OMAHA (DTN) -- With an early harvest looming, farmers may accomplish more fall tillage this year, compared to last year's weather challenges. Several new tillage implements are being introduced by manufacturers. The implements range from primary tillage tools, like the Blu-Jet BT Conquest and the Sunflower 1550 Series disc harrow, to secondary implements, such as the Great Plains Manufacturing 8000 Series field cultivators.
Great Plains 8000 Series Field Cultivator
BLUE-JET BT CONQUEST
A new primary tillage tool from Thurston Manufacturing Company, the Blu-Jet BT Conquest, provides farmers with a way to get through Bt corn residue without needing large amounts of horsepower. The innovative tool combines in-line ripping and a chisel operation all in one tool.
The BT Conquest utilizes hydraulically-controlled, adjustable coulters that are 15 inches apart, chisel shanks, a hydraulically-controlled disc tool bar and a buster bar harrow or a rolling basket harrow. In addition, three different points -- twisted shovels, straight shovels or sweeps -- can be added to the machine to further customize to a farmer's needs.
"Our goal was to create a tillage tool that can get through that tough Bt residue, in-line rip if necessary and did not take a lot of horsepower to pull," said Nick Jensen, chief marketing officer for Thurston Manufacturing Company located in Thurston, Neb. "This tool is very versatile."
Jensen explained the hydraulically-controlled components of the tool can allow the user to till as aggressively as the farmer wants. The different points also factor into what kind of tillage can be accomplished by the tool.
Twisted shovels on the Conquest will cause the tool to pull harder, but will work up more residue. The straight shovels will cause the implement not to pull as hard and will leave more surface residue on top of the soil. Using the sweep points is a lighter operation that requires less horsepower, but does not turn as much soil. Jensen said sweeps are a point that could mainly be used in the spring after the stalks have sat out in the field.
Working widths of the BT Conquest come in three sizes: 12-, 15.5- and 18-feet. Rigid models are only available now but folding models are in the prototype stage.
The BT Conquest will be available commercially this fall. Jensen said farmer reaction to the new tool has been positive.
"So far, so good," he said. "One thing we need to do is do some coaching for farmers for point selection and how to set the machine to match their needs."
SUNFLOWER 1550 SERIES FIVE-SECTION DISC HARROW
Also new on the tillage implement market is the Sunflower 1550 Series five-section disc harrow. The new 1550 series will feature discs in 47- and 50-feet widths and these discs have several new attributes, said Tom Draper, product marketing manager for AGCO's seeding and tillage division.
"This disc will help the professional producer get over his acres more efficiently," Draper said.
The new series disc has patent-pending duplex wing hinges and walking triple axles. The duplex wing hinges provide the wings of the disc with two pivot points, he said. The lower hinge allows for more flex, so disc gangs work together to break through the soil. The lower hinge also maintains proper blade spacing and provides for more down flex, which allows the disc to follow the contour of the terrain.
The upper pivot point folds the disc into transport position. While in the field, the disc covers 47 or 50 feet, but folded it covers about 18 feet wide and 14 feet high for safe road transport.
The walking triple tandems walk over field obstacles with the front and middle wheels, then the middle and back wheels. Draper said while this new design works like a conventional walking tandem, it allows for 50 percent more weight carrying capacity and better stability.
"The 1550-50 weighs 33,300 pounds, or more than 660 pounds per foot, which equals 238 pounds per 24-inch blade," Draper said. "This robust design allows it to cut through the toughest crop residue and soil conditions."
Draper said the new 1550 series was introduced to dealers in late July in Beloit, Kan., home to Sunflower. Dealers where impressed with the disc's flexibility; they were captivated by the ability of the disc to follow the terrain so closely. In addition, the dealers were also impressed at how narrow the disc could fold up for transporting, he said.
GREAT PLAINS 8000 SERIES FIELD CULTIVATORS
Salina, Kan.-based Great Plains Manufacturing recently began to produce the new 8000 series of field cultivators. Great Plains dealers were were introduced to the new field cultivators at their dealer meetings held last month in Kansas City, according to Greg Brenneman, marketing manager for Great Plains.
The new field cultivators range from 23 to 60 feet wide and have transport widths from 14 to just under 17 feet on the 60-foot width model. The hinges on both the inside and outside wings are heavier, so folding and unfolding is smoother and more reliable, he said.
Among the new features of the 8000 series is redesigned shank spacing. Brenneman said the new tool features shank spacing no closer than 28 inches on an individual rank.
The company's website said this increases chemical incorporation, reduces windrowing and eliminates banding. "This significantly improves trash flow and reduces plugging in heavy residue," Brenneman said.
Another improvement on the 8000 series is a different caster pivot design on floating hitch models. This provides greater strength and enhanced maneuverability, and reduces the number of grease points for easy maintenance. Brenneman said floating hitch models are usually sought after by farmers who farm hilly or terraced ground, since the floating hitch follows the terrain closer.
Other improvements to the new field cultivator include overall better balance, which allows for heavier harrow attachments; a low-profile hitch with heavy duty ball joint attachment; and hose storage. Optional equipment include 4 bar coil tine, 3 bar coil tine with reel, 5 bar spike, 3 bar spike with reel and 4 bar hi-residue spike.
"Overall, I would say the 8000 series field cultivators offer a new, cleaner and stronger design and less maintenance," Brenneman said.
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There is a whole new world of tillage tools on the market; few farmers get to test them before buying. Join Dr. Daniel Davidson, Telvent DTN Staff Agronomist, for a free DTN/The Progressive Farmer webinar on Sept. 8. Davidson has tested a number of these new these new vertical tillage and minimum-tillage tools on his farm and will share his experiences and perspectives. Webinar will include the latest university research and video footage of these tools in action so viewers can see how they affect residue. Register at https://dtn.webex.com/…
Russ Quinn can be reached at russ.quinn@telventdtn.com
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