Bourgault Australia has announced the release of its new ParaLink Dual Xtreme (PLDX) opener.

The PLDX opener forms part of Bourgault’s broader PLX family evolution and has been engineered with a strong focus on durability, alongside improvements in seed placement accuracy and residue handling – key considerations for growers operating in increasingly variable and demanding conditions.

With the opener already in use in North American markets, its arrival in Australia introduces a new option for growers focused on improving seeding consistency and placement accuracy.

Focus on consistency and control

At the core of the PLDX design is a focus on depth control and row-to-row consistency for optimal crop establishment.

The opener incorporates a reinforced arm and shank structure, along with updated wear components, aimed at maintaining consistent geometry over time and reducing in-season maintenance requirements.

“The objective with PLDX was to refine how consistently we can place seed across the entire toolbar,” Bourgault Australia General Manager Craig Christensen said.

“As working widths increase, maintaining uniformity from one row to the next becomes more challenging. The PLDX platform is designed to address that, while also improving durability and ease of adjustment.”

The opener also features revised geometry intended to improve soil flow and reduce residue build-up, supporting cleaner operation in high stubble loads.

A key feature of the PLDX platform is its 1:1 dual knife configuration, which Bourgault says is designed to maintain consistent seed placement through uneven ground. An extended-range linkage helps preserve alignment between the opener and packer, supporting more uniform depth control across rises, dips and variable field conditions.

Built for durability and uptime

Durability has also been a key design consideration, with the PLDX opener incorporating upgrades aimed at extending component life and reducing downtime.

These include strengthened structural components, improved wear surfaces, and updates to key pivot points such as larger one-inch pins on the lower parallel arm, paired with self-lubricating Extended Wear Surface (EWS) bearings designed to reduce maintenance and improve longevity in demanding conditions.

Bourgault said the opener had been developed to handle a range of environments, including compacted soils and high-residue systems, while maintaining stable operation.

Designed for modern seeding systems

The PLDX opener is designed to integrate with Bourgault’s 3335 ParaLink Hoe Drill, particularly when paired with the company’s Quick Depth Adjust (QDA) system.

QDA enables operators to adjust seeding depth across the machine more quickly and consistently, which Bourgault says is increasingly important as growers respond to variable soil moisture and seasonal conditions.

“When you combine consistent opener performance with the ability to quickly and accurately adjust depth, it gives growers more confidence in how they’re placing seed,” Mr Christensen said.

“That becomes especially valuable in tight seeding windows or where conditions are changing paddock to paddock.”

Australian relevance

While the PLDX opener has seen rollout in North America, its introduction into Australia comes at a time when many growers are placing increased emphasis on seeding precision and system efficiency.

Larger machinery, wider toolbars and tighter seasonal windows are placing greater demands on seeding equipment, particularly in maintaining consistent depth and seed placement across varying soil types.

Reducing blockages, improving residue flow and maintaining uniformity across the bar are seen as practical advantages in these conditions.

Bourgault Australia said local feedback and ongoing evaluation would play an important role as the opener is adopted in Australian systems

Introductory offer

To coincide with the launch, Bourgault Australia is offering an introductory promotion on new seeding systems fitted with the PLDX opener.

Eligible growers purchasing a new 3335 ParaLink Hoe Drill fitted with PLDX openers can access a limited-time offer of half price per opener, effectively reducing the price of each opener by around half.

The offer is available for orders placed through to June 30, 2026, subject to availability.

Click here to learn more about the PLDX launch offer.