New Generation Row Unit for Väderstad Tempo Planters
The new generation row unit for Väderstad Tempo planters has been developed with a strong focus on operator convenience, modular design, and the integration of new electronic adjustment features.
According to David Wennerlund, Project Manager - Product & Development at Väderstad AB, the team’s main objective was “user-friendliness” - to create a more intuitive, more durable, and easier-to-adjust system adapted to the modern demands of precision planting.
Seed Hopper
The new seed hopper design follows the latest design language of Väderstad. Instead of the tube frame that's been on the previous row units, we've replaced that with a press-formed sheet metal bracket, which gives it a more pristine design look, more robust.
The seed hopper capacity remains unchanged - 70 liters for the smaller Tempo machines and 90 liters for the larger Tempo L models. The hoppers are manufactured using a two-part injection molding process: a functional inner section designed for strength and durability, and an outer section aligned with the machine’s design concept.
“This method of manufacturing gives us a very robust design, which is extremely beneficial for us since we want the seed hoppers to be alright. It's crucial for us.”
Väderstad uses the same lid for both the 70-liter and 90-liter hoppers. The same principle applies to the mounting components, which are standardized as part of the modular design concept.
The lid is also made in two parts - a functional inner section for durability and an outer section following the company’s design guidelines. The handle is integrated directly into the lid, ensuring a comfortable grip and easy opening and closing.
Small Seed Hopper
The new unit also features a newly developed seed hopper for Väderstad central filling systems. The solution combines a collector and a 5-liter hopper into a compact design.
“This is also very beneficial when planting smaller seeds, as there is no need to use the central hopper. It is mounted in the same way as the standard hoppers — directly onto the row unit and the air duct.”
Microgranule Hopper
The microgranule hopper now has a 25-liter capacity across all Tempo models - both smaller and larger machines. Previously, different versions with 17- and 30-liter capacities were used.
Here too, the handle is integrated into the lid, while a spring-assisted mechanism makes opening and closing easier.
Inside the hopper, a scale has been added for monitoring the microgranule quantity, along with a level sensor - a new feature compared to the previous generation of row units. Each row is equipped with its own sensor that monitors the microgranule level and warns the operator when the quantity decreases.
Row Unit
One of the small but practical updates is the new handle on the row unit cover. It can easily be operated with one hand, which is particularly useful in narrow row spacing and limited-access areas.
The row unit is now mounted to the frame in a standardized way regardless of the model. This is part of the modular design concept, which simplifies both production and servicing. The standard and mirrored versions of the row unit for the vertically folding Tempo V models remain the only differences between the various configurations.
Row Cleaners
The row cleaners have also been improved. The depth limiter can now be adjusted without tools, and the number of adjustment positions has been increased.
“The previous version had only three positions and required tools for adjustment. We know this area is extremely difficult to access, especially with narrow row spacing, so the new solution significantly improves operator convenience.”
Closing Wheels
The new row unit features a completely redesigned closing wheel arm. Instead of a welded steel structure, a cast iron arm is now used, providing greater stability and a more efficient manufacturing process.
Two versions are available - short and long - and both allow adjustment of the closing wheel angle. Additional openings have also been added at the rear of the angle adjustment mechanism to allow dust and dirt to escape, preventing clogging. This improves adjustment precision.
New Seed Disc Angle
One of the key changes is the new angle between the seed discs. “We changed the angle from 11° to 10°, which has the greatest economic effect: it reduces the amount of removed soil while creating a clearer seed furrow. This makes furrow closing easier and improves the machine’s performance”.
New Electronic Features
The new electronic functions of the planting unit were presented by Oskar Gunnarsson, Master Engineer at Väderstad AB.
“Since soil conditions are not the same across the entire field, much of the development focus was directed toward adjustments that can be managed directly from the cab while working in the field.”
In Cab Seed Depth Adjustment
Väderstad is introducing a new electronic adjustment system for seed placement depth. The setting can be controlled directly from the tractor cab or automatically through prescription soil maps. This allows the planting depth to change according to the varying soil conditions across different parts of the field.
Electric Adjustment of Closing Wheels
Another new feature is the electronic adjustment of pressure on the closing wheels. A drive mechanism located at the rear of the unit regulates the spring tension applied to the closing wheels, while the operator can adjust the settings directly from the cab while driving.
“This is also very beneficial on the bigger machines, where you don't have to manually adjust 24 different rows each time you want to make adjustments on the machine to get the best performance”.
Serial production of the new generation row unit for Väderstad Tempo planters has already begun. Starting from June 2026, it will be implemented across all Tempo and Proceed models.
