Toolbar Pivot

Toolbar Pivot CULTIVATORS Cultivators (58C) 11-6-28 "We think it's the best guidance system ever," says Lee Nikkel, manufacturer of a new 3-pt. mounted system that pivots the toolbar rather than shifting it back and forth. "There's no comparison between this system and systems that try to shift the implement sideways. This leads the cultivator or planter where it needs to go while other systems try to force it over. It's almost impossible to accidentally take out corn plants while cultivating with this system in place," says Nikkel of Sunco Mfg. The all-hydraulic system simply plugs into the tractor hydraulics with two hoses. There's no monitor or other electronics involved. Two wire "feelers" sense the crop it should be at least 4 to 5 in. tall - and angle the toolbar back and forth as needed to stay on the row. The total amount of movement of the pivoting hitch is 2 in. forward and back on each side for a total movement of 4 in. Nikkei says that's more than enough to stay on the row no matter how inexperienced the tractor driver. "You can use it with a planter by positioning the feelers so they follow, the planter marker furrow. Works great o plant on ridges," says Nikkel, noting that the system stays on the 3-pt. and can be used on any 3-pt. mounted equipment. Nikkel and the farmer-inventor who came up with the idea for the hitch, Gene.

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