Marketing manager Matt Fairbrother says though long disc harrows are great for working up soil, their length hinders their use on undulating ground.
Contractors working hill country had been asking Fairbrother for more compact, lower profile discs, suitable for steeper work. “In the time we started developing the product three more people have approached us asking us to make this,” Fairbrother says.
A prototype was quickly run out and using computer aided design they went from concept to prototype in two months.
Prototypes went to contractors in Kaikohe, Tokoroa and Nelson, the feedback being that the discs worked well with no breakages and produced good, consistent results.
The design has a central, low-profile frame of 250 x 150 x 9mm heavy steel giving best possible stability on hills.
Two hydraulic arms fold out to allow for a total 3.4m cut. Travel width is 2.5m.
Blades are mounted on a 40mm 4140 steel axle and have nuts at both ends to allow easy access if repairs or maintenance is needed. Blades of 26 or 28 inch blades weigh 100-145kg.
To increase durability and reduce maintenance cost the company uses 8 taper roller bearings made in-house with a new seal design that allows a five year warranty.
Folding arms and transport wheels are hydraulically controlled for easier transport between jobs.
The direction on blades is also hydraulically controlled allowing for fine control directly from the cab.
“The operator has lots of adjustment capabilities with blade angles.”
Operators will need a minimum 150hp to get the most out of the discs while working safely on hills, says Fairbrother.
Tel. 0800 476 868
www.hoopermachinery.co.nz
