Machine spotlight: Tulip Multidisc 300 XL disc harrow

Launched in Australia over a decade ago, the Tulip Multidisc high speed tillage machine has been winning over farmers with its simplicity and low maintenance that make seed bed preparation a breeze.

Last year, the Multidisc XL models were given new legs to allow for increased trash flow clearance, which, according to AGCO technical and training manager, Robert West, came as a result of user feedback.

“We tested the XL in Australia before release last year and it’s been going great guns ever since,” West said.

Featuring a shot blasted, powder coated frame, the standard Multidisc comes with 510mm discs while the XL model has 560mm discs for working deeper.

No fuss trash clearance

Designed for working depths of four to 10cm, the XL has more clearance between the two disc rows for heavy stubble residue.

Torsion bar suspension by means of round rubbers on the machine results in maximum freedom of movement of every disc separately.

The 3m Multidisc 300 XL, pulled by a 130hp Massey Ferguson tractor, was demonstrated at a recent field day held by Wiesners Wodonga at Dederang, in north-east Victoria.

“The machine has 22 discs and is equipped with a 520mm open cage roller – it can be optioned with a 500mm packer roller if required,” West said.

“There is a 1000mm clearance between the front and rear gangs allowing for high trash flow, and there is also a 1000m clearance between the rear discs and the roller to allow the trash and dirt to settle in front of the crumble roller.”

The spacing on a standard Multidisc 300 XL is 800mm.

“Today, we ranged from 50 to 90mm in depth travelling at about 13km/h to create a seed bed,” West said.

“The machine’s optimum speed, depending on ground conditions, is between 10 and 15 km/h, at an optimal seeding depth of 50 to 100mm.

“We used a 130hp tractor today but depending on how heavy the soil is, growers can get away with a lot less horsepower, making it suitable for the dairy industry.”

The hardened steel discs have a one-piece forged hub with oversized taper roller bearings and a cast steel cap.

Next generation Multidisc XL

The XL Gen 2 model released last year features a low maintenance oil filled hub and the bolt size has been increased to enable the machine to handle a variety of conditions.

Round rubbers have been incorporated into the design to enhance the chipping action.

Optional straw harrows can be fitted in between the front and rear gang to assist with the breakdown of straw residue.

“All the holes for accessories are predrilled so a seeder can be quickly fitted – it’s just a few bolts and a pin, and the whole seeder assembly can be taken off with a front end loader,” West said.

“A solid 500mm packer roller with shark fin spikes is optional, however there are people with both rollers on their machines to adapt to all soil conditions.”

An optional soil deflector plate keeps the soil stream inside the working width of the machine.

“This machine suits any soil type, as long as it can get into the soil, it’s good to go,” West said.

“It has been used in red to black clay loams – it all comes down to the conditions of the soil and moisture content."

West said he has seen the Multidisc XL handle stubble that are six to seven feet tall without a problem.

“The scalloped discs give better chipping action ensuring increased weed control,” he said.

The machine working depth adjustment is made via pins on the side of the machine controlling the roller height. This ensures the complete machine weight is used to assist the Multidisc to engage the soil.

“The machines have been popular in the dairy regions and in the last three to four years, the larger machines up to 12.5m have sold into Queensland,” West said.

“We also have available widths of 6.5, 8.5 and 9.5m, with the majority going into broadacre areas in Queensland, Victoria and South Australia.”

Multidiscs are available in mounted rigid (1.8 to 4m), mounted folding H and semi-trailed folding HT models ranging from four to 12.5m wide.

Seeder optional

“A platform seeder can be placed on this machine – there are eight distribution outlets acting as a broadcast system,” West said.

“An electronic display on the Polymat Compact H allows rates to be modified as ground speed changes.

“Optional are 150-litre extensions for the seeder and we have sold them for such applications as poppies to cereals. With this machine, we have a big window into how we can sow and what we can sow.”

The Tulip Multidisc is priced from $12,999 excluding GST for the 1.8m model, up to $95,650 excluding GST for the 9.5m machine.

Tulip Multidisc 300 XL Disc Harrow Specifications

Disc dimensions: 560 x 5mm

Suspension: Triangular rubbers

Gang spacing: 100cm

Standard roller: Crumbler 520mm

Working depth: 5-12cm