Amazone has added a new 12m flagship model to its Catros range of compact disc harrows designed to provide high speed and minimum tillage trash incorporation for large-scale farming operations.
Amazone product manager Craig Hopkins says the Catros+ 12003-2TS will quickly find favour with broadacre farmers or contractors growing cereal, oilseed and maize due to its ability to work through high residue crop beds effectively.
“It can successfully handle large amounts of crop residues at operating speeds of up to 18km/h or in heavy soils without clogging and blocking,” he says.
The implement is divided into four hydraulically-suspended sections.
Each section features two rows of twelve 510mm serrated discs with cutting angles of 17 and 14 degrees. The knives serve to intensively cut, mix and incorporate stubble in one pass.
“Each section is hydraulically pressurised while each disc is individually suspended on a rubber-mounted tine,” Hopkins says.
“Combined with the short distance between the support wheels and roller, this enables every disc to accurately follow ground contours for fast, even cultivation and minimal impact stress.”
Bearings are oil-filled and sealed at the factory, eliminating the need for grease nipples and ongoing maintenance.
Working depth of the new Catros+ 12003-2TS can be adjusted from 5 to 15cm via a hydraulic remote from the cabin.
The machine can be specified with a KW580 wedge ring roller or the new KWM6502 wedge ring roller with matrix tyre profile for reconsolidation of the soil profile.
Despite its width, the Catros+ 12003-2TS folds down to a compact width of three metres for easy transportation and features 700/500-26.5 running gear wheels and optional braking system that provide a road speed of 40km/h.
“The folding procedure uses a sequence switching process that requires only one tractor spool valve, making operation easy,” Hopkins says.
During operation, the running gear folds completely over the machine with guidance provided by the front-mounted support wheels and the following roller.
“On the headland, the discs are swivelled upwards and the drawbar ram lifts the machine at the front with the unit turning on its roller,” Hopkins explains.
“This process saves time and ensures the maximum possible output.
“If necessary, the working width can be temporarily reduced to seven metres by lifting the two outer wings to improve penetration.”
Bounce compensation is fitted as standard on the drawbar ram for a smoother run and an even work pattern.
Amazone products are distributed in Australia by Claas Harvest Centre.
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