fbpx
Print this page
Friday, 08 September 2023 11:55

Rake built for tramlines prevent soil compaction

Written by  Mark Daniel
The Swadro TC1570 four-rotor centredelivery rake is said to be an ideal fit for highways in paddocks. The Swadro TC1570 four-rotor centredelivery rake is said to be an ideal fit for highways in paddocks.

Controlled Traffic Farming (TCF) systems see arable operators, using tramlines as “highways” for moving through a crop.

Then, use machinery with specific operating widths to ensure there is no need to move off these tracks, thereby limiting compaction to the tramlines, rather than across the whole paddock.

While CTF has never really been used in dairy operations, German manufacturer Krone suggests this is changing as forward-thinking dairy farmers strive to limit compaction, particularly in wetter seasons.

The company suggests that with a maximum working width of 15.70m, the Swadro TC1570 four-rotor centredelivery rake is said to be an ideal fit for such operations.

Wider than the existing four-rotor TC1370, the V-frame concept on the newcomer is said to be an adapted version of the six-rotor TC2000.

Featuring 15 tine arms on each of the rotors, the mechanical driveline sees the front two rotors rotating about 25% faster than the rear units, which the company suggests promotes optimum forage flow through the machine to create tangle-free, box-shaped swaths. Operated via an ISObus terminal or in combination with an ISObus joystick, overall working width is adjusted by the two front rotor arms, while final swath wide of 1.40 to 2.90 metres is hydraulically adjusted via the rear pair of rotors.

The main frame can be lowered hydraulically to reduce the transport height to below 4.0m without the need to fold or remove any tine arms. The transport chassis is equipped with 710/40 R22.5 tyres as standard, or optional 800/35 R22.5 units, while infield stability is improved with the use of wide 16 x 9.50-8 tyres on the fourwheel rotor chassis’ and the 15/55-17 support wheels on the two front arms.

Electric height adjustment allows individual or simultaneous rotor adjustment, will the choice of two preselected heights to be saved on the terminal and activated at the touch of a button.

At headlands, the rotors can be set to lift just over existing swaths, while the lift delay of the rear rotors is also adjustable, and the automatic Soft- Down mechanism slows the speed of lowering just before the rotors touch down. Section control is also available to lift/lower the rotors automatically using GPS.

More like this

Woolpress working like a dream

As the maker of the TPW Woolpress celebrates its 50th anniversary, one Christchurch company is singing the praises of the machine, which has been a centrepiece of its operation for most of that time.

Hose runner saves time and effort

Rakaia-based equipment manufacturer Pluck’s Engineering will soon start production of a new machine designed to simplify the deployment and retrieval of temporary water troughs used in winter break feeding.

Case IH partners with Meet the Need

Tractor manufacturer and distributor Case IH has announced a new partnership with Meet the Need, the grassroots, farmer-led charity working to tackle food insecurity across New Zealand one meal at a time.

Featured

NZEI unhappy with funding cut for teachers

Education union NZEI Te Riu Roa says that while educators will support the Government’s investment in learning support, they’re likely to be disappointed that it has been paid for by defunding expert teachers.

EU regulations unfairly threaten $200m exports

A European Union regulation ensuring that the products its citizens consume do not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation worldwide threatens $200m of New Zealand beef and leather exports.

Bionic Plus back on vet clinic shelves

A long-acting, controlled- release capsule designed to protect ewes from internal parasites during the lambing period is back on the market following a comprehensive reassessment.

National

Top ag scientist to advise PM

A highly experienced agricultural scientist with specialist knowledge of the dairy sector is the Prime Minister's new Chief Science Advisor.

Machinery & Products

Hose runner saves time and effort

Rakaia-based equipment manufacturer Pluck’s Engineering will soon start production of a new machine designed to simplify the deployment and retrieval…