Product Specialists will help you identify a model that suits your budget and requirements.
Talk to our team

GrassFarmer Tine Drill Features

  • Drills come standard with Aitchison’s slim line castings and inverted T-boot.
  • Rodent stop slide mechanism on all models.
  • Larger 14” Disc coulters with a stronger axle design.
  • Strong 25mm tines, designed for superior trash clearance.
  • The unique Aitchison sponge seed distribution system is gentle and accurate.
  • Aitchison seeding mechanism provides effortless access for cleaning after use.
  • Infinitely variable gearbox handles all seed volumes and sizes effortlessly.
  • All Aitchison GrassFarmer® drills provide excellent germination.

GrassFarmer Tine Drill Videos | Raw & Real


NEW Tread Board & Rear Hitch Upgrade for the GrassFarmer®

Developed by the Farmgear R&D team, this new upgrade is designed to boost the functionality and versatility of your GrassFarmer® seed drill. Whether you're looking to increase efficiency, carry more gear, or tow additional equipment, this bolt-on addition is built to deliver.

Why this upgrade is a must-have:

  • 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.

The Sponge Pad System

The Aitchison® seed distribution system, featured on both the Grassfarmer® and Seedmatic®, is a truly unique innovation that has stood the test of time. At its core is a specially designed sponge pad that delivers exceptional accuracy while being gentle on all product types—handling a wide range of seed sizes and volumes with ease, including selected fertilisers.

Paired with an infinitely variable gearbox, the system allows for precise sowing rates—from as little as 1kg/ha up to 350kg/ha—ensuring the right output for any job, whether you’re sowing fine or heavier product mixes.

NZ Made icon highlighting that Aitchison seed drills are proudly manufactured in New Zealand

The Inverted T-Slot (Tine Method)

Tine seed drills have a strong reputation among farmers for their versatility, reliability, and durability—making them a trusted solution across a wide range of farming conditions.

With a lower upfront cost and reduced maintenance compared to disc drills—without compromising on performance—our Tine Drills are a smart, economical choice for any operation.

The shoe pushes aside all surface trash and prunes the roots of the existing sward when rejuvenating grassland. The chamber allows light and moisture to penetrate but retains the warmth. Because the seed is surrounded by a fine tilth, root establishment is rapid.

Whether you’re working in cultivated soil, direct drilling into virgin ground, renovating existing pasture, or sowing into standing crops, Aitchison Tine Drills deliver consistent results, season after season.

Aitchison tine seed drill diagram showing how the inverted T-slot opener creates a microclimate for improved germination and pasture renovation

Baker Boot – Inverted T-Slot with Coil Tine

The proven Baker Boot inverted T-slot opener is engineered to optimise seed placement and create ideal soil conditions for germination and plant establishment. The unique T-shaped chamber forms a microclimate that retains moisture and warmth, allows light penetration, and ensures excellent soil-to-seed contact—promoting rapid, even germination. This boot is replaceable.

The boot and tine combination perform multiple roles in one pass. It clears surface vegetation, dethatches existing pasture, and places seed firmly at the base of the T-slot via the integrated seed tube—delivering consistent, accurate placement.

Our coil tines, made from high-tensile 25mm spring steel, are designed for strength and durability. They reduce lateral movement to maintain a straight and accurate path through the soil, while their staggered layout and left/right-hand coil pattern help facilitate efficient trash flow.

Together, the Baker Boot tip and coil tine provide precise seed placement with minimal soil disturbance, ensuring optimal seed-to-soil contact for superior germination across a wide range of soil types and conditions.

Tines with Disc Coulters — Clean Entry, Consistent Depth

Disc Coulters play a vital role in maintaining seeding accuracy, especially in residue-heavy conditions. Mounted at the front of the seed drill, these discs slice through surface trash, creating a clean path for the tines to follow. This reduces trash buildup, improves soil entry, and ensures more consistent seed depth and placement—key factors for even germination.

All Aitchison Disc Coulters are spring-loaded, allowing them to deflect over obstacles while maintaining constant down pressure for reliable ground engagement.

Depth adjustment is simple and flexible, available via manual mechanical settings or optional on-the-go hydraulic control, giving operators the ability to adjust from the cab for changing field conditions. The combination of disc coulters and tines results in improved seedbed preparation, more accurate sowing, and better overall crop establishment.


GrassFarmer® Tine Drill Specifications

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
SPECIFICATIONS 3008 3014C 3018C
Overall Width 1200mm (4′) 2720mm (8′ 11″) 3320mm (10′ 11″)
Overall Height 1550mm (5′ 1″) 1550mm (5′ 1″) 1550mm (5′ 1″)
Weight Empty 330kg (728lb) 525kg (1158lb) 915kg (2018lb)
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″)
No. Tines 8 Tines 14 Tines 18 Tines
Coulter Disc Bar Assembly Not available Included Included
No. of Coulters - 14 Coulters 18 Coulters
Row Spacing 150mm (6″) 150mm (6″) 150mm (6″)

Upgrade Options

Part Name Part Number
GrassFarmer Treadboard & Rear Hitch Assembly – Excludes 3008 ASGFTH
Rear Remotes AGF-RR-ASSY
Hydraulic Ram Disc Coulter Kit A2429
Area/Hectare Meter A2389A
Digital Weight Scales TB403
Aitchison Bait-It Applicator (75 Litre | 12V) AZS75