ATV seed drill – in a nutshell
An ATV-mounted seed drill lets you sow wildflower meadows, flower fields and crops in areas that are too narrow or inaccessible for a tractor. The most important choices are working width, mounting system, machine weight and whether your ATV can carry it. The Faunamaster S105 is suitable for compact ATVs and narrow areas; the S180 is for larger machines and open fields.
Why an ATV seed drill?
Wildlife management and nature conservation require equipment that can operate on paths, forest edges, field margins, and in hilly terrain – places a conventional tractor can never reach. The ATV-mounted seeder is the answer: compact, precise and designed for exactly the areas a hunter or nature conservationist works on. But not all seeders fit all ATVs – here are the seven things you should get to grips with before buying.
Mounting system
Most ATV seeders are mounted via a rear-mounted hitch or tow bracket. Check that your ATV has an approved rear hitch, that the coupling matches the machine, and that there is sufficient clearance to raise and lower the machine over terrain. If the hitch is not factory-fitted, it can often be retrofitted – but factor this into your budget.
2. Luggage capacity – can your ATV carry the weight?
A full seed drill is heavier than it looks: the seed hopper, frame and drive mechanism put weight directly on the rear axle. Find your ATV's permitted rear axle load in the manual and compare it with the machine's total weight including seed. If you have too little margin, it will affect steering and wear – especially on sloping or soft ground.
Hydraulic or mechanical drive?
Some seed drills require hydraulics from the ATV; others are driven mechanically by the wheels via a friction roller. Mechanical drive is simpler and requires no hydraulic connection, but depends on good traction. If your ATV does not have hydraulic outlets, mechanical drive is the practical choice.
4. Working width: S105 or S180?
The working width determines how much you cover per pass – and therefore the time taken.
| Faunamaster S105 | Faunamaster S180 | |
|---|---|---|
| Working width | approx. 1.05 m | approx. 1.80 m |
| Target audience | Compact ATV, narrow trails, forest edge | Larger ATV/UTV, open fields |
| Narrow access roads | Yes | Limited |
| Large open spaces | Acceptable | Yes – optimal efficiency |
Rule of thumb If your areas are primarily woodland edges, hedgerows, and narrow paths, S105 the right choice. If you drive wildlands on open areas with a UTV or large ATV, the S180 offers significantly better efficiency.
5. Seed types: fine flower seeds vs. grain
There is a big difference between sowing coarse grains (wheat, barley, oats), medium-sized seeds (clover, oilseed rape) and fine flower seeds (bee and butterfly plants), which require precise opening and a low seeding rate. Plan your seed mixture based on the machine's capability – always check the product sheet for the specific machine before mixing extreme seed sizes.
6. Suitability of land
An ATV with a seed drill is rear-heavy. On soft or sloping ground, lower tyre pressure, optional front weights, and 4WD help with traction and directional stability.
7. When do you choose what?
Select S105 for narrow paths, woodland edges and field margins, with limited rear axle load, or if you are new to ATV-based gamekeeping. Select S180 to wilderness areas in open spaces, if you have a UTV or large ATV, and if width and efficiency outweigh manoeuvrability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an S105 or S180 with my standard ATV?
Yes, if your ATV has an approved rear suspension, and the rear axle load complies with the machine's weight. Always check the machine's weight against your ATV's permitted load before mounting.
What seeds can I sow?
The machines are designed for the seed types typically used in game cover – cereals, clover, and oilseed rape. For very fine flower seeds: check the current product sheet for confirmed seed sizes.
Should I use hydraulics?
It depends on the principle of operation of the machine. Confirm with Faunamaster whether your model requires a hydraulic connection.
Can I plough and sow in one operation?
Yes – and DH120 ATV-harvester The seedbed is prepared, and the seed drill places the seeds in the fresh soil afterwards. An efficient workflow for game cover crops.
Ready to invest?
The Faunamaster S105 and S180 are designed for people who work seriously with wildlife management in Denmark. See specifications and order at shop.faunamaster.com.