{"id":410,"date":"2026-05-20T09:00:18","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T09:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/?post_type=product&p=410"},"modified":"2026-05-20T09:00:18","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T09:00:18","slug":"ep-adb-380-adb-480-fertilizer-applicator-3-4-row","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/product\/ep-adb-380-adb-480-fertilizer-applicator-3-4-row\/","title":{"rendered":"EP-ADB-380 \/ EP-ADB-480 Fertilizer Applicator \u2013 3 & 4 Row"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
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350<\/div>\n
Kg Bunker \/ Row<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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1,400<\/div>\n
Kg Max Capacity<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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3 \/ 4<\/div>\n
Rows per Pass<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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8\u201310<\/div>\n
km\/h Working Speed<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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75 HP<\/div>\n
Min. Power (ADB-380)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

Put Nutrients Exactly Where the Roots Will Be<\/h2>\n

The Watanabe EP-ADB-380 and EP-ADB-480 fertilizer applicators<\/strong> are built for one purpose: placing granular fertilizer directly in the potato furrow zone before planting, at the precise position where developing root systems will encounter it first. Unlike a broadcast spreader that distributes fertilizer across the entire soil surface \u2014 where much of it sits far from any root, vulnerable to leaching and runoff \u2014 these implements deliver nutrients to the location where they will actually be taken up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Fertilizer<\/p>\n

The two models cover the most common commercial production scales in Korea:<\/p>\n

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\u25b6 EP-ADB-380 \u2014 3-Row<\/p>\n

Gewicht 600 Kg<\/strong>, minimum 75 cv<\/strong>. Three rows per pass, 350 Kg per row bunker<\/strong> \u2014 1,050 Kg total capacity. Suited to small and medium operations where manageable machine weight and a 75 HP tractor threshold matter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25b6 EP-ADB-480 \u2014 4-Row<\/p>\n

Gewicht 700 Kg<\/strong>, minimum 85 cv<\/strong>. Four rows per pass, 350 Kg per row bunker<\/strong> \u2014 1,400 Kg total capacity. For commercial farms where daily fertilizer coverage needs to match the pace of a larger planting operation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The headline performance figure is the working speed: 8\u201310 km\/h<\/strong>. This makes the EP-ADB the fastest implement in the Watanabe potato machinery line \u2014 faster than the potato furrower<\/a>, faster than the planter, faster than the rotary cultivator, and much faster than the digger. The implication for field scheduling is significant: the fertilizer pass rarely becomes the bottleneck in a planting-week operation.<\/p>\n

The 350 Kg per row bunker capacity is the other number that distinguishes these machines from smaller, lighter implements. On a Korean commercial potato field applying compound fertilizer at a typical base application rate of 400\u2013600 Kg per hectare, the EP-ADB-380 covers roughly 1.7\u20132.6 hectares between refills, and the EP-ADB-480 extends that to approximately 2.3\u20133.5 hectares. For many farms, that means completing the entire fertilizer pass for a day’s planting schedule with one or two fills rather than stopping every few passes.<\/p>\n

As part of the Watanabe potato machinery system<\/a>, the EP-ADB sits between the furrowing pass and planting, preparing the furrow zone nutritionally so the seed piece emerges into a well-fed root environment from the first week of growth.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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Technical Specifications \u2013 EP-ADB-380 & EP-ADB-480<\/h2>\n

All data in the table below is sourced directly from the Watanabe official product brochure. Pay particular attention to the bunker capacity row: the 350 Kg figure is per row, not per machine. Multiplied across the row count, the total hopper capacity figures are among the largest in the Watanabe potato machinery line.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
TECHNISCHE GEGEVENS<\/th>\nEP-ADB-380<\/th>\nEP-ADB-480<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Weight & Linkage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Empty Weight<\/strong><\/td>\n600 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n700 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bottom Linkage Category<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number of Rows<\/strong><\/td>\n3<\/strong><\/td>\n4<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tractor Requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine Power (min.)<\/strong><\/td>\n75 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n85 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Capacity & Performance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bunker Capacity (per row)<\/strong><\/td>\n350 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n350 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Bunker Capacity<\/td>\n1,050 Kg<\/td>\n1,400 Kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Working Speed<\/strong><\/td>\n8\u201310 Km\/h<\/strong><\/td>\n8\u201310 Km\/h<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u24d8 cv = metric horsepower. 75 cv \u2248 73.9 HP; 85 cv \u2248 83.8 HP. Total bunker capacity calculated from brochure spec (350 Kg \u00d7 number of rows). Field coverage per fill depends on your target application rate \u2014 consult your fertilizer supplier and agronomist for the appropriate rate for your variety and soil analysis results.<\/p>\n

