Reliable, Accurate, and Efficient Helicopter Fertilizer Spreaders & Seeding Systems.
IMS manufactures the Ground-Effect range of underslung spreading buckets, engineered specifically for agricultural aviation. Designed to be strong and lightweight, these buckets maximise the efficiency and distribution of your product. Backed by over 23 years of proven partnership with professional pilots worldwide, the Ground-Effect series is the industry standard for applying dry granular products, with configurations also available for hydroseeding and wet applications.
200L – 2700L
14 Standard Capacities
Up to 400 kg/ha
360 lbs per acre
1 kg – 200 kg/ha
In-Flight Variable Flow Control
23 Years
Proven Worldwide Partnership
Ground-Effect Spreading Bucket in Operations
Key Features
Strong, Lightweight Construction
Multiple Capacity Options
Complete Product Evacuation
Variable Flow Control Option
Custom Built Configurations
Purpose-built for Complete Product Evacuation
Any product remaining in the bucket after a drop acts as dead weight, costing operators time and payload capacity. We developed the Ground-Effect hopper with a unique geometric design that ensures complete product evacuation on every drop. For the pilot in the seat, this means no dead weight on the return flight, predictable aircraft handling as the load empties, and rapid, clean turnarounds back at the loading site.
When it comes to distribution, fewer passes over the area equals a more profitable job. Coupled with engines chosen specifically for their high power-to-weight ratios, the unique spinner design throws a maximum swath width with a even spread. This allows you to cover more ground in less time, keeping your aircraft flying fast and efficiently.
In-Flight Precision & Variable Control
Ground-Effect buckets are suitable for application rates of up to 400kg/ha (360lbs/ac). Operators achieve this precision through several core features:
Interchangeable Orifice Plates
A robust slide valve utilizes interchangeable orifice plates, allowing you to choose your application rate. This guarantees drop consistency and eliminates guesswork once you are over the target zone.
Onboard Air Compressor
A dedicated compressed air supply powers the slide valve, enabling fast open/close cycles and easier field repairs. This translates to responsive actuation from the cockpit, giving you clean cut-offs at the end of a run with less product waste.
Lift Line & Spreader Bar
Provides stable, predictable flight by preventing the bucket from spinning in the air. It keeps the lifting lines wide and clear of the hopper for fast loading, and is custom-built to match your specific helicopter frame requirements.
Product Agitator (Optional)
Eliminate in-flight blockages. This optional motorized agitator breaks up clumped material and stops product bridging inside the hopper. It ensures a steady, uninterrupted flow to the spinner, so you never leave a patchy swath behind.
Hopper Lid (Optional)
The Ground-Effect Hopper Lid is a PVC zipped cover that keeps powdered products dry, protects seeds and light materials from rotor wash, and stops poisons and strong fertilisers from ending up where they shouldn’t.
Granular Variable Flow Control (Optional)
True cockpit control. Pilots can manually adjust the Variable Flow Control Valve mid-flight using a remote speed controller. If wind or terrain conditions shift, you can instantly dial your dry media flow rates up or down from 1 kg to 200 kg per hectare (0.9 lbs to 178 lbs per acre) without ever having to land and recalibrate.
Technical Specifications & Resources
Custom-Built ConfigurationsBucket CapacitiesDownload Brochure
- ⦾ Motor selection and spinner sizing
- ⦾ Hopper and frame material
- ⦾ Pneumatic or electric valve operation
- ⦾ Hopper exit orifice diameter
- ⦾ Collapsible Frame Option: Developed to save valuable room when freighting or storing, with the added benefit of considerable weight savings
- ⦾ Robust Hopper Lids: Featuring robust zipped openings to keep product secure and minimize waste across the entire Ground-Effect range
| Model |
Litres |
US gallons |
Cubic Feet |
| GE200 |
200 |
53 |
7.0 |
| GE300 |
300 |
79 |
10.6 |
| GE350 |
350 |
92 |
12.4 |
| GE400 |
400 |
106 |
14.1 |
| GE560 |
560 |
148 |
19.8 |
| GE650 |
650 |
172 |
22.9 |
| GE750 |
750 |
198 |
26.5 |
| GE950 |
950 |
251 |
33.5 |
| GE1200 |
1,200 |
316 |
40.6 |
| GE1350 |
1,350 |
355 |
45.9 |
| GE1500 |
1,500 |
396 |
53.0 |
| GE1650 |
1,650 |
436 |
58.3 |
| GE2400 |
2,400 |
634 |
84.7 |
| GE2700 |
2,700 |
713 |
95.3 |
More Videos
Ground-Effect Spreading Buckets & Hydra-Loaders Showreel
Getting a Ground-Effect Spreading Bucket packed away safely
Heli A1 using a Ground-Effect Spreading Bucket & Conveyor Loader
Heli-Sika Helicopters take delivery of a Ground-Effect Hydra Loader
IMS Ground-Effect Spreading Bucket (and Hydra-Loader)
Ground-Effect Spreading Bucket hard at work prepping for winter
FAQ
What types of products can the Ground-Effect Spreading Bucket apply?
Our spreading systems are highly versatile. While primarily engineered for dry granular products like fertilizer, pasture seed, and pest-control bait, they can also be specifically configured for wet applications, including hydroseeding and slurry drops.
Can I adjust the application flow rate while in flight?
Yes. Changing flight speed and altitude can effect application rates of products, allowing for fine tuning of the bucket once in the air. For larger adjustments, the Orifice Plate can be interchanged for different flow rates.
Our Granular Variable Flow Control Buckets, can be adjusted rate mid-flight using a Speed Controller Unit. This allows for instant rate changes from 1 kg to 200 kg per hectare (0.9 lbs to 178 lbs per acre) without needing to land.
Will this bucket work with my specific helicopter model and payload limits?
Yes. Every bucket is specified around your aircraft’s safe working load and hook limits.
Contact us
Contact our sales specialists to discuss compatibility and Long Line configurations, or to find a local representative.
IMS Sales | imssales@imsheli.com | +64 21 583 033
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