Väderstad CrossCutter delivers minimal tillage

With soil erosion and lack of nutrients in the soil as a result of cultivation becoming an increasing problem, farmers are moving towards low-till or zero-till farming to keep their soil profile as intact as possible.

Understanding this, Swedish company Väderstad has released its revolutionary CrossCutter disc designed to fit its Carrier cultivator for an ultra-shallow tillage operation.

According to Väderstad, the CrossCutter disc is capable of intensively mulching, mixing and incorporating crop residue at a depth of just two or 3cm.

The disc won the tillage category of the prestigious Machine of the Year awards presented at Europe’s leading agricultural exhibition, Agritechnica, in 2017.

Landpower Australia Product Manager for Väderstad, Joe Read, said the unique scallop-shaped 450mm diameter disc provides a number of important agronomic benefits.

“Firstly, it shreds heavy cereal and canola stubble loads, leaving the field clean for easy sowing and even germination,” he said.

“Secondly, it incorporates the residue to a depth of just two or 3cm, helping to increase the speed of nutrient mineralisation and protecting the soil moisture profile.

“Thirdly, it removes any fallow weeds, volunteer crops or herbicide-resistant weeds, helping to reduce weed competition both in the following crop or in years to come."

The CrossCutter disc has a very low draught requirement, allowing operating speeds of up to 20km/h for reduced fuel consumption.

Väderstad’s Carrier cultivator tool bar is available in a range of working widths from three to 12.25m, and can be fitted with a range of front tools, discs and packers to provide a tailor-made cultivation package.

Depending on the model, Carrier can be equipped with 450, 470, 510 or 610mm serrated discs.

Each disc is independently mounted on a maintenance-free rubber-suspended arm, increasing penetration and allowing the disc to accurately follow ground contours.

On larger models, the discs are positioned in an x-shape, cancelling out lateral forces.

“This means the cultivator runs dead straight behind the tractor, which is essential if you are using a steering guidance system or cultivating uneven country,” Read said.

Three packer systems are available with the Carrier to ensure complete incorporation and the rapid breakdown of trash.