Friday, 17 February 2023 10:25

Making the most of weed control

Written by  Mark Daniel
Pottinger’s new the ROTOCARE machines allow farmers to make the most of short, optimal time windows for mechanical weed control. Pottinger’s new the ROTOCARE machines allow farmers to make the most of short, optimal time windows for mechanical weed control.

Pottinger has recently introduced mechanical crop care implements to its product range for sustainable, crop-specific and site-specific plant protection.

With the ROTOCARE rotary hoe and the FLEXCARE row crop cultivator, mechanical plant protection measures can be implemented gently and effectively.

Settings on the machine can be adjusted to handle different conditions. By operating the tractor lower links in the float position – in combination with depth control wheels – it achieves accurate ground adaptation. The position of the top link regulates the working intensity by adjusting the pressure on the rotary hoe stars, while the forward speed determines the aggressiveness of the process.

The row-independent rotary hoe stars sweep away weeds and their roots out of the soil and deposits them on the surface. The weeds are overturned and completely covered with earth, a lack of sunlight causing them to perish. In addition, any surface ‘capping’ is broken up to produce a crumbled effect. This aerates the soil, improves drainage and promotes nutrient mineralisation. Capable of working speeds of 10 to 30km/h and working widths of 6.6m to 12.4m, the ROTOCARE machines allow farmers to make the most of short, optimal time windows for mechanical weed control.

Settings on the machine can also be adjusted to handle different operating conditions. Many of these settings can be made without the need for tools. Different duck foot shares, weeding blades and following tools allow the machine to be optimised to the operating conditions. Various control systems help to ensure the best working results.

Different row crop cultivation effects can be achieved using FLEXCARE hoeing technology, separating the leaves from the root system. This row crop cultivator can handle row widths between 25 and 160cm, with each tool carrier able to be adapted for up to five hoe elements.

In addition, large, scalloped plant protection discs as well as finger hoes can be attached as following tools. A pre-set hole matrix and indicator scales on each component make it easy to set up all the tools identically.

An integrated hydraulic shift frame is standard and ensures convenient operation. The hydraulically controlled frame greatly reduces driver fatigue while maintaining a high level of precision.

By constantly adjusting the frame to the row, plant damage and crop losses are avoided while compensating for planting inaccuracies and maintaining a narrow hoeing band.

More like this

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this season.

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting the most from each pass of the paddock.

Kioti carves out a miracle among the big boys

Distributed by Power Farming Group, the Kioti tractor brand has carved a niche for itself over the past two decades by offering productive, reliable and well- priced machines in the sub-compact, compact and agricultural utility sectors, from 22 to 115hp.

Featured

LIC Space folds for good

Farmer co-operative LIC has closed its satellite-backed pasture measurement platform – Space.

Editorial: Time for common sense

OPINION: The case of four Canterbury high country stations facing costly and complex consent hearing processes highlights the dilemma facing the farming sector as the country transitions into a replacement for the Resource Management Act (RMA).

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.

Sorting unwashed potatoes made easy

Downs, a leader in potato reception, automated sorting, and storage, has introduced its new high-throughput optical sorter for unwashed potatoes…

Jumbo X saves time and money

A winner of a prestigious ‘Technical Innovations 2024’ award by FederUnacoma at the EIMA show in Italy, the Maschio Jumbo…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Are they serious?

OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…

A hurry up!

OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter