European Speed Tillage Catches On

European Speed Tillage Catches On TILLAGE EUIPMENT Miscellaneous A new-style tillage machine with a proven record in Europe was recently introduced in North America and has been demonstrated in six states and two Canadian provinces Farmers like what they see says Jeremy Hughes sales manager Horsch Anderson “The Joker compact disc combines speed with effective shallow tillage whether in conservation tillage or as part of a full tillage program ” says Hughes “Growers like the combination of high speed excellent residue sizing and great incorporation of residue ” The Joker is ideal not just for shallow up to 4-in depths tillage but also for incorporating a cover crop fertilizer residue or manure before planting It is available in 13 17 20 and 25-ft working widths Pull the 25-ft Model 8RT at 12 mph and you will eat up the ground at more than 35 acres per hour Power requirements vary from 120 to 320 hp The secret to the Joker’s design is the small but numerous ¼-in thick 18-in dia notched blades The small blades turn faster for better mixing Spade discs at each end of the blade sections eliminate soil ridging leaving a level seedbed Each pair of blades is mounted on a single arm torsion bar for independent action on rocks and flexing over uneven terrain Instead of a gang axle a rubber torsion bar ensures that the blades maintain blade angle and uniform depth High residue that can plug up a gang axle flows through If a disk is damaged it can be replaced by removing only five bolts not an entire gang Instead of greasable bearings the Joker uses oil-filled bearings more common in European disc tillage systems The oil filled technology means lower wear and less maintenance The Roll Flex system at the rear of the Joker completes the tillage pass smoothening the surface It also lightly packs or consolidates the soil for an ideal seedbed Colored spacers on the packer assembly make depth settings for the tillage tool easy Thanks to a vertical fold mechanism the Joker folds up to 10 ft or less for highway transit Prices range from $30 000 to $62 000 Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Horsch Anderson 14118 414th Ave Andover S Dak 57422 ph 605 298-5663; www horschanderson com

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