PFG Australia, which distributes the Great Plains brand in the country, says the new machine will allow farmers to cultivate effectively without heavy reliance on chemical weed control.
The new Turbo-Max tillage tool was unveiled and demonstrated to a group of farmers at the recent Elmore Tillage and Cropping Demonstration Day in Victoria.
It will be available in six widths ranging from 15 to 40 feet.
Vertical tillage creates a level unrestricted soil profile encouraging the optimal root development and plant nutrition that leads to healthier and more competitive crops. The system is in line with conservation agriculture in that it aims to improve soil health without disturbing the soil too much.
PFG Great Plains product manager John Simpson says several farmers at the Elmore demo have commented on how easily the Turbo Max processed stubble and weeds, leaving a superbly level seedbed with excellent residue management.
“Farmers in Australia have been trying to get the same results as these for years but have been cultivating too deep and burying too much residue, which leads to nutrient tie-up,” he says.
“Great Plain has a longstanding commitment to developing machinery that answer farmers ‘ needs, is agronomically sound, and produces the best environment to maximise yields.”
He adds the Turbo Max, which does not require too much power to run, has been specifically developed as a true vertical tillage machine which unique design allows it to tackle the heaviest stubble.
The Turbo Max has two gangs working together to size the residue. Each gang has a 7.5 inch blade spacing between coulters. PFG Australia adds the bearings in the gangs and rolling attachments are all maintenance-free.
A patented hydraulic design allows on-the-go adjustments of the gang angle from 0 to six degrees to match field conditions. Transfer valves adjust the weight from the centre to the wings delivering constant down pressure to the full width of the machine.
For more informaion on the new Great Plains Turbo Max vertical tillage cultivator, visit Great Plains Australia’s website.
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