Ride-On Cultivator Clears Out In-Row Weeds

Ride-On Cultivator Clears Out In-Row Weeds CULTIVATORS The simple and easy to operate in-row “Hemp Hawk” cultivator from A-1 Implements was designed by producers Travis and Taylor Cooper to replace hand hoeing in hemp fields It’s attracting a lot of attention for use in other high value crops as well     “We were paying a lot for hand labor controlling weeds in our hemp ” says Travis Cooper A-1 Implements “We got together with a friend and came up with a better idea than hoes and blistered hands ”     Their original prototype was a 2-row 3-pt mounted attachment with 2 operator seats and 2 sets of spinning cultivator heads While the Hemp Hawk design continues to evolve the basic premise remains Each operator controls 2 heads with handgrips on vertical posts leading to the spinning heads The posts pivot independently on a yoke ahead of the operator This allows the operator to move the heads around desirable plants while removing weeds to either side and in-row     The Hemp Hawk replaces back-breaking hand labor with manual control of hydraulic-powered cultivation The manual control lets the operators adjust to different size plants and spacing     Each cultivator head consists of an 8 psi hydraulic motor and a 10-in dia disc with 6 steel pegs or teeth When entering the field the tractor operator lowers the toolbar to the preset depth wheels and activates the hydraulic pressure to the motors     Row spacing is adjustable depending on the model All models can be adjusted to handle crop heights of up to 41 in Larger models are also available with an auxiliary oil cooler to protect fluids hoses and fittings     The company offers models with up to 12 rows Suggested retail price starts at $10 900 for a 2-row model A 3-row is priced at $19 900     “The largest we have built to date is an 8 row ” says Cooper “However we also sell individual row units and customers mount them on existing toolbars customized to their farming operation ”     The company website offers a quick savings calculator to help prospective customers evaluate payback Cooper estimates that a single 2-row machine can replace 8 to 10 day laborers and pay for itself in a matter of a few days     While the Hemp Hawk was designed for its namesake crop growers of other high value crops have quickly seen the potential it offers     “Vegetable growers asked for a smaller head so we are now offering 4-in diameter heads for use with smaller plants and tighter plant spacing ” says Cooper     One of the attractive features of the Hemp Hawk is its simple design and low weight A 2-row unit weighs only 800 lbs Cooper recommends a 40 hp or larger tractor but acknowledges a smaller tractor could probably handle it A single row unit for use with a compact tractor is in the planning stage     Check out the video at farmshow com of the Hemp Hawk in action     Contact: FARM SHOW Followup A-1 Implements 1095 Judy Pike Winchester Ky 40391 ph 606 388-3114; info@a1implements com; www a1implements com

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