On the working speed advantage:<\/strong> At 8\u201310 km\/h, the EP-ADB operates roughly twice as fast as most other potato machinery in the Watanabe lineup. A tractor working at 9 km\/h with the EP-ADB-480 covers approximately 3.6 hectares per hour of field travel time (excluding fills and turns), making this one of the highest-throughput operations in the full potato production calendar.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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How the In-Furrow Fertilizer Applicator Works<\/h2>\n

In-Furrow Placement vs Surface Broadcasting \u2014 Why Position Matters<\/h3>\n

Broadcasting fertilizer across the soil surface before tillage is the simplest approach, and it works well enough when the entire soil surface will be worked by a rotavator or disc and the fertilizer gets incorporated uniformly. But in row-crop potato production, where the planting position is precisely defined by the furrow, broadcasting after furrowing puts much of the nutrient charge in the inter-row zone \u2014 a location the potato’s root system rarely reaches densely enough to fully exploit in the first critical weeks of growth.<\/p>\n

In-furrow fertilizer application<\/strong> changes this fundamentally. By delivering the fertilizer directly into the furrow zone \u2014 or at a defined depth adjacent to the planting position \u2014 the nutrients are positioned in the exact soil volume where root density will be highest. Early root contact with available phosphorus and potassium accelerates establishment and early tuber initiation, effects that are well-documented across potato production research in both Brazilian and Korean growing conditions. The EP-ADB-380 and EP-ADB-480 exist to make this precision placement practical at commercial scale and commercial speed.<\/p>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

Metering and Delivery System<\/h3>\n

Each row has its own independent hopper carrying up to 350 Kg of granular fertilizer. A metering mechanism at the base of each hopper controls the flow of granules into the delivery tube that guides the fertilizer to the furrow placement point. The metering system is calibrated to deliver a consistent application rate per unit of ground covered \u2014 the rate adjusts proportionally with forward speed, so the amount placed per metre of row remains constant whether the tractor runs at 8 km\/h or 10 km\/h.<\/p>\n

The delivery tubes direct the fertilizer to the intended furrow position at or near soil level, avoiding the fertilizer scatter that open-drop or aerial broadcast causes. On a windy spring day \u2014 a common condition during Korean April planting schedules in the Gangwon highlands \u2014 the difference between a properly placed subsurface delivery and a broadcast spreader is immediately visible. No wind drift, no surface concentration, no uneven coverage.<\/p>\n

Application Rate Adjustment and Pre-Season Calibration<\/h3>\n

The target application rate varies by crop stage, soil analysis result, and fertilizer formulation. Compound fertilizers (\ubcf5\ud569\ube44\ub8cc) used in Korean potato production typically contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in ratios suited to the base application stage \u2014 common formulations run at 200\u2013500 Kg per hectare for the furrow application, depending on soil fertility. The EP-ADB metering settings should be calibrated before the season start to confirm actual delivery rate against target rate.<\/p>\n

Calibration procedure is straightforward: run the machine over a measured distance on a hard surface, collect the material discharged from one or more rows, weigh the collected material, and calculate actual delivery per hectare. Adjust the metering setting up or down and repeat until the actual rate matches the agronomist’s recommendation. This pre-season step takes about 30 minutes and is the most important quality-control measure for the fertilizer pass.<\/p>\n

Contact us or your Korean fertilizer agronomist if you need guidance on recommended application rates for specific varieties such as Atlantic (for chip processing), Superior, or Haryoung (\ud558\ub839) under Gangwon-do or Jeju growing conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Why the EP-ADB Outperforms Conventional Fertilizer Methods<\/h2>\n

