2011 - Volume #35, Issue #1, Page #27
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Rolling Stalk Chopper Adjusts To Field Conditions
"The combination of Bt corn and the residue from high-yielding hybrids makes cornfields a challenge in the spring," says Cliff Kester, Besler Industries. "Whether you hit the field with our Rolling Stalk Chopper in the fall or early spring, the field is ready to plant under normal conditions. Best of all, you can adjust the machine and how you operate it to match your residue level and your soils."
If aggressive is what you want, put the rollers at their sharpest 21-degree angle, and they'll churn up residue and soil. Line them up straight, and they'll work residue with minimal soil disturbance. You can even select the number of blades to increase or decrease impact on soil and residue.
"The way you set it up depends on how you want the field to look when you're done," says Kester. "In addition to adjusting gang angle, you can set depth and operating speed."
Besler offers two rolling stalk choppers available in 4 through 16-row configurations with operating speeds of 5 to 12 mph. The front and rear toolbars are 7 by 7-in. square steel tubing, which can be filled with sand for added weight to slice through extra heavy residue.
"Adding sand adds 25 lbs. per foot of tool bar," says Kester. "With an 8-row unit, you have 20 ft. of toolbar front and another 20 rear for 1,000 lbs. of extra weight when filled. With gauge wheels, you can always take it out of the ground, but the weight helps it go into the ground."
Options on both units include gauge wheels for depth control and tongue and dual lift rear wheels for pull-type applications. Spiked tooth or chain link harrows are also optional. Rolling gangs come standard with 5 blades in the front and 6 rear (5/6) or the optional 6 front and 7 rear (6/7) design.
"The 5/6 may be too aggressive on sand, and if planting on ridges it will actually knock the ridges out," explains Kester. "The 6/7 option will chop residue into finer pieces, but won't go as deep."
The Model 5400 is available with angled rolling gangs welded in place at the factory. The Model 7000, with its individually adjustable gangs, offers more variability in working the soil/residue mix.
"We set the angle of the gangs the way you want them at the factory on both the 5400 and the 7000," says Kester. "With the 7000, you can change them as needed later. Maintenance is minimal with either unit. Triple sealed bearings require light lubrication at 2000-acre intervals. Blades are the main wear point, and replacement is expected every 5,000 to 8,000 acres. Blades can be sharpened or replaced by removing two bolts on each blade.
Prices range from $7,288 for a Model 5400 4-row to $32,000 for a Model 7000 with 16 rows and folding arms for transit. Horsepower needs vary depending on number of rows, pull-type (less hp required) or rear mount and configuration. Lifting weight is often the limiting factor when sizing to a tractor, says Kester.
"A rear mount, 12-row unit weighing 8,000 lbs. will most likely require a 180-hp tractor to lift and pull it," he explains. "Add the pull type option, and a smaller tractor may be able to handle it."
Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Besler Industries, Inc., P.O. Box B, Cambridge, Neb. 69022 (ph 308 697-4698; beslerind@beslerindustries.com; www.beslerindustries.com).
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