2000 - Volume #24, Issue #6, Page #32

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"Combo" Seedbed Preparation Tillage Tool

"Combo" Seedbed Preparation Tillage Tool TILLAGE EUIPMENT New Tools 24-6-32 A new seedbed preparation tillage tool designed to maintain uniform soil density below the seedbed was introduced at the recent Farm Progress Show near Cantrall, Ill. The new "Roller Harrow" combines a 17-in. dia. rolling blade on front with a series of rotary harrows, set at a 40 degree angle, to condition the top inch of the seedbed. The rolling blades cut and chop surface residue, the rolling harrows crack the ground surface and lift and redistribute the residue, and a trailing leveling board leaves the soil surface smooth and ready for planting. An optional 5-bar spike tooth harrow is available to replace the rotary harrows for less aggressive distribution of residue. The unit is 32 ft. wide and is designed to be pulled by a 200 hp or more tractor. "It works the ground without changing soil density. As a result, seeds germinate in warm, moist soil and roots get off to a healthy start," says Ken Sauder, Precision Planting, Tremont, Ill. "By working only the top inch or two of soil you avoid creating different soil density layers. Any time you till below the planting depth, you create soil density layers. Plant roots have a tough time growing straight down through these layers. The wetter the spring the harder the layers will be. With our tillage tool the roots can keep growing at full potential. "It works great in soil that has been chisel plowed or deep ripped the previous fall and works best at high speeds of 10 to 12 mph." Sells for $26,500. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Precision Planting, 23207 Townline Rd., Tremont, Ill. 61568 (ph 309 925-5050; fax 5029; E-mail: planting@dpc.net).