Pottinger has introduced a series of updates to its Plano shallow cultivator with the addition of new tine options and features aimed at improving the machine versatility.
Designed for shallow cultivation from 30–150mm, the trailed machine can be used for volunteer crop chitting, seedbed preparation, and the incorporation of cover crops. The latest upgrades are claimed to improve performance in a wider range of soil and crop conditions.
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An optional set of heavy-duty tines can be fitted to replace the rear roller. Configured as a three-row harrow, the tines distribute plant residues and leave a loose soil surface while cutting weeds and depositing them on top to dry out.
The system is particularly suited to managing clover grass and cover crops. Operators can quickly swap between the heavy-duty tines and the rear roller using a quick-change system, while the harrow itself can be hydraulically adjusted and folded from the cab to clear blockages.
Oscillating spiral spring tines are now offered as an alternative to pre-tensioned tines. Designed for light to medium soils, they allow large volumes of organic matter to pass through the machine while creating a finely crumbled tilth during seedbed preparation.
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An additional wheel track eradication tine option is can be fitted to target tractor wheeling's during seedbed preparation without requiring the entire cultivator to run at a deeper working depth.
Pottinger says the shallow cultivator plays an important role in integrated crop protection, offering an effective mechanical alternative as herbicide restrictions increase and weed resistance grows.
