FLEXI-Coil has introduced new features on its air carts in time for this year's seeding.

The new FlexControl IV+ onboard computer allows growers to monitor and control Flexi-Coil air seeders, compatible tractors and combines, guidance systems and other ISO11783-compliant implements, from the tractor cabin.

The company is also providing upgraded ladders and railings to meet AS1657, which will be standard on 40 and 50 series air carts.

Flexi-Coil's Steve Mulder said with only one chance to get seeding right, growers were looking to technology.

"Limited seeding windows and rising input costs mean growers have to be spot-on with depth and placement of seeds - that's why so many growers have embraced precision-seeding technology and techniques," Steve said. "The new FlexControl IV+ system makes it easier than ever to keep a close eye on inputs like fertiliser and seeds, and allows you to make informed decisions that will help make every seed count."

The FlexControl IV+ is a 26cm, colour touch screen display, which replaces the FlexControl III display, and provides information such as ground speed, fuel use (on compatible tractors) and seeding rates. It allows on-the-go adjustments to maximise efficiency.

"The FlexControl IV+ takes the display from being a simple monitor and control tool to being an onboard computer," Steve said. "It runs a Linux-based operating system and the software can be upgraded or changed, maximising its useful life."

The display's overall layout has not changed, but new features include USB ports for external data storage, video inputs, and an ethernet port for web browsing.

The control can be used to operate various Flexi-Coil air cart functions including fan speed monitoring, air velocity tracking, tank level tracking, on-the-go seeding rate adjustment, diagnostics, ground speed, hectare counting and estimated time remaining for tank level.

Additional software allows coverage area mapping, summary data, single-section automatic overlap control, as-applied mapping of up to seven different products, prescription-controlled product application and container level tracking.

"The point is to put the information and functions at your fingertips, taking the guesswork out of seeding," Steve said.

FlexControl IV+ is standard on all Flexi-Coil air carts manufactured from October 2011. Customers who have a Case IH AFS Pro 700 or New Holland Intelli-view IV display can delete the control from their order.