Weeders include the Helios – a star-wheel equipped rotary hoe suited to cereal crops, which is complimented by the Onyx tined hoe, for inter-row applications.
The Helios rotary hoe packs a 6m working width thanks to a hydraulic folding frame. It uses a series of cast iron star wheels, mounted in pairs on a tandem axle. Downward pressure for each pair is controlled by adjusting the amount of hydraulic pressure applied to the star wheels, and is shown on a pressure gauge.
This affords fine, delicate control to suit the surface of the field in combination with a crop’s growth stage, to carry out shallow weeding through the top 10mm of soil.
“The Helios can provide an effective mechanical solution for black grass control, with the star wheels capable of pulling out small weeds and leaving them on the surface to wither and die without impacting on crop growth,” explains Kverneland product manager Adam Burt.
In use, the star wheels carry out 60% of the weeding process, with the following harrow accounting for 40% of mechanical weed control.
For crops such as maize, sugar beet and vegetables, the Onyx offers an inter-row solution, which can be combined with a Lynx guidance interface for enhanced precision.
The guidance interface sits between the weeder frame and tractor’s three-point linkage and can be equipped with up to two, forward-facing colour scanning cameras to provide active side-shift of up to 25cm either side of centre, keeping the hoe positively steered to ensure accurate working between the rows, even at high forward speeds.
With camera and control panel technology provided by Tillet and Hague, each inter-row weeding assembly can also be equipped with section control, with automatic raise and lower available through ISOBUS control.
The Onyx is available with a working width of 3-12m, and can be equipped with a variety of weeding solutions including bolt-on 150mm and 220mm Duck foot shares and a range of flat A-shares from 120mm to 240mm.
“Our weeder models provide solutions for growers considering all aspects of cultural control,” said Mr Burt.
Email Adam Burt, Kverneland soil specialist: info-uksales@kvernelandgroup.com
