The benefits of the GRIMME PRIOS 440
When every window of good weather counts and the foundations for the entire yield are being laid, you need a machine that can do more than just place the tuber in the furrow.
Our PRIOS 440 combines all key steps in a single passage – precisely, in a controlled manner and perfectly coordinated. A machine for farmers that leave nothing to chance when it comes to planting.
The PRIOS 440 combines soil tillage, mineral fertilisation, application of liquid chemicals (onto the tuber or into the furrow), microgranule dosing, planting, ridge shaping and erosion control in a single pass. This dramatically reduces the number of crossings and saves time, fuel and manpower – ideal for tight weather windows and for maximum efficiency.
The "hybrid" ridge shaping device combines the advantages of a shaping board with those of a cage roller. A range of freely selectable soil cultivation implements, each with independent depth control, combined with consistent planting depths, ensures uniform crop establishment and perfect ridge quality – even in varying soil conditions.
SmartView cameras provide a full view of the machine, ISOBUS ensures intuitive operation, Section Control saves on inputs by enabling single-row control, Variable Rate Control applies inputs precisely where they are needed, and myGRIMME automatically records all jobs and machine data.
The PRIOS 440 is the first 4-row trailed potato planter with a transport width of less than 3.00 metres and complete EU type-approval. With no need for additional permits and a max speed of 40 km/h, it offers maximum mobility – perfect for contractors and frequently changing plots.
Flexible soil cultivation – regardless of the planting depth.
Thanks to its unique design featuring a gooseneck drawbar, the PRIOS 440 is ideally suited for combining various actively driven soil cultivation implements, such as a rotary tiller or a rotary harrow, with the planter. The use of passive soil cultivation implements, such as subsoilers, is also an option. The gooseneck drawbar extends by 1,100 mm and can be adjusted in 100 mm increments. This allows the machine combination to be optimised and improves manoeuvrability at the headland.
Another main advantage: The depth control for the soil preparation is independent of the potato planter. This ensures that the set working depth is reliably maintained – regardless of uneven ground or machine movements. The result is a uniformly prepared soil surface, providing ideal conditions for planting of the tubers and all subsequent steps.
To ensure stable handling in the field, the PRIOS 440 is equipped with hydraulic axle steering: On the model designed for bed cultivation (PRIOS-BEET), the steering angle is up to ±30°; on the PRIOS-PRO, it is up to ±20° in both directions This reduces slipping on slopes, improves directional stability and makes it easier to perform precise turning manoeuvres.
For farms looking to flexibly integrate a machine for active soil cultivation, maintain a constant working depth and remain manoeuvrable at headlands, the PRIOS 440 is the ideal machine.
Precise under-root fertilisation with a consistent application depth.
The PRIOS 440’s integrated fertiliser box has a capacity for two BigBags (1,700 litres) and enables high application rates without the need for frequent refilling. The application rate ranges from around 100 kg/ha to over 1,500 kg/ha.
The fertiliser is deposited via injection discs with a diameter of 570 mm, precisely to the right and left of the tuber. The vertical distance can be adjusted to up to 10 cm below the seed tubers. This ensures that the nutrients are available in the root zone at an early stage – without coming into direct contact with the tuber.
To ensure better cleanliness and user safety, the fertiliser box can be completely emptied. Each outlet can be closed individually; there is also a cleaning and residual emptying mode, which can be conveniently activated via the terminal. The built-in calibration test menu allows for simple and repeatable adjustment of the application rate.
Check the application rate quickly
For reliable, reproducible adjustment of the application rate, the PRIOS 440 can be fitted with an optional calibration kit. In combination with the integrated calibration test (operated via the operator terminal), the application rate can be adjusted precisely and accurately.
This makes it possible to compare planned and actual values right at the field’s edge – without any detours, and with a straightforward process.
The PRIOS 440 can be fitted with a barrel system for applying liquid seed dressings or furrow treatments. All functions are controlled centrally via ISOBUS. An 800-litre spray tank, officially tested by the German Julius Kühn Institute (JKI), is used to ensure safe and clean application. In addition, a 95-litre rinse water tank and an 18-litre hand wash tank are built in.
The switching between different applications and the distribution of the liquid chemicals are carried out via defined Camlock connection points. These connection points allow for clear identification of the tubes and a quick, tool-free changeover. Depending on the configuration, the operator can switch between tuber and furrow treatment.
The entire design has been deliberately kept simple and straightforward. Connecting to the tank system and changing the application can be done without any complicated conversion procedures. This ensures that the handling remains clearly structured and practical even when implementing more complex crop protection strategies – whilst offering a high degree of flexibility under changing conditions.
Precise application of microgranules and furrow treatment agents.
The microgranule spreader on the PRIOS 440 has been thoroughly refined. The new system has a hopper capacity of 40 litres and covers an application rate range of 3 to 100 kg/ha. This provides a significantly wider range than previous systems (available from 2027).
