Friday, 17 March 2023 07:55

Weeds all wiped out

Written by  Mark Daniel
The new Rotowiper TR machine's layout allows excellent ground contouring over the full working width. The new Rotowiper TR machine's layout allows excellent ground contouring over the full working width.

Over the years, Ashburton-based Rotowiper has followed one main objective: to design and manufacture an effective, cost-efficient method of controlling/eradicating weed infestation in pasture and crops.

Receiving positive feedback from farmers and growers around the world, the company has achieved its main objective. However, recently it has been developing new formats to meet individual conditions in different markets around the globe.

The new Rotowiper TR series is a case in point. It is proving to be very successful, featuring ease of operation with simple height adjustment, delivered by a new single heavy-duty ratchet assembly. Likewise, the roller drive engagement is actioned with a simple spring-loaded pin, meaning the machine can be quickly disengaged for transport or re-engaged once back in the paddock.

Other features include a drawbar that can be raised vertically for transporting or storage, without tools, and stainless steel covers throughout to give the machine a quality appearance. However, more importantly, this also delivers durability and improves the machine’s longevity.

A redesign of the frame features larger box section steel, and a “box” style frame layout, both resulting in superior strength and durability. Heavy-duty stub axles are equipped with high-speed bearings to help endure the rigours of high-speed road travel road travel alongside the punishment delivered on unmade farm tracks and large acreages.

For those using ATV or UTV style towing vehicles, the chemical tank has now been repositioned from the drawbar to above the application roller. This has removed weight transfer from the rear of the vehicles, while also allowing a levelling device to be fitted – if required.

Rotowiper is able to offer a bespoke production and configuration service. The company recently completed its largest machine to date, offering a 24-metre working width and one metre clearance under the application roller. Comprising seven individual roller sections, the machine was developed for a Canterbury contractor who was dealing with bolters in the increasingly popular fodder beet crops being grown.

The machine’s layout allows excellent ground contouring over the full working width. By using a combination of hydraulic and electronic control, it quickly moves on from its original intended use by also dealing with other weeds such as Californian thistles.

www.rotowiper.com

More like this

Tractor traders hoping for better sales in 2025

With annual tractor sales being a barometer for the state of the industry, New Zealand’s machinery importers and distributors, along with their dealerships, will be glad to see the back of 2024.

Loosening soil without fuss

Distributed in New Zealand by Carrfields, Grange Farm Machinery is based in the Holderness region of East Yorkshire – an area known for heavy, claybased soils that need to be shown respect and careful management.

Optimisation specialists to help customers

January to March is the heart of New Zealand’s ‘golden’ harvest, but also the time of the year when Landpower and Claas Harvest Centre welcomes two optimisation specialists from Germany to support Claas combine customers in the cab of their machine.

JCB unveils new models

The first of the UK’s agricultural trade shows was recently held at the NEC Centre in Birmingham.

New parts distribution centre for Agco

Agco Corporation has unveiled plans to build a new Parts Distribution Centre (PDC) at Amnéville (Les Portes de l’Orne) on the outskirts of Metz in the Mosselle region, just 12km from its existing Ennery site.

Featured

‘Nanobubble’ trial trims irrigation water usage

North Canterbury dairy farmer and recently-elected deputy chair of DairyNZ, Cameron Henderson, is enjoying a huge reduction in irrigation water use after converting a pivot irrigator to drag perforated drip tubes across the ground instead of elevated sprinkler heads.

Editorial: Elusive India FTA

OPINION: Without doubt, a priority of the Government this year will be to gain traction on the elusive free trade deal with India.

Sport star to talk at expo

Rugby league legend Tawera Nikau is set to inspire, celebrate and entertain at the East Coast Farming Expo's very popular Property Broker's Evening Muster.

National

Sweet or sour deal?

Not all stakeholders involved in the proposed merger of honey industry groups - ApiNZ and Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association…

Machinery & Products

Loosening soil without fuss

Distributed in New Zealand by Carrfields, Grange Farm Machinery is based in the Holderness region of East Yorkshire – an…

JCB unveils new models

The first of the UK’s agricultural trade shows was recently held at the NEC Centre in Birmingham.

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Times have changed

OPINION: Back in the 1960s and '70s, and even into the '80s, successive National government Agriculture Ministers and Trade Ministers…

Hallelujah moment

OPINION: The new Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has just had the hallelujah moment of the 21st century in…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter