Introducing the HDX with Seed Spider: A smarter approach to High Density planting
At Stanhay, we are always looking for practical ways to help growers improve precision, efficiency and crop outcomes. That is why we are pleased to introduce the HDX High Density Seed Drill now available with Seed Spider technology, bringing together two proven systems to deliver even greater performance in the field.
Stanhay and Seed Spider products have been successfully combined in the Californian market for many years; now, we are bringing this technology to customers across the UK and Europe. This latest development reflects our continued focus on listening to growers and responding with solutions that make a real difference day to day.
What is the HDX?
The HDX High Density Seed Drill has been designed to meet the demands of modern vegetable production. Known for its accuracy, flexibility and reliability, the HDX is built to handle high output planting while maintaining consistent seed placement across a wide range of crops.
Its modular design allows growers to configure the drill to suit their specific needs. The result is a machine that offers both precision and adaptability without compromising on performance.
Introducing Seed Spider technology
Seed Spider is an innovative seed delivery system designed to deliver an accurate and consistent seeding rate across a wide range of small seeds. It is particularly suited to seed types that are either too small to be handled by a vacuum precision drill or require higher populations than such drills can achieve.
At the heart of the system is a robust and versatile sponge metering unit, ideally suited to high-density crops where precise rate application is critical. The key engineering distinction lies in the orientation of the sponge. In the Seed Spider system, the sponge rotates around a vertical axis, rather than the horizontal axis used by most products currently available on the market.
This vertical-axis design significantly improves seeding quality and consistency across all seed types, resulting in more uniform crop establishment and greater confidence in the field. For growers focused on precision, output, and reliability, this represents a meaningful step forward. In addition, the app-based control system enables faster calibration and allows users to store settings for different seed types, working speeds, and application rates for future use. All operational data is also stored and accessible via the Seed Spider web interface, providing a clear record of what was seeded, where, and when.
Why combine the HDX with Seed Spider?
Bringing Seed Spider technology to the HDX platform creates a powerful combination. Growers can benefit from the proven accuracy of Seed Spider alongside the enhanced seed placement control of the HDX, making it ideal for high-density vegetable and salad crops.
By utilising the HDX chassis, more consistent seed depth is achieved across the full width of the bed, resulting in improved seed-to-soil contact and more reliable establishment.
Key benefits include:
- Improved seed depth consistency
- Reduced seed bounce and movement after release
- Greater confidence when operating at higher working speeds
- More uniform crop emergence
- Potential for improved yields through better plant establishment
This combination is particularly well suited to growers looking to maximise output without sacrificing precision.
Designed with growers in mind
As with all Stanhay equipment, the HDX with Seed Spider has been developed with practicality at its core. Ease of setup, straightforward adjustment and reliable operation remain central to the design.
Chris Fletcher, Managing Director at Stanhay, explains: “We are always focused on helping growers get the best possible results from their planting operations. Integrating Seed Spider technology with the HDX allows us to offer an even higher level of precision, particularly for those working at scale or in demanding conditions.”
Sales Manager Ally Wharton adds: “Growers are under increasing pressure to deliver consistency and efficiency. This development gives them another tool to achieve that, without adding complexity to their operation.”
A step forward in precision planting
The introduction of Seed Spider to the HDX range represents another step forward in our commitment to precision planting. By combining trusted engineering with innovative seed delivery and an advanced control system, we are helping growers plant with greater confidence and achieve more consistent results.
The intuitive, app-based control system simplifies operation while enabling growers to capture and store valuable planting data, providing greater visibility and insight into their operations.
If you would like to learn more about the HDX with Seed Spider or discuss how it could support your operation, get in touch with the Stanhay team or your local dealer.