Time in equals yield up for leading drill manufacturer

Over the decades, leading agricultural equipment manufacturer Bourgault Industries has developed a reputation for delivering highly efficient, effective agronomic equipment to farms across Australia. 

The 4420 DK™ Drill is one such piece of equipment, delivering a high standard of precision seeding that enhances farming efficiency and yield. 

Having been designed and developed in partnership with Australian farmers and put through a rigorous testing process, the 4420 DK™ Drill is the reliable on-farm seeding tool that farmers need to maximise consistency in often-challenging growth environments. 

Built for resilience and stability, the machine has undergone a 4-year design, development and prototyping process – a timeframe that Bourgault Operations Manager Ben Bulley says is longer than the expected timeframe for similar products. However, Mr Bulley is certain that the completed prototype will be well worth the wait. 

“With this type of product, it’s possible to get from an engineering design concept to a working prototype within 12 months,” Mr Bulley said. 

“The decision to spend 24 months on the development stage was all about thoroughness. We didn't want to go to the market or waste time on prototypes that weren't thoroughly engineered and strong and durable. 

“If you're going to aim for durability, you cannot rush the design process, so we took slightly longer than what would be typical in the industry.” 

Mr Frank Varone, Director of Roma Farming Company, a 30,000-acre mixed crop and lambing operation based in Hyden, in the heart of the WA wheat-belt, helped with the in-field testing in 2023. Frank knows precise seed placement is a must and was so impressed by the performance of the 4420 DK™ 18-metre drill that he decided to go ahead and buy it. 

“With the 4420, it almost doesn’t matter what the tines are doing, the seed placement is always precise and germination was very even,” Mr Varone said. 

Reducing the likelihood of breakdowns is critical to on-farm efficiency, but it’s not the only way in which the 4420 DK Drill is minimising the time and effort required of the farmers who use it. 

The addition of Hi-Flotation™ tyres minimises soil compaction to promote healthy crop growth, while the dual-tine Deep Knife™ opener penetrates the soil to greater depths, improving fertiliser and seed placement precision to ultimately optimise germination and early plant growth. 

In combination, these features enable farmers to quickly fine-tune seeding depths and achieve the best possible outcomes out in the field. 

A steadfast product range has been central to Bourgault Industries’ long-term business, as has their one-track customer service focus. 

“The product we're supplying to the market is only used typically through April and May. There are a few exceptions, but for the rest of the year, our team here is dealing with the sales process, going to trade shows, dealing with the factory, transporting products, handling any inventory issues – basically dealing with the one product range all year ‘round, so we never lose sight of the customer's needs in relation to the product,” Ben says. 

Proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary of delivering precision air carts, drills, and seeding equipment this year, Bourgault Industries remains as committed as ever to driving agricultural excellence through innovation.

Founded in 1974, the company entered the Australian market in 1997 and set up its own warehouse in the year 2000 - something that would become symbolic of a long-term commitment to local customer service. 

“The clearest demonstration of our commitment to this market is the fact that we own our Australian facilities. We’ve made substantial monetary investments in the country, and we’re here for the long haul,” Ben says.

“With our distribution centres based in Perth and Albury, we cover all of the grain-growing regions of Australia. Those distribution centres are 100% company-owned subsidiaries, servicing our dealer network and handling the distribution of parts and assembly of products – essentially ensuring access to our products and services for anyone who needs it.” 

The commitment of Bourgault staff takes their standard of customer service to the next level. 

“All of our staff have one function: to support the Bourgault brand and products. We're specialists in what we do, fully focussed, which means our customers can expect the job done well. 

“We're also fortunate to have some very loyal long-term employees here, who have been with the company for 20 years or more.

That experience and knowledge is critical in terms of understanding and supporting the product – not only the current product, but also the older iterations that are still in use. We have the parts and the knowledge to keep those machines running,” Ben says.

Website https://www.bourgault.com/en-au

Email salesaustralia@bourgault.com