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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.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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