KINZE 3660 Twin-Line Planter

Kinze's new planter for Spring 2009

(Pardon the picture quality - all I had with me was my phone camera)

At the Annual Kinze Dealer Meeting on July 18, Kinze introduced their new 3660 Planter. It features a number of enhancements that make it unique compared to previous Kinze planters, as well as the competition. Main features include break away markers, an integrated vacuum manifold, a three-section frame with 13^o of flex, increased field raise height, and weight transfer (the only available in the industry).

Kinze's new markers break away via two bolts near the hinge point. A bolt holder near the hinge keeps more bolts at hand for quick and easy replacement in the field. The arms also fold via inboard cylinders which help keep both cylinders and hoses up and out of harms way from posts, stalks, or brush. Another effect of the inboard cylinders is that storage position (folded) has the cylinders retracted preventing buildup on them during the off-season. The overall result are marker arms that require less maintenance and have a longer life span.

For EdgeVac models, the vacuum manifold on the 3660 means that the manifold constitutes a 3rd member for the toolbar. Vacuum hookup to each row unit is via a short jumper hose to the toolbar. This keeps the unit free of many external hoses that can otherwise snag or get in the way when you need to access row units.

Each wing on the three section frame can flex 13^o from level, either up or down. This is increased travel compared to previous models, and makes it better at hugging contours on rolling ground. The third frame member (which constitutes the vacuum manifold) also makes for strong wings and hinges.

A new method for in-field raising of the planter is accomplished with a rockshaft lift mechanism. This is separate from the transport raise mechanism meaning that the center post is only used when entering or leaving a field. Overall the system allows for an additional 8" of hitch clearance and 20" of extra clearance at the axle.

The new weight transfer system on the Kinze 3660 is something you won't find on other planters. The idea is to provide an adjustable system that exerts constant pressure from the center section to the wings, helping to distribute the center-heavy weight otherwise found in bulk-fill planters (or planters with liquid fertilizer tanks). The wing pressure is adjustable (for a variety of field conditions) and does not interfere with or prevent the planter from flexing. This is accomplished with hydraulic cylinders on each side that keep the pressure constant. The result is a planter whose center section does not gouge ruts in the field (and especially the end rows while turning) when field conditions are soft.

Another feature available on the Kinze 3660 is the new Kinze Cobalt planter monitor (which was also introduced at the 2008 Dealer Meeting). This monitor is intended to be a mid-range monitor between the KPM III and the Kinze Vision, for farmers that want some of the advanced options of the Vision but are not yet ready for a GPS planter system.

Kinze 3660 ASD (Air Seed Delivery)

Kinze considers their 3660 ASD to be a separate model alongside their 3660, featuring many of the same options but with air-delivered bulk seed instead of the option for liquid fertilizer tanks. The central feature of this system is of course the tanks which are each 55 bushels with large openings for easy filling, and are accessible via a large ladder and catwalk. A unique advantage over competing ASD systems is that on the Kinze the only moving part is the fan. The rest of the system's functionality is accomplished with innovative use of air direction and venting.

Additional Kinze 3660 Pictures