Clay-All-Over,

Didn't forget your request for pictures of the new 24 rows Horsch Maestro corn planter. Just found time now to organize the 1500+ photos I took at Agritechnica.  

So...Horsch Maestro.  The planter unit was developped in-house by Horsch, unlike the old Maistro, which used Kinze units.  Honestly the units look just like Deere's and CNH's.  Except for one major detail: they are electrically driven.  Which means no need for row clutches or VR controllers.  Planting is supposed to be good at speeds up to 15 kph (I have some doubts on this, but Europeans like to do things fast).  It is available in 12 rows and 24 rows 30" (Maestro SW with the Seed-on-Demand system) and  8 and 12 rows 20 to 30" (Maestro CC with individual seed hoppers).  Each row has hydraulic downpressure.  The air cart has a capacity of 2000 litres (60 bu) and 7000 litres of fertilizer (200 bu). The air cart runs on 520/85R42 single tires.  It would be possible to put duals on, but I am not sure the axle will handle it well.  Interestingly, the axle is extended to 120" centres for field operation, then retracted on the road for a transport width of 3 metres (10 ft).  Obviously the thing is ISObus-ready and it works...  take note Deere and CNH!  Horsch recommends at least 180 hp for this 12 tonnes (empty) planter. List price is 142500 €. Or roughly 200K in Canada.   Overall it looks like a very well engineered piece of equipment, but I doubt they will sell it here because of the price.  The air cart would be great for someone doing CTF...
Let me know if you have other questions!  Or if you want to see other stuff from Agritechnica.

Nick

 Horsch specs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA8mw4yRdbk&feature=related