Application is speed-dependent, compatible to Variable Rate Control (VRC) and fully integrated into the ISOBUS system. The granulate spreader has also been approved by the German Julius Kühn Institute (JKI). A reverse function reliably prevents granulate from trickling out when the machine is switched off or lifted.
Precise planting of each tuber at a constant depth.
The planting depth is controlled mechanically via feeler wheels or hydraulically via an automatic depth control system, depending on the equipment. Even under varying soil and ridge conditions, the planting depth remains constant across all four rows.
The planting elements are designed for easy maintenance: Elevator belts can be tensioned and slackened without tools, and drop pipe inserts can be adjusted without tools. The electric intensive agitators can be adjusted in rows. The machine is emptied using a central lever on the side of the machine.
Planting distances of 10 to 60 cm, working speeds of up to 10 km/h and a hopper capacity of 3,500 kg to 4,000 kg enable high-performance and precise planting of the tubers.
For farms seeking consistent planting depth, reliable tuber guidance and high acreage output, the PRIOS 440 provides the ideal foundation for uniform planting.
Depending on the tuber form and size, various cup designs and sizes are available. This allows the planting element to be optimally adapted to different tuber diameters and shapes.
Optionally, inserts for planting cups can be used to ensure that smaller tubers are properly separated and to reduce double planting. The cups are adapted to the shape of the tubers in a practical manner, which plays a key role in ensuring a uniform tuber spacing.
Designed for elongated tubers, measuring 30–45 mm and for the safe, even placement of tubers.
Suitable for elongated tubers, measuring 30–45 mm, with reduced dirt build-up thanks to the open mesh structure.
Designed for elongated tubers, measuring 40–55 mm and for the safe, even placement of tubers.
For elongated tubers, measuring 40–55 mm, with less dirt build-up and reduced cleaning effort.
Designed for large tubers, measuring 50–65 mm and for the safe, even placement of tubers.
Stable ridges thanks to a combined "Hybrid" ridge shaping unit
The PRIOS 440’s ridge shaping unit is integrated directly into the planting process and is hydraulically depth-controlled. It operates independently of the chassis and adapts to changing conditions – ensuring that tuber coverage and ridge profile remain consistent even on uneven terrain.
Immediately after tuber placement, serrated, individually spring loaded covering discs (Ø 510 mm) begin pre-forming of the ridges and ensure a smooth flow of soil. The soil volume is controlled hydraulically, allowing the volume of soil to be precisely adjusted to suit the soil structure and moisture content.
A range of different tools are available for shaping the ridges:
ridging bodies made of PE for stable ridge flanks, ridge-crown plates for smooth crowns, and cage rollers for an open-pored, crumbly ridge structure. In the configuration for hybrid-ridge shaping the machine is equipped with ridge-crown plates AND cage rollers – ensuring stable ridge flanks whilst maintaining an open-pored crown. Adjustment can be carried out in the field without the need for tools.
An automatic hydraulic pressure control system continuously adjusts the ridge pressure, thereby ensuring a consistent, reproducible ridge shaping.
For farmers who need maximum flexibility in ridge shaping and want to respond quickly to changing soil and weather conditions, the PRIOS 440 offers the ideal solution.
Depending on soil conditions and requirements, various methods of ridge shaping are available. From a crumbly, open-pored structure for optimal water and air absorption, to firm, smooth ridges for precise herbicide application, right through to a flexible hybrid solution that combines both advantages, the ridge structure can be tailored specifically to the conditions of use.
Ridge crown plates ensure a smooth, firm surface of the ridges and facilitate the application of a long-lasting herbicide film, whilst improving ease of application.
Cage rollers create a crumbly ridge structure that ensures stable slopes and optimal water and air exchange.
The hybrid ridge shaping unit allows a stable, smooth ridge with an open-pored crest that adapts perfectly to varying ground conditions.
TerraProtect is an optional erosion protection system that constructs "dykes" at specified intervals. This slows down surface water runoff, reduces the risk of erosion and, at the same time, improves water absorption (infiltration) – particularly during heavy rainfall and on slopes.
In the TerraProtect PRO version, the frequency of the dykes is controlled according to the planting speed, ensuring that the spacing of the dykes remains consistent even when the speed varies. In addition, individual rows can be switched off as required, for example for spraying tracks.
For farmers who want to reduce erosion on slopes and actively support the water balance in the ridges, TerraProtect / TerraProtect PRO offers clear added value.
ISOBUS is the cutting-edge concept for centralised control, SmartView cameras for a full view, Section Control down to each individual row, and myGRIMME for seamless documentation – the PRIOS 440 thinks for itself, saving time and resources.
Total machine control via your tractor terminal: less electronics in the cab, clear menus, quicker set-up and fewer sources of error during the campaign.
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GRIMME PRIOS 440: Correctly Set Planting Depth & Distance – Guide - EN
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English – GRIMME PRIOS 440 | Tutorials & Adjustments - EN
