Stubble Roller Saves Money On Tires, Fuel

Eliminate GMO hybrid damage to tires and other equipment with the Kitchel stalk roller. Unlike the various stalk choppers on combines and post harvest or bush hogging alternatives, Brandon Kitchel's solution reduces wear without adding significant fuel costs and time in the field.

"The stiff GMO stubble rips up tires and speeds the wear on planter seed tubes, wiring harness covers and hoses, anything that's made of plastic," says Kitchel. "Stalk choppers on combines are a drain on power, and during or following harvest all choppers take added fuel. Plus they often leave 4 in. or more of the stiffest stubble in place."

Kitchel's stalk roller has little impact on fuel use and doesn't require an added trip across the field. The only power required is to pull the rollers across the field as the combine moves forward. The 2-row rollers lower to the ground when the head lowers.

"I knew I needed more down pressure than just the rollers," says Kitchel. "I've seen rollers that push over the stalk, and then the stalk stands up again as they go by."

Spring tension added to the weight of the units presses the stalks down and crushes them at the crown. Initially the springs added about 100 lbs. of pressure to each roller. Kitchel has since added another 50 lbs. of pressure, though that may be more than is needed.

"I knew we needed to damage the root ball where the resins and sugars all collect when the stalk dries down," explains Kitchel. "Those sugars set up like a rock as they dry. With the springs, my rollers have enough down pressure to break the root ball off, uproot it or shatter it into the ground."

Kitchel's first design was a single ground-driven roller that ran the length of the corn head. However, it didn't allow for contours, waterways and benches. After rolling more than 2,000 acres for several years, he worked with a local mechanical engineer to redesign it. Now, multiple 44-in. long sections each crush two rows of stubble. Kitchel notes that installation of the shorter sections is easier too.

Rebar cleating that wraps around the steel rollers in a chevron pattern enhances the ground action of the roller. Kitchel uses 5/8-in. rebar, welding it to the smooth steel rollers.

"The chevron pattern grabs the ground and walks over rocks better than the angle iron I first tried," he says. "It also smoothes out the ride."

Kitchel tried his new patent pending design out on a few acres last fall. It worked well enough that he's now negotiating manufacturing rights with several companies. It's unsure at this time what the price will be or when the rollers will be available.

"I am collecting emails and letters from people interested in buying rollers for their combines," he says. "When the details are worked out, I'll let people know."