Tine harrow cultivation
Einböck AEROSTAR-EXACT | Treffler Precision Tine Harrow
Einböck AEROSTAR-EXACT
The Einböck AEROSTAR-EXACT is a versatile precision tine weeder for arable, grassland and vegetable row crops. The 1.5 m wide weeder sections, fix mounted on the frame, are equipped with 600 mm long spring loaded tines 700 mm in diameter. The tine angle is adjustable from the tractor via hydraulic pressure adjustment, which ensures that all of the tine sections operate equally over the entire working width, even on uneven ground. Precise depth control is achieved through rear support wheels. A 6-row arrangement of 60 tines per 1.5 m section provides a 2.5 cm line spacing. With a frame clearance of up to 55 cm, the AEROSTAR-EXACT working width ranges from 3 m rigid to 18 m folding frame.
“The AEROSTAR-EXACT tine weeder is a very effective form of mechanical weeding for smaller weeds, from germinated white thread to cotyledon stage. Timing is key, as is weather and the condition of the soil. The aim is to control the weeds before they start growing. Germinating weeds are dislodged and prevented from emerging while weed seedlings are uprooted from the soil and dry out on the surface, particularly under sunny weather with a drying wind” says Shane Kelly of P.J. Callan Ltd., distributors for Einböck in Ireland.
He explains “precision control over the tine depth and adjustment of the tine aggressiveness allows pre-emergence blind weeding. For post-emergence crops, working speed and tine pressure can be adjusted to work under the crop leaves when cultivating the soil between the rows without the tines damaging the crop.” Adding “tines can be lifted for row crops like carrots and brassicas and for more advanced crops to reduce the risk of dragging or dislodging crop plants. The 600 mm long tines also assist weeding later stage crops.” He continues “while vibration and lateral movement of the tines allows plant residue and uprooted weeds to pass through minimising clogging, the AEROSTAR-EXACT operates most efficiently on even beds with minimum organic residues.”
“The machine has one of the highest adjustment range of tine pressure on the market. It is possible to adjust tine pressure for very little ground contact to drag out sticky weeds in cereals, or the AEROSTAR-EXACT can very effectively be used to break up the soil surface” He says.
Along with the AEROSTAR-EXACT and a range of other weeders, Einböck manufacture the AEROSTAR-FUSION tine weeder that is suitable for ridged crops such as potatoes.
The Einböck AEROSTAR-EXACT is available from P.J. Callan Ltd.
Further information on the Einböck AEROSTAR-EXACT
Treffler Precision Tine Harrow
The Treffler precision tine harrow is used for mechanical weed control in conventional and organic cereal and vegetable crops and grassland. It can control weeds from the germinated white thread to cotyledon stages in any row (flat, beds, ridged or drilled), regardless of the sowing and planting width. Direct seeded crops can be harrowed pre-emergence and post-emergence. Transplanted crops need to be established before harrowing.
The Treffler precision tine harrow is available in various models with working widths of 0.8 m to 29.2 m and front and rear attachment options. The tines are assembled under the frame, each individually pivot mounted on the frame and tensioned with a spring to produce a 2.8 cm tine spacing and tine pressure range of 100 g to 5 kg. The tines can be adjusted manually, and hydraulically from the tractor depending on soil conditions and crop stage, or to release residue if needed. 105 and 120 degree tines are available with or without carbide tips. The 120 degree tine has a gentler angle, which increases drag along the ground and reduces digging making it more suitable for speciality crops such as vegetables. Using sensors the harrow automatically adjusts to maintain the desired working depth. Support wheels running before and after the harrow can be manually and hydraulically adjusted to help maintain working depth and to ensure the frame adapts to uneven ground. Track harrows can be installed to control weeds in the wheel track.
“Each tine is mounted individually and follows the contour of the field. All of the tines have equal downward pressure. Lowering the frame reduces pressure, raising increases. When the frame is raised the tine is more upright and aggressive. Lowering the frame reduces aggressiveness and makes the tines more precise. Frame height and tine tension is increased for breaking up the soil surface. Tine tension is reduced for blind weeding or where there is a lot of organic debris in the soil. Forward speed is also important and needs to be adjusted. Drive speed can be reduced for precise weeding of early stage crops. Tine lifters can be used to lift tines on the 3rd, 5th and last bar of the frame to allow weed control between rows without damaging the crop.” explains Jos and Ana Pelgröm of Treffler-Man@Machine.
The Treffler precision tine harrow was originally developed for organic growers but Ana says it has wide applications in conventional systems. Jos and Ana have seen a shift in demand for their mechanical weeding machinery in recent years, both in Europe and around the world, as Ana who is responsible for promotion and marketing discusses “we are seeing a hybrid form of farming more and more where conventional farmers are integrating mechanical weeding with reduced herbicide use.” With weeds, she says “it is best to be proactive rather than reactive and that weed control can begin as soon as the weeds start to germinate, with the cotyledon stage being the most susceptible. Timing is key. Implementing mechanical weed control with the Treffler precision tine harrow as early as possible when the seedling is germinating and the weed plant is at its weakest is most effective. A pass with the harrow just before the crop seed emerges can significantly reduce weed competition. Later passes are best carried out before weed roots become more established and dislodging is harder. For grass weeds, which are challenging, early control is essential. Time of day and weather conditions are also important to utilise. Wind and sun can help dehydrate weeds that have been dislodged during harrowing. The effectiveness of the tine harrow is increased in drier soils.”
Treffler produce a range of manual and hydraulic machines for mechanical weed control and shallow tillage. Treffler-Man@Machine is the licenced seller of these machines.