\"Meststofstrooier<\/p>\n

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\u25a0 350 Kg Per Row \u2014 Fewer Refill Stops<\/p>\n

At 350 Kg per individual row hopper, the EP-ADB carries far more fertilizer per fill than most compact row-crop applicators. The EP-ADB-480 holds 1,400 Kg total \u2014 enough to cover 2.3\u20133.5 hectares at typical Korean potato base application rates before needing to stop and refill. Fewer stops means higher daily output and a planting schedule that runs closer to plan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 Fastest Pass in the Potato Line<\/p>\n

8\u201310 km\/h makes the EP-ADB the fastest-running implement in the Watanabe potato machinery system \u2014 roughly twice the speed of the furrower and planter. At 9 km\/h with the EP-ADB-480 covering 4 rows, you can complete the fertilizer pass for a full day’s planting schedule well before midday, keeping the overall operation running to plan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 Precision Placement, Less Waste<\/p>\n

Fertilizer delivered directly into the planting furrow is positioned where the potato’s root system will develop \u2014 not spread across the full soil surface where inter-row placement goes largely unexploited in the early season. This targeted delivery improves nutrient uptake efficiency and can reduce total fertilizer input needed for equivalent early-season plant nutrition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 No PTO Connection Needed<\/p>\n

Like the potato furrower, the EP-ADB connects via Category 2 three-point hitch only \u2014 no drive shaft or PTO coupling required. Simple hookup, no PTO shaft to align or secure, and compatible with any tractor that meets the minimum horsepower threshold regardless of PTO configuration. Setup time is measured in minutes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u25a0 Independent Row Hoppers<\/p>\n

Each row has its own separate hopper and metering unit. This design means that one row running empty or a blockage in one delivery line does not affect the other rows \u2014 delivery continues uninterrupted on the functioning rows. It also simplifies calibration: each row can be checked and set individually to confirm even distribution across the full working width.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Where the EP-ADB Fertilizer Applicator Gets Used<\/h2>\n

\ud83c\udf3f Potato Base Fertilization Before Planting<\/h3>\n

The primary application is base fertilizer (\uae30\ube44) application in the planting furrow immediately before seed potato placement. In Korean commercial potato production, base fertilization typically accounts for 60\u201380% of the total seasonal fertilizer input \u2014 the largest single nutrient application in the whole crop cycle. Getting this pass right in terms of placement, rate, and timing has more effect on final yield than almost any other agronomic input decision in the season.<\/p>\n

The standard sequence when using the EP-ADB in a potato production operation is: furrowing pass (EP-R-380 \/ EP-R-580) \u2192 fertilizer pass (EP-ADB-380 \/ EP-ADB-480) \u2192 planting pass (EP-PAI-2100 \/ EP-PANTHER). These three operations can run on the same day for small-to-medium fields, with the fast 8\u201310 km\/h fertilizer pass completing the middle step quickly enough not to hold up the planter. For large commercial operations using the EP-ADB-480, the fertilizer pass can cover a full day’s planting area in a morning session.<\/p>\n

\"Fertilizer<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf3b Vegetable Row Crop Fertilization<\/h3>\n

Any row crop that benefits from in-furrow base fertilization can use the EP-ADB-380 or EP-ADB-480 effectively. Sweet potato (\uace0\uad6c\ub9c8) growing on ridges, onion (\uc591\ud30c) transplanting operations, garlic (\ub9c8\ub298) planting \u2014 all use a furrow-based production system in Korean commercial growing, and all benefit from targeted pre-planting fertilizer placement rather than surface broadcast followed by incorporation.<\/p>\n

For multi-crop farms that grow both potatoes and other vegetables in rotation or on different fields in the same season, the EP-ADB doubles as the fertilizer applicator for the full row-crop rotation \u2014 a significant efficiency gain over purchasing separate applicators for each crop type. The row spacing configuration should match the crop, so confirm this requirement at the time of ordering for any non-potato crops you plan to use the machine on.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfea Large-Scale and Contract Farming Operations<\/h3>\n

