Feed pad with rubber matting hailed as game changer
For Otago farmers Michelle and Rogan Borrie, a newly constructed feed pad on one of their three farms has been a game changer.
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.
