CCS
CCS seed delivery adds productivity through increased seed capacity, bulk fill capability, and easy, thorough cleanout.
The two tanks have a combined capacity of 2466.7 L (70 bu) on 9.1-m (30-ft) planters and 3523.9 L (100 bu) on 12.2-m (40-ft) and larger planters. CCS tanks are manufactured using a rotomolded, polyethylene design to ensure maximum durability. The translucent tanks allow easily viewing the amount of seed in the tanks. The tanks are separated by 54.6 cm (21.5 in.) for enhanced rear visibility during transport and backing.
The following crops can be planted with CCS: corn, sweet corn, popcorn, cotton, sunflowers, sugar beets, soybeans, and sorghum (milo).
Filling the tanks is convenient due to a central filling location. The staircase and railing provide access to the filling platform between the tanks. If filling the tanks with an auger, minimum recommendations are a 15.2-cm (6-in.) diameter, 4.3-m (14-ft) auger. Each tank has an adjustable bin-level sensor to alert the operator when it is time to fill.
A standard fill light package is available on machines equipped with CCS. This feature includes two lights conveniently mounted on the railings of the machine. The lights are turned on and off with their own switch located at the bottom of the staircase.
If the seed-carrying vehicle requires hydraulic power to run the unloading system, the auxiliary hydraulic coupler option is available. These couplers are located at the bottom of the staircase and can be coupled under pressure. The system has a separate system filter that ensures the planter hydraulic system remains free of contaminates.
Seed delivery process
CCS is about reducing the time spent filling the planter with seed while maximizing the time spent planting. CCS for planters is a form of seed handling and delivery. The row-units perform the final task of seed metering and placement.
The CCS seed delivery process relies on a hydraulically driven fan to move seed from the CCS tanks to the row-unit hoppers. A flow control valve and gauge, located near the tank, allows for the proper tank pressure setting based on seed type. For normal operation, the CCS functions of fan and agitator control, as well as bin level sensing alerts, are controlled by status of the height switch. The CCS functions are enabled when the machine is lowered and disabled when the machine is raised. In addition, the CCS functions can be engaged for CCS hose cleanout using the switch on the back of the planter when oil flow is present. On models with software-based CCS control, CCS functions can be enabled or disabled through software interface in the cab as well as the switch on the back of the planter.
Air from the fan pressurizes the CCS tanks and delivers seed to the seed hoppers. Airflow enters the seed tanks through a nozzle in the manifold which pressurizes the tank. The air then picks up seed and moves it out the other end of the nozzle into seed delivery hoses. These hoses route the seed toward the hopper. A small amount of seed is traveling in the delivery hoses only when needed.
The hopper fills with seed until the delivery hose (discharge elbow) is covered. Once the opening is restricted, seed flow through the hose stops. Air flowing to the row-unit travels into the hopper and is the source of air for the vacuum system. This provides a much cleaner air source than previous meter designs. As the seed is picked up by the meter and planted, the seed pool shrinks until the end of the delivery hose is uncovered. At that time, the airflow and seed delivery resume and the seed pool in the hopper is replenished.
CCS tank scales for DB Planter models
The CCS tank scales for DB models are a stand-alone system from Digi-Star®. Load cells are installed at the factory and can be ordered for CCS or CCS with Refuge Plus.
There are three load cells, two at the rear of the CCS cradle and one at the front. They weigh both tanks as one; individual tank weights cannot be determined.
The load cells and display are made by Digi-Star. They are not on the controller aread network (CAN) bus system so they are not integrated into SeedStar™ software in any way. The monitor is sold separately through Digi-Star.
CCS seed cleanout
Seed cleanout could not be much easier with a CCS planter. When finished planting, any remaining seed can simply be removed via access doors at the bottom of the CCS tank.
Because seed is only traveling through the CCS delivery hoses when required by the meter, there is not much left to clean.
CCS seed delivery hoses are then purged with air from the CCS fan, and the excess seed is pushed to the individual meters. The vacuum meter door is opened and seed is removed with the supplied catch pan.
Small seed CCS components
Manifold nozzle and nozzle with cover installed
Straight seed inlet installed in mini-hopper
CCS seed delivery system increases planting productivity across the seven approved crops listed above. While highly effective delivering seed from the CCS tanks to the vacuum meters, small or light seeds (sorghum and small cotton) will require two additional components to aid in proper seed delivery.
Manifold nozzle covers (clips) should be installed to ensure seed is adequately picked up into the air stream for delivery to the row-unit. Mini-hopper discharge elbows should also be changed from the standard elbow (holes) to the small seed elbow (slotted openings) when planting sorghum (milo) and small cotton.
Digi-Star is a trademark of Digi-Star LLC.