Nth New South Wales Australia | Matt,
I have used them in both dry and wet conditions and yes like most machines like this they perform a lot better when conditions are on the dry side.As I said above they do a far superior job on residue as there is not the tendancy to drag and drop like a harrow.In a standing cereal stubble they will leave nothing standing and completely on a hot day break up straw,however it is left as a covering layer.We plant on 15inch spacings so residue is not a problem.
Where I have found them most useful at times is on notill country(3-4 yrs no cultivation)that has become rough.This year we ran one right in front of planting and it certainly saved some machinery wear and tear.I would think that most no-tillers would consider them a light tillage tool but sometimes we have to react to what the season provides and these machines can fill a need.
Here in Australia a 60-65 ft machine would be in the range of $75,000aus($64k US).Might seem a lot however they are a seriously long wearing tool that transports easily and lends itself to being hired out to neighbours etc,that eases the pain somewhat.Here one can be hired for about $1.75/ac Aus which is a good return for a machine that can do 50ac/hr.
One note of caution they will not run quite as fast as a prickle harrow as the discs will bounce over about 7mph and on bare fallow should be used with caution as they do fine the top inch or two a lot and you know the rest if a lot of wind comes along.
mIKE. |
Interesting rotary harrow today at farm show.....(pics)
