Friday, 12 May 2023 08:25

Burying the problem

Written by  Mark Daniel
An Alpego Inversa cultivator working in stony paddock delivers a fine seed bed on the surface for consistent planting depth and uniform germination. 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.

www.originag.co.nz

More like this

Featured

India-New Zealand free trade agreement (FTA) dairy outcomes

OPINION: As negotiations advance on the India-New Zealand FTA, it’s important to remember the joint commitment made by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon at the beginning of this process in March: for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial agreement.

Honesty vital in flood insurance claims, says IFSO

As New Zealand experiences more frequent and severe flooding events, the Insurance & Financial Services Ombudsman Scheme (IFSO Scheme) is urging consumers to be honest and accurate when making insurance claims for flood damage.

National

Machinery & Products

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired…

Ecorobotix announces NZ dealership

Swiss-based Ecorobotix has announced its entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Canterbury-based New Zealand Tractors.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Picking winners?

OPINION: Every time politicians come up with an investment scheme where they're going to have a crack at 'picking winners'…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter