Rolling Tines Out-Perform Conventional Rotary Hoes

Rolling Tines Out-Perform Conventional Rotary Hoes TILLAGE EUIPMENT Miscellaneous The Australian-built Wiking Rollavator works up the soil surface without inverting the topsoil Prongs at the front of the machine loosen the surface which is then worked over by intersecting triangular-shaped tines on multiple rollers “This action provides the positive benefits of tilling to control weeds and allows soil amendments like lime to be incorporated ” says Bill Peterson Wiking Rollavator “At the same time it aerates the soil without bringing subsoil to the surface or harming earthworms below ” Instead of pegs it has offset triangular tines on steel rollers set in a steel frame As they roll across the surface of a field tines from one roller intersect with tines on neighboring rollers leaving behind a fine seedbed The offset design prevents debris from building up on the rollers “Traditional tillage methods can be highly destructive to the microbiology of the topsoil that contains important microorganisms nutrients and organic matter essential for healthy plant growth ” notes Peterson “The design of the Rollavator preserves the valuable structure of the topsoil and organisms that dwell within the vital humus and below the surface It allows effective aeration moisture absorption and weed control ” Peterson points out that in addition to protecting the soil better than other tillage tools the Wiking Rollavator can travel at speeds up to 4 times the ground speed of a rotary hoe He estimates the faster speed and low power requirement could save up to 75 percent of fuel consumption “The ground-driven design means fewer moving parts less wear and tear and reduced noise levels for greater cost efficiency ” says Peterson “The scalloped effect of the tines opens up the soil surface reducing runoff and increasing water absorption ” To date Peterson has built and sold several machines to area farmers and a researcher While prototypes have been used on smaller size tractors Peterson points out that the design could up scaled or down scaled “It does not require a pto to operate it and it could be made light enough to be pulled even by water buffalo in Third World countries ” says Peterson Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Wiking Rollavator Ferris Lane Woodford Queensland Australia 4514 ph 0414 849 025; bill@wikingrollavator com; www wikingrollavator com

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