Dig deep with Agrowplow's AP91

When Agrowplow's customers asked for a cultivator that could work at deeper depths, the company set to work researching and trialling a new shank assembly. The end result, the company says, not only allows its customers to dig deeper but also helps reduce the required tractor power and fuel needed to tow the implement.

In fact the brand new Agrowplow AP91 deep ripper features a number of innovations beyond the new shank assembly design, including trailing tines, wide wing points and a clip-on blade system.

Agrowplow says its new design is aligned with research conducted by the West Australian Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA) that found tilling from 35cm to 50cm down can offer benefits that last up to three seasons, and more than 10 seasons on farm operations using controlled traffic systems in light sand.

Deep ripping lifts and shatters hard-pan under the soil, allowing better moisture penetration and for plant roots to access minerals, moisture and nutrients more easily.

It also benefits the soil's microbiology, which plays an important role in providing nutrients to the plant.

DAFWA's research also shows farmers will get $6 to $16 back for every dollar they spend on ripping.

Agrowplow principal Shannon McNab says the AP91 made ripping simpler and smarter for farmers.

"With the AP91 we feel we have a product with a lot of modern features not available on other ploughs," he says.

The machine features a single row of shallow leading tines working in-line and ahead at depths of up to 450mm.

They reduce the draft force required by the deep rip tines trailing behind, which are capable of penetrating up to 60cm.

According to DAFWA's research, complementary in-line tine systems can reduce the tractor power needed to tow an implement by up to 18 per cent.

The AP91 is available in widths of 6 to 12m and required tractor outputs of between 300 to 600hp, depending on the soil type to be worked.

A key feature of the AP91 is Agrowplow's exclusive No.9 shank assembly design, which features a scissor action and full-frame-height shank extension.

If a shank hits a rock or other solid obstacle, the shank breaks back in a radial motion until it is level with the frame, allowing the obstacle to flow under the machine without damaging the shank or the machine's robust 200x200x9mm RHS assembly frame.

The AP91 is available in widths of 6m, 9m and 12m for controlled farming operations and features a new level lift system and wings that float up 20 degrees or down 10 degrees to follow ground contours. The two larger models feature folding wings to enable road transport.

Wide wing points are an option with the No.9 shank assembly to produce a more complete fracturing of the ground, says Agrowplow.

Another innovation is a clip-on blade system that is said to allow speedy fitting or replacement of the tips on the ends of the tines.

Clips behind the boots hold them in place, eliminating the need to secure each boot with a hammer.

The first AP91 has been sold to a grain operation in WA, which traded an old Agrowplow model for the new machine.

It has been trialled alongside the old model at the farm and the farm manager says he was impressed with the performance of the new unit.

"With 450ha already ripped, we were pleased to hear back that our No.9 blades were still looking as good as new," McNab says.

For more information on the Agrowplow AP91, visit www.agrowplow.com.au.