Agricultural machinery contracting (\ub18d\uae30\uacc4 \uc784\uc791\uc5c5) is a growing sector in Korean potato production, particularly in Gangwon-do where individual family farms often subcontract the mechanical operations to specialist operators running larger, more efficient equipment. The EP-ADB-480’s 1,400 Kg total hopper capacity and 8\u201310 km\/h working speed make it well-suited to contract operations covering multiple farms in a tight planting-week schedule.<\/p>\n

At 9 km\/h with 4-row coverage and 60 cm row spacing, the EP-ADB-480 can apply fertilizer to approximately 2.2 hectares per hour of productive field time. Over an eight-hour working day (accounting for fills and field turns), a contract operator can realistically cover 10\u201314 hectares \u2014 enough to service several medium-sized potato farms in a single day’s work. This throughput profile is what makes the EP-ADB-480’s larger investment cost justifiable for operations at this scale.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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EP-ADB-380 or EP-ADB-480 \u2014 Selecting the Right Model<\/h2>\n

Both models deliver the same 350 Kg per row bunker and work at the same 8\u201310 km\/h. The decision comes down to your potato area, how many rows your planting and furrowing equipment covers, and your available tractor power. Use the table below as a quick reference:<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Selection Factor<\/th>\nEP-ADB-380 (3-Row)<\/th>\nEP-ADB-480 (4-Row)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Empty weight<\/td>\n600 Kg<\/td>\n700 Kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Minimum engine power<\/td>\n75 cv<\/td>\n85 cv<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Total hopper capacity<\/td>\n1,050 Kg<\/td>\n1,400 Kg<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rows per pass<\/td>\n3<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Recommended annual potato area<\/td>\nUp to ~15 ha<\/td>\n15 ha and above<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Best matched furrower<\/td>\nEP-R-380 (3-row)<\/td>\nEP-R-580 (5-row) or custom<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Suited operation type<\/td>\nFamily farm \/ small commercial<\/td>\nCommercial farm \/ contractor<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
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\u26a0 Match the row count to your furrower<\/p>\n

For the smoothest operation, the fertilizer applicator’s row count should ideally be a multiple of \u2014 or equal to \u2014 the furrower’s row count. Running a 3-row EP-ADB-380 behind a 3-row EP-R-380 furrower means every furrow opened in one pass gets fertilized in one pass. Running a 4-row EP-ADB-480 behind a 5-row furrower requires a half-width overlap pass to cover all rows. Confirm your furrower configuration before ordering the EP-ADB to ensure the two machines work together efficiently without coverage gaps.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Step 4 in the Complete Watanabe Potato Machinery System<\/h2>\n

The EP-ADB fertilizer applicator occupies Step 4<\/strong> in the full Watanabe potato production sequence \u2014 directly after furrowing and before planting. Here is how all six steps fit together:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

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STEP 1<\/div>\n
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Stone Clearance \u2014 EP-EW-4000 Rock Rake<\/a><\/p>\n

Surface stone removal before tillage. 3.6 m width, from 75 HP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 2<\/div>\n
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Primary Tillage \u2014 PSW-3200 Rotavator<\/a><\/p>\n

Seedbed preparation. 3.0\u20133.6 m width, 140 HP.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 3<\/div>\n
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Furrow Opening \u2014 EP-R-380 \/ EP-R-580 Potato Furrower<\/a><\/p>\n

Ridge-and-furrow profile for planting. 3 or 5 rows, from 75 HP, 5\u20138 km\/h.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 4<\/div>\n
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Base Fertilization \u2014 EP-ADB-380 \/ EP-ADB-480 YOU ARE HERE<\/span><\/p>\n

In-furrow fertilizer placement. 3 or 4 rows, 350 Kg\/row, 8\u201310 km\/h.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 5<\/div>\n
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Planting \u2014 EP-PAI-2100 \/ EP-PANTHER Potato Planter<\/p>\n

Seed + fertilizer + optional insecticide. 2\u20134 rows. Page coming soon.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 6<\/div>\n
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Mid-Season Cultivation \u2014 EP-ERA Rotary Cultivator<\/p>\n

