Simplified Weeder For Trees, Shrubs

Simplified Weeder For Trees, Shrubs CULTIVATORS Cultivators (58C) 7-3-33 "We think it's the most simplified, trouble-free weeder on the market for trees and shrubs," says North Dakota rancher Robert Schonert, of Bismarck, inventor of the new Tree Machine. "We've done away with a lot of hydraulics, making for less maintenance and also making it possible to use the machine on smaller tractors," explains Schonert. "Last summer, I mounted the weeder on a Deere 750 diesel. I put the weeder to the toughest tests I could think of and the 18 hp tractor handled it with no problems whatsoever." The rotor arm moves in and out about 15 in. with a hydraulic cylinder. It is powered by a hydraulic orbit motor which turns about 100 rpm. The rotor "floats" to stay in the ground on uneven terrain. "It'll chew its way through sod or weeds. We've had very little trouble with weeds and debris wrapping up around the rotor. If it should happen to plug or wrap, the rotor can be raised and reversed back and forth to easily release the weeds," Schonert points out. To weed tree rows, the driver drives along the row with the rotor running directly in the tree row. He then hits the hydraulic lever to veer the digging arm half way around the tree. "With practice, you get so you can come within an inch or so of the tree without hitting it, and without slowing down," says Schonert. He adds that his Tree Machine can be set in a fixed position and used as a garden tiller, or to keep fence lines clear of weeds. It could be made for use on skid steer loaders, as well as tractors. Schonert has applied for a patent and would like to compare notes with anyone interested in manufacturing and marketing the Tree Machine under a licensing agreement. Meanwhile, he welcomes inquiries from farmers and ranchers interested in a custom-built Tree Machine. For more details, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Robert Schonert, Star Rt. 9, Bismarck, N. Dak. 58501. (ph 701 223-8814).

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