Ridge Saving Stalk Cutter Machine

Ridge Saving Stalk Cutter Machine PLANTING EQUIPMENT Ridge-Till 11-6-3 "It worked so well for me I decided to manufacture it," says Gary Anderson, farmer-inventor of a new ridge-saving stalk-cutter with individual row gangs that can be angled to fit varying size ridge rows. Anderson became disatisfied with conventional stalk choppers because he says they tended to knock down ridges and couldn't get down into furrows between ridges. He says his new stalk-cutter gets all stalks without knocking down ridges or digging into them and drying them out. Each individual stalk cutting unit mounts on the 7 by 7-in. toolbar with a parallel linkage that's got 12 in. of up and down travel. That lets the stalk cutters work their way over rocks and uneven ground. Adjust-able springs apply up to 260 lbs. of down pressure. The angle of the units can be quickly changed with 2 bolts to adapt to different size ridges. There are six 24-in. blades per unit. Anderson says the stalk-cutter works best at 12 to 15 mph. "It chops the stalks without tilling up the ridges. I've put over 2,500 acres on a set of blades with only about 1/8-in. wear. Uses off-the shelf bearings so it can be easily repaired," says Anderson, who's been working on the machine for 3 years. At first he says he built it too light. The current 8-row machine is built from heavy double-walled tubing and weighs a total of 3,200 lbs. so no added weight is required. He recommends a minimum 100 hp. tractor. Anderson makes 4, 6 and 8-row units that sell for $3,950, $5,950 and $7,950 respectively. Individual row units are also avail-able for mounting on an existing 7 by 7-in. toolbar. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Gary L. Anderson, Quick Chop, Inc., Rt. 2, Box 38, Gothenburg, Neb. 69138 (ph 308 537-3108).

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