Skip to main content

Tine Seed Drills:

GrassFarmer® Tine Drills strike the perfect balance between affordability, durability, and performance.

Picture this: 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® Tine Seed Drill puts you back in control. Designed specifically for pasture-based livestock farmers who want to sow when conditions are right—not when someone else’s schedule allows it.

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. 

Standard Features | GrassFarmer Tine Seed Drill.

Who is the GrassFarmer® Designed & Built For?

The GrassFarmer® is built for pasture-based livestock farmers 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

In Action | GrassFarmer Tine Seed Drill.
An original-livery GrassFarmer® at work in Australia, delivering reliable seed placement in challenging dry conditions.
An original-livery GrassFarmer® at work in Australia, delivering reliable seed placement in challenging dry conditions.
A GrassFarmer® in action on a New Zealand farm, clearly showing the sprung metering wheel, front disc coulter and 25mm tines at work.
Close-up of a GrassFarmer® drilling in NZ conditions, highlighting the metering wheel drive, 14″ coulter, heavy-duty 25mm tines and baker boot.
Aerial view of the Aitchison GrassFarmer® 3018C with tread board and harrow upgrades visible as it drills across a pasture paddock.
Aerial view of the Aitchison GrassFarmer® 3018C with tread board and harrow upgrades visible as it drills across a paddock.
GrassFarmer® in dry Australian country, showing the T-Boot openers cutting in and building tilth for better seed establishment.
GrassFarmer® (old livery) in dry Australian country, showing the T-Boot openers cutting in and building tilth for better seed establishment.
GrassFarmer® fitted with the tread board upgrade, with the cover roller being towed behind, pressing soil for maximum seed-to-soil contact.
GrassFarmer® fitted with the tread board upgrade, with the cover roller being towed behind, pressing the soil for maximum seed-to-soil contact.
Aitchison GrassFarmer® (old livery) on the tractor linkages, shown in the process of setting and calibrating seed rates.
Aitchison GrassFarmer® (old livery) on the tractor 3-point linkages, shown in the process of setting and calibrating seed rates.
Direct drilling with the GrassFarmer® into a sprayed paddock for fast, reliable pasture renewal
Direct drilling with the GrassFarmer® into a sprayed paddock for fast, reliable pasture renewal

Why Choose a Tine Seed Drill?  | Baker Boot / Inverted T-Slot with Coil Tine

The heart of the GrassFarmer® Tine Drill models is the proven tine & baker boot system. This system:

  • Clears trash and prunes roots – Cuts through surface vegetation and dethatches existing pasture in one pass
  • Creates fine tilth for fast germination – Prepares an ideal seedbed without excessive soil disturbance
  • Let’s in light, moisture, and warmth – Forms a microclimate that promotes strong seedling establishment

Not sure if a tine drill is right for your conditions? Talk to our team

Here’s how it works:

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, so you’re not throwing away the whole assembly when wear eventually happens. The boot and tine combination perform multiple roles in one pass. The baker boot 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 every time.

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—even in heavy residue.

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. Hardened knock-on/off Aitchison inverted “T” boots (with Tungsten tips) are standard to all tine drill models, so are easily replaceable.

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, 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. They’re built to handle the rough stuff without bogging down or clogging.

Depth adjustment of the disc coulters is simple and available via adjusting the manual settings or an optional upgrade of hydraulic control. That means you can adjust from the tractor cab.

Take A Closer Look | GrassFarmer Tine Seed Drill.
"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.
GrassFarmer® disc coulters designed to cut through surface trash and crop residue for uninterrupted sowing
Disc coulters cut cleanly through surface trash ahead of the tine — keeping the drill running smoothly, even in heavy residue conditions
GrassFarmer® 25mm spring steel coil tines designed for straight soil penetration and efficient trash flow in heavy residue conditions
Made from high-tensile 25mm spring steel, these coil tines are built for strength and accuracy — cutting a straight, consistent path through the soil while the staggered left/right-hand layout keeps trash moving freely, even in heavy residue
Close-up of the GrassFarmer® replaceable T-boot, designed to create optimal germination conditions at the point of sowing
The replaceable T-boot forms a unique microclimate at the seed furrow — retaining moisture, warmth, and light to promote rapid, even germination. When it wears, you can replace the just boot
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.
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; the Tread Board for safer loading and towing, the BAIT-IT applicator to apply slug bait while you sow, and HD Cover Harrows for improved germination
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.
GrassFarmer® strengthened toplink designed for reliable three point linkage connection to the tractor
The new strengthened toplink makes for a more secure connection to the tractor’s three point linkage mount.

Seed Distribution | The Sponge Pad System

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.

Sponge Pad Protection | The New Rodent Stop Slide

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

See It In Action | GrassFarmer Tine Seed Drill.

Shot near Mangaweka in New Zealand, this video shows the Aitchison GrassFarmer® 3018C tine seed drill paired with the Aitchison Bait-It slug bait applicator, treadboard, and HD harrows to maximise seed-to-soil contact. 

This video shows an original-livery Aitchison GrassFarmer® direct drilling in Queensland, Australia. To achieve the best possible results, the drill is working in tandem with a Cambridge roller, pressing the soil to maximize seed-to-soil contact and boost seedling survival in dry conditions.

Filmed in Victoria, Australia, this video shows the team at McGregor Machinery setting up and calibrating an original-livery Aitchison GrassFarmer® 3018C. Watch as they calibrate in the seed distribution system, before heading into the paddock to demonstrate the drill’s direct drilling performance.

▶️Hill Country Farmer Puts It to the Test | YouTuber Review

We partnered with Rangitikei-based farmer and YouTuber Hill Country Farmer to put the GrassFarmer 3018C through its paces on real New Zealand hill country. Running with a treadboard, Bait-it, and harrows, he gave us an honest, look at what the machine is capable of. Check out the Hill Country Farmer YouTube channel here.

GrassFarmer Upgrade Options 
The Tread Board & Rear Hitch

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.
A farmer standing on the tread board to load seed into the GrassFarmer 3018C seed hopper. HD harrows mounted in transport position behind.
Tread board fitted to GrassFarmer 3018C | Towing HD Harrows for better seed to soil contact, improving germination.
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.
Bait-It Slug Bait Applicator

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.
HD Cover Harrows

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.
Digital Weight Scales

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.

Area Meter

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.

Standard Specifications | GrassFarmer Tine Seed Drill

8 Row Tine Drill | 3008

14 Row Tine Drill | 3014C

18 Row Tine Drill | 3018C
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″)
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
Trusted for Over 50 Years

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