Hill-up, inter-row cultivation and top-dressing. 2\u20135 rows, PTO-driven. Page coming soon.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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STEP 7<\/div>\n
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Harvest \u2014 EP-AWB-1600 Potato Digger<\/p>\n

2-row PTO-driven digger, compact and low-damage. Page coming soon.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Contact Korea Watanabe Rock Crusher Tractor Co., Ltd.<\/a> to discuss building a complete matched potato machinery package \u2014 furrower, fertilizer applicator, planter, cultivator, and digger \u2014 sized for your farm and tractor fleet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Watanabe Engineering Since 1970 \u2014 Korea Local Service<\/h2>\n
\n
\"Watanabe<\/div>\n
\n

Watanabe has manufactured potato machinery in Castro, Paran\u00e1, Brazil since 1970. Brazil is one of the world’s top ten potato producers, with major growing zones in the Paran\u00e1 highlands and Minas Gerais plateau that operate under comparable temperature ranges, soil conditions, and seasonal planting pressures to Korean highland potato zones. The EP-ADB-380 and EP-ADB-480 are products of that production environment \u2014 designed for volume, reliability, and the kind of season-long durability that commercial potato producers in any country need from their equipment.<\/p>\n

Hopper material specification and metering component durability are the quality-critical parameters on a fertilizer applicator. Fertilizer \u2014 particularly nitrogen-containing compound fertilizer \u2014 is chemically aggressive on metal components, and hoppers that are not properly sealed or coated will show corrosion damage within a few seasons of use. Watanabe specifies materials for the hopper interior and metering components that are suited to the chemical environment of the fertilizers commonly used in commercial potato production.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"Watanabe<\/p>\n

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\u2713 Pre-Season Calibration Support<\/p>\n

We provide calibration guidance specific to Korean compound fertilizer formulations commonly used in commercial potato production. Contact us before your first season use to confirm correct metering settings for your target application rate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2713 Wear Parts Available Locally<\/p>\n

Metering components and delivery tube wear parts stocked locally in Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do. Routine wear items can typically be dispatched within 1\u20133 business days of inquiry \u2014 no international wait for standard service parts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u2713 Row Spacing Confirmed at Order<\/p>\n

Row spacing on the EP-ADB must match your furrower configuration and variety requirements. We confirm the correct row spacing setting at the pre-sale stage \u2014 the machine arrives ready to run in your field without modification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Frequently Asked Questions \u2013 EP-ADB-380 \/ EP-ADB-480<\/h2>\n
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What is the difference between the EP-ADB-380 and EP-ADB-480?<\/p>\n

The EP-ADB-380 covers 3 rows per pass and weighs 600 Kg, with a minimum tractor requirement of 75 cv. Total hopper capacity is 1,050 Kg (3 \u00d7 350 Kg). The EP-ADB-480 covers 4 rows per pass, weighs 700 Kg, and requires 85 cv minimum \u2014 total capacity of 1,400 Kg (4 \u00d7 350 Kg). Both versions work at 8\u201310 km\/h with Category 2 three-point hitch mounting. The choice is determined primarily by your total potato area and whether you want to match 3-row or 4-row coverage with your furrower and planter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What types of fertilizer can the EP-ADB handle?<\/p>\n

The EP-ADB is designed for free-flowing granular fertilizer \u2014 the standard form of compound fertilizer (\ubcf5\ud569\ube44\ub8cc) used in Korean commercial potato production. Coated or prilled granules of consistent size flow well through the metering system. Powdery or very fine-particle fertilizers may not flow consistently and should be discussed with us before use. Damp or clumped fertilizer should not be used as it will block the metering and delivery system \u2014 always store fertilizer in dry conditions and break up any lumps before loading.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How is the application rate adjusted?<\/p>\n

The metering setting on each row controls the amount of fertilizer delivered per unit of ground covered. To set the correct application rate for your target, calibrate the machine before the season by collecting the output from a measured run, weighing it, and calculating the actual rate per hectare. Adjust the metering setting up or down until the measured rate matches your agronomist’s recommendation. Always calibrate with the actual fertilizer product you will be using in the field \u2014 different formulations have different bulk densities and flow characteristics that affect the metered delivery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Is a PTO connection required?<\/p>\n

