Leading farm implement brand Howard has launched a new heavy-duty slasher and rotary hoe range at the recent PFG-Howard dealer conference in Derrimut, Victoria.
The conference, which was held over two days in mid-February, was organised by farm machinery distributor PFG Australia and was attended by over 100 reps from 70 dealerships.
In addition to announcing the consolidation of Howard within its cultivation division, PFG also took the opportunity to launch several new products at the conference, including Howard’s new EHD240 linkage slasher and the AH4000 series Rotavator rotary hoes.
EHD240 linkage slasher
According to Howard technical and design manager Robert Condon, the EHD240 is a step up from its existing EHD210 model featuring a larger cutting width and longer blades.
He says the 2.4m wide machine has been designed for heavy duty slashing, roadside maintenance and other demanding contractor operations.
“It’s a larger version of the EHD210 that has performed well over the years,” Condon says.
It features the same gearbox as the EHD210 which runs at 540rpm.
“It gives a good high tip speed with a bigger cut; blades under these are twenty inch rather than the standard fourteen inch on previous models,” Condon says.
“The heavier blade is designed to cope with heavier work.”
“It has chains front and rear for preventing debris exiting the cutting deck which risks causing injury or property damage during heavy work.”
The EHD240 features a category 2 linkage system which can be swapped for category 3 if needed.
The machine will be marketed and sold with two wheels on the rear to provide depth control and a smoother ride.
Condon advices a horsepower of about 90hp is required to run the EHD240.
He adds the incorporation of a smooth top design is a great improvement on the Howard EHD slasher range as it helps prevent the spread of weed seeds during roadside slashing.
A quick air pressure clean or wash down between jobs removes any weed seeds picked up from previous operations.
The EHD240 on display at the conference is the first unit to roll off the factory floor but Condon says full production will commence soon to keep up with increasing demand.
Rotavator AH4000 series rotary hoes
Howard has also expanded its well-known Rotavator line-up to include the AH4000 series heavy duty rotary hoes, specifically designed for the sugar cane, vegetable and row crop industries.
The AH4000 series features three models, the AH4255, AH4305 and the AH4355; with working widths of 2.55m, 3.05m and 3.55m respectively.
According to Condon, the new series is an upgrade of the previous range, the 3000 series featuring a heavier duty Comer MZ827 gearbox.
“We have increased the side drive capacity by going to a duplex chain and run it in an oil bath,” Condon adds.
He says the thickness of the chain case will provide a reliable and maintenance-free drive mechanism to the wider machine.
A sturdy, galvanised frame on the AH4000 series allows for the attachment of deep ripping tines that serve to open up the soil in front of the rotors and promote good moisture penetration.
The top shield and trailing board consists of rubber conveyor belts which encourage moist soil to jiggle free while the AH4000 is in operation, hence preventing build up under the shield within the soil box.
Other features of Howard’s AH4000 series rotary hoes include optional front and rear depth control wheels; crumble rollers; choice of blades and rotors; Parabuster legs; rear toolbars and furrowers.
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Photography: Carene Chong | Video: John-Paul Beirouty