HORSCH MAESTRO CV / CX Review: Models, Precision Metering Systems and Equipment Options

The HORSCH MAESTRO CV / CX is a series of trailed precision planters whose productivity depends on the combination of working width, metering system and seed supply arrangement. The machines consist of a hopper wagon and a frame carrying the row units. This design accommodates substantial quantities of fertiliser and seed while allowing the machine’s weight to generate downforce on the row units.

The series covers configurations with 8 to 18 rows. However, the same number of row units can correspond to different working widths: twelve rows at 50 cm spacing form a six-metre machine, while twelve rows at 75 cm spacing form a nine-metre machine. The MAESTRO CV / CX should therefore be assessed according to its specific combination of row count, row spacing and equipment.

Model Range: How Row Count Relates to Working Width

The range includes eight-, nine-, eleven-, twelve- and eighteen-row configurations. This variety reflects differences between crop production systems: maize, sunflowers, sugar beet and soybeans require row spacing to be coordinated with farm conditions and subsequent field operations.

These are options within the family; the availability of a particular combination depends on the model and configuration. The row-unit clamping system allows their positions on the frame to be changed and enables conversion from narrow to wide row spacing in configurations designed for this purpose.

A significant stage in the series’ development was the introduction of a twelve-row version with 75 cm row spacing and a 9 m working width, announced by HORSCH in its Agritechnica 2023 materials. This expanded the capabilities of a family previously focused primarily on the six-metre segment.

CV and CX: Choosing the Metering System

The CV and CX designations identify differences in the seed metering systems. The MAESTRO CV uses the AirVac vacuum system, while the MAESTRO CX uses AirSpeed, which operates with positive pressure.

In AirVac, vacuum holds seeds against the holes in the metering disc. After singulation, each seed travels through the seed tube towards the furrow under gravity. In AirSpeed, positive pressure holds seeds against the disc, and after metering, an air stream accelerates them and directs them through the delivery tube towards the soil. A catching roller receives each seed and presses it into the bottom of the furrow.

Both systems use interchangeable discs for different crops. The singulator requires no additional adjustment when changing crops, although the disc must be selected according to the seed being planted. Electric drives provide independent row control and form the basis for SectionControl, VariableRate seeding and tramline management.

The manufacturer specifies operating speeds of up to 12 km/h for AirVac and up to 15 km/h for AirSpeed. These figures describe the equipment’s capabilities. Actual speed is selected based on checks of metering performance, planting depth and furrow closure under the prevailing soil conditions.

Hoppers: Individual Filling, MTS and Seed-Only

The seed supply arrangement is one of the main configuration choices for the MAESTRO CV / CX. In the version with individual hoppers, each row unit carries 70 litres of seed, while the central 3,000-litre hopper holds fertiliser. This arrangement requires the seed hoppers to be filled separately, row by row.

Main Tank Supply, or MTS, combines an 800-litre central seed hopper with a 3,000-litre fertiliser hopper. Seed is continuously supplied from the central hopper to the row units, where the AirVac or AirSpeed devices perform singulation. Centralised seed supply simplifies refilling while retaining the independent operation of each metering unit.

In the Seed-Only configuration, the central 3,000-litre hopper is used for seed, and fertiliser application equipment is omitted. This option is intended, among other applications, for planting legumes where a substantial seed reserve is required.

The choice between these arrangements depends on the planting area, seed rate and field supply logistics. Greater capacity increases the potential operating time between refills, but the actual interval is determined by the consumption of each material.

Row-Unit Downforce, AutoForce and AutoForce Pro

The MAESTRO CV / CX row units feature hydraulic downforce. The manufacturer specifies a maximum of 350 kg per row. Downforce can be set manually through the terminal or adjusted automatically using AutoForce.

The system changes downforce as soil conditions vary, maintaining the selected load on the gauge wheels. This matches the force required for penetration to soil resistance: firm areas require a higher load, while loose areas require a reduction.

AutoForce Pro extends the adjustment capability by actively unloading the row unit. Part of its weight is transferred hydraulically to the main frame. This capability is particularly relevant on light soils, where the row unit’s own weight may create excessive pressure.

The agronomic purpose of these systems is to maintain consistent planting depth without excessive compaction. Maximum downforce describes the machine’s available capacity; the working setting must match seedbed conditions.

Fertiliser Application and Additional Components

The MAESTRO CV / CX can apply fertiliser locally during planting. Single-disc or double-disc fertiliser openers are available for placement in the soil. Depending on the configuration, central microgranule systems with capacities of 300 or 600 litres are available for applying up to two components.

Combining operations allows seed and supplementary materials to be delivered in a single pass. Fertiliser placement, application rates and the products used are selected according to the crop and production system.

The series is intended for maize, sunflowers, sugar beet, soybeans, sorghum, rapeseed and other legumes when fitted with the appropriate metering discs. HORSCH provides for use after ploughing, in mulch planting and in direct planting, with equipment selected to suit field conditions.

Spare Parts for HORSCH Planters

Spare parts for HORSCH planters can be purchased from Bas-Agro in the “HORSCH-Compatible Spare Parts” section. The catalogue includes parts and components for servicing planting equipment. Selection by part number, machine model and assembly configuration helps ensure compatibility with the specific planter.

Practical Significance of the MAESTRO CV / CX Series

The MAESTRO CV / CX allows the row configuration, metering method and material capacity to be matched to the farm’s requirements. AirVac and AirSpeed offer different seed delivery methods, hopper options determine the refilling arrangement, and hydraulic downforce adjustment helps maintain planting depth.

When selecting a configuration, working width is considered alongside row spacing, crop, achievable operating speed and material logistics. Planting productivity depends on these parameters working together, while planting quality depends on accurate metering, consistent seed placement and favourable conditions for germination.