No. The EP-ADB-380 and EP-ADB-480 connect via Category 2 three-point hitch only and do not require a PTO drive shaft. This simplifies hookup significantly compared to PTO-driven implements like the ERA rotary cultivator or rotavator, and means the machine is compatible with any tractor that meets the minimum horsepower threshold regardless of PTO availability or configuration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How far can the EP-ADB-480 travel on a single fill at typical potato fertilizer rates?<\/p>\n

At a typical Korean potato base fertilizer rate of around 400\u2013600 Kg per hectare, the EP-ADB-480’s 1,400 Kg total capacity covers approximately 2.3\u20133.5 hectares of field area per fill. These are approximate figures \u2014 your actual coverage depends on your specific target rate as determined by soil analysis and variety requirements. At 500 Kg\/ha the EP-ADB-480 covers about 2.8 hectares per fill; the EP-ADB-380 covers about 2.1 hectares. These estimates assume uniform application at the calibrated rate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Should the row count of the fertilizer applicator match my furrower exactly?<\/p>\n

Ideally yes \u2014 matching row counts between the furrower, fertilizer applicator, and planter simplifies field coverage planning and eliminates the need for partial-width passes to cover unfertilized rows. A 3-row furrower (EP-R-380) naturally pairs with a 3-row applicator (EP-ADB-380); a 4-row applicator (EP-ADB-480) works cleanly with a 4-row planter. When the row counts don’t perfectly match, the operator needs to plan field passes carefully to ensure full coverage \u2014 talk to us at the pre-sale stage to ensure your three machines (furrower, applicator, planter) work as a coherent matched set.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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How should I clean the hoppers between uses and at end of season?<\/p>\n

Empty the hoppers completely after each use \u2014 never leave fertilizer in the hoppers overnight or between working days. Fertilizer absorbs moisture and can set solid in the hopper, blocking the metering system and potentially causing corrosion. At end of season, empty all hoppers, run the machine briefly with clean dry sand or rice husks to flush out any remaining fertilizer residue, then blow or brush out any dust. Inspect the hopper interior for rust or coating damage and treat any bare metal areas before storage. Store the machine in a dry, sheltered location with hopper lids closed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Can the fertilizer applicator run at the same time as the potato furrower?<\/p>\n

No \u2014 these are separate rear-mounted implements that each occupy the tractor’s Category 2 three-point hitch. They are designed to run as sequential passes: furrowing first, fertilizer pass second, planting third. Some potato planters (like the EP-PAI-2100 and EP-PANTHER series) include an integrated fertilizer bunker, allowing planting and fertilizing to be combined in a single pass if desired \u2014 ask about integrated options when planning your full potato machinery package.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Is in-furrow fertilizer placement better than incorporating fertilizer before furrowing?<\/p>\n

Both approaches have their place, and many Korean commercial operations use both: broadcast or rotavator-incorporated fertilizer for part of the base application, then in-furrow placement for the targeted placement component. In-furrow placement positions nutrients at the depth and location where early root development occurs, improving early uptake efficiency. Pre-furrowing incorporation distributes nutrients more uniformly through the tillage layer. For phosphorus in particular, which moves very slowly through soil, in-furrow placement in the root zone produces consistently better early-season uptake results than surface broadcast \u2014 a well-documented agronomic principle in potato research across multiple growing environments.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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What Our Customers Say<\/h2>\n
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Jeong Seong-il \u2014 Commercial Potato Farm, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do (spring 2025)<\/p>\n

\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n

“We grow about 12 hectares of Atlantic for a chip factory. Previously applied fertilizer by broadcast before the rotavator, but since switching to the EP-ADB-480 for in-furrow placement two seasons ago, early vine emergence has been visibly more uniform. The 1,400 Kg total capacity means I refill twice for the whole planting area rather than five or six times, which made a real difference to our planting-week schedule. At 9\u201310 km\/h it finishes the fertilizer pass for the day’s planting area before 10am.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Kim Mi-rae \u2014 Vegetable and Potato Farm, Cheongju, North Chungcheong (2024)<\/p>\n

