Väderstad keeps the Spirit alive

For the 2026 model year, Väderstad pushed the Spirit seed drill’s capabilities and the new Spirit 400-900C/S models are equipped with a redesigned seed coulter capable of applying up to 120kg of coulter pressure, which is a significant increase over the previous standard of Replace with 80kg. In addition, there is also integrated patented TriForce II suspension at every seeding row.
At first glance, a coulter might seem like a small component in the vast machinery that is a modern seed drill. But to farmers and agronomists who understand the intricacies of crop establishment, it’s one of the most critical. The coulter dictates where and how each seed touches the soil, and even small inconsistencies in depth or soil contact can lead to uneven emergence, weaker competitive crop stands and, ultimately, lower yields.
The newly engineered Spirit seed coulter focuses on addressing this challenge at its core, Väderstad says. By enhancing the coulter’s ability to maintain consistent pressure and contact with the soil, Spirit improves seed placement accuracy across variable terrains from flat to undulating, stony fields that would traditionally disrupt depth control.
The TriForce II suspension is, according to the company, a uniquely triangulated rubber-suspended coulter arm designed to absorb and adapt to the dynamic movements of real fields. Unlike conventional double-disc drills that rely on simpler four-bar suspensions, TriForce II introduces a dual-gear response to terrain fluctuations that has been described by Väderstad engineers as akin to having both a ‘low’ and ‘high’ gear in the coulter suspension.
What does this mean in practical terms? When a Spirit drill equipped with TriForce II rolls across uneven ground, each seed coulter independently follows the contour without losing its preset pressure. Whether the drill is moving into a depression or rising over a small contour, the triangular suspension structure flexes to maintain soil contact. This ensures that the seed is placed at the intended depth regardless of what’s happening around it. This advanced suspension has two key agronomic implications:

Consistent seed depth
Uniform seed depth over the entire working width reduces variability in crop emergence, which in turn supports competitive crop stands and more predictable growth patterns

Higher working speeds
Because the TriForce II maintains stable pressure even when challenged by terrain contours or forward speed, operators can maintain efficient field speeds without compromising precision.

The system also expands the operational envelope of the drill, making the Spirit at home in lighter, variable soils, as well as more demanding conditions that would traditionally require slower, more cautious operation. From a farmer’s perspective, an improved coulter and suspension system translates into several tangible advantages:

Uniform emergence and stronger yields
By stabilising coulter pressure and depth, TriForce II helps deliver even germination across the field. Uneven crop emergence, which is often a symptom of inconsistent seed placement, can lead to weak patches, increased weed pressure and loss of yield. Spirit’s targeted precision addresses this from the ground up, giving every seed the same opportunity to thrive.

Reduced risk across variable conditions
Fields rarely offer a uniform surface. Slight undulations, residual wheel tracks, stones, clods and varying moisture levels all conspire to challenge the drill’s ability to place seed consistently. TriForce II’s adaptive suspension mitigates these factors by maintaining stability in pressure and depth, meaning fewer surprises at emergence and more confidence in every hectare drilled.

Operational efficiency
With the ability to maintain consistent pressure at higher ground speeds, operators are no longer forced to choose between speed and precision. Spirit owners can achieve more drilling per hour without sacrificing quality. This is a significant advantage during narrow sowing windows, particularly in regions with unpredictable weather or tight crop rotations.

Cab-controlled adjustments
For added convenience, the Spirit platform now offers optional hydraulic depth settings directly from the cab. Gone are the days of manual adjustments at the rear of the drill. Operators can fine-tune depth on the move, making quick responses to changing soil or moisture conditions seamless and efficient.