increase font size
An Alpego Inversa cultivator working in stony paddock delivers a fine seed bed on the surface for consistent planting depth and uniform germination.
Alpego Inversa's rotary cultivator buries stones, clods and trash to deliver a fine seed bed on the surface for consistent planting depth and uniform germination.
While not a new concept, it also allows harvesting machinery to work more efficiently and reduce crop damage from bruising in the case for root crops.
Its centrally mounted gearbox features a reversed drive, so the rotor cuts upwards rather than downward like a normal rotary hoe. Material, including soil stones, clods and residue, is lifted over the rotor, before passing through a twincombed sorting grid. This deflects any stones, clods or debris downwards, while letting the finer soil move rearwards, before it is dropped over the trash and levelled, with final consolidation with a rear packer roller.
The overall effect is a revised soil profile, with larger diameter objects like the stones in the base and fine soil above, offering better planting conditions, with the additional benefit of better drainage.
The Alpego Inversa IZ model offers a central drive gearbox, with a maximum input capacity of 280hp – although it can be easily run with a 120hp tractor.
The central gearbox drive to the rotor differs from traditional rotary hoes which use a lateral transfer case at the side of the machine. Alpego claims this provides better power delivery with no driveline losses, a rotor suspended at four mounting points rather than two and a significant reduction in the number of driveline components.
The popular IZ 300 – held in stock by importer Origin Ag – offers a working width working of 2930mm, a transport width of 3015mm and an operating weight of 2130kg.
The machine has a working depth of 250mm and fitted with a 520mm rear packer roller assembly for consolidation and moisture retention. An optional cage roller is also available for heavier sticky soils or for reduced consolidation.
For those looking for more site or system-specific machines, indented cultivators are available in a wide range of configurations. This includes the IZ series in 3.6 or 4 metre working widths. The IG series – suitable for tractors of 100 to 170hp range – in 2.5 or 3 metre variants.
Additionally, the Poker folding range is suitable for tractors of 130 to 280hp in 3.6, 4, 4.6 and 5 metre versions.
Manufactured using Swedish sourced finegrain, high tensile steel throughout – and complemented by high quality bearings and components – the Inversa range is endorsed by the manufacturers’ two-year full warranty.
Having already hit the headlines for recycling broken 2.4 metre vineyard posts into 1.8 and 1.6 metre, half and quarter posts for agriculture, Repost recently hit the milestone of one million posts recycled, diverting the CCA treated posts from landfill.
New Zealand-based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired by Yamaha Motor to form Yamaha Agriculture.
Among the regular exhibitors at last month’s South Island Agricultural Field Days, the one that arguably takes the most intensive preparation every time is the PGG Wrightson Seeds site.
Silage making is both a science and an art, but Claas says it offers onboard technology featured in its Claas Perfect Partners to help farmers make silage more efficiently and effectively.
Since Donald Trump’s import tariff announcement, the world has been on a wild economic ride.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) awards. As part of a series looking at this year’s rural winners, Leo Argent talked with Ginny Dodunski, winner of the Veterinary Impact Award for raising the profile of the Wormwise programme.
OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…
OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.