\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n

“I use the EP-ADB-380 for both our potato area and the spring onion (\uc591\ud30c) transplanting field \u2014 it covers both crops with the same machine, just different seasons. Works well on our 80 HP tractor with no issues. The 350 Kg per row bunkers are generous for a family-scale operation \u2014 I rarely need to refill more than once for our potato field, which is about 3.5 hectares. Easy to clean after use, which matters because I’m sometimes switching between different fertilizer products for different crops.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Park Jae-bum \u2014 Agricultural Machinery Contractor, Icheon, Gyeonggi-do (spring 2025)<\/p>\n

\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605\u2605<\/p>\n

“Running contract fertilizer application services for 8\u201310 potato farms in the area using the EP-ADB-480. The 8\u201310 km\/h speed is what makes this commercially viable for contract work \u2014 I can cover three or four client farms in a day during the planting window. Calibration took about 40 minutes on first setup; after that it’s consistent season to season. The Korea service team confirmed parts availability before I bought, and that assurance has held up \u2014 replacement metering parts arrived within 2 days the one time I needed them.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Choi Hee-sun \u2014 Mixed Crop Farm, Andong, North Gyeongsang (autumn 2024)<\/p>\n

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“We do autumn potato (\ucd94\uc791) and also sweet potato (\uace0\uad6c\ub9c8) in summer. The EP-ADB-380 handles both with a different row spacing configuration for each. What impressed me most was that the Korea team confirmed the correct spacing and application rate guidance before shipping \u2014 it arrived set up for our potato crop correctly from day one. The 3-row machine at 600 Kg is easy to move around and store in our machine shed, which has limited space. No complaints after two seasons.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Ryu Dong-won \u2014 Large Commercial Potato Farm Manager, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (spring 2025)<\/p>\n

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“We operate at about 25 hectares of Atlantic and Superior combined. Running the EP-ADB-480 on a 95 HP New Holland T5. Three seasons in, the hopper interiors show no corrosion \u2014 which was a specific concern given our compound fertilizer contains a high nitrogen fraction. The calibration has stayed stable season to season once set up correctly. The 1,400 Kg capacity means we complete the fertilizer pass for each 3-hectare block on one fill, keeping the planting team working without interruption. Very satisfied.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Seo Ji-yeon \u2014 Small Family Farm, Yesan-gun, South Chungcheong (2024)<\/p>\n

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“First time using a proper row-crop fertilizer applicator after years of broadcast spreading by hand on our 2-hectare potato area. The difference in how the crop emerges was noticeable \u2014 more even, faster establishment. The EP-ADB-380 connects to our 78 HP Daedong without any trouble, and the no-PTO setup meant we could figure out the hookup ourselves in about 10 minutes. For the size of our farm, the 350 Kg per row bunker means we fill once for the whole field and we are done. Simple machine, good results.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

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Ready to Upgrade Your Fertilizer Pass?<\/p>\n

Tell us your potato area, row spacing, tractor model, and whether you need the 3-row or 4-row version \u2014 we will confirm configuration, calibration guidance, and availability within one business day.<\/p>\n

Already have a furrower or planter from the Watanabe lineup? Ask about the full EP matched package for a coordinated row-spacing quote across all three machines.<\/p>\n

Contact Us Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\n

Places fertilizer precisely in the root zone at 8\u201310 km\/h<\/strong> \u2014 the fastest implement in the Watanabe potato lineup. Each row hopper holds 350 Kg<\/strong>, giving up to 1,400 Kg total capacity on the EP-ADB-480.<\/p>\n

3 or 4 rows simultaneously, from 75 HP<\/strong>. No PTO connection required. Precision in-furrow delivery reduces fertilizer waste compared to surface broadcasting.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":420,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[26],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-410","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-potato-machinery","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"shipping-taxable","11":"product-type-simple"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/410","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=410"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/420"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=410"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=410"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=410"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/nl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=410"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}