Changing rotations, with cover and catch crops now becoming more prevalent, as well as maize stubbles left over from AD plants, means that there is an increasing demand to incorporate higher levels of organic matter at a relatively shallow depth. The need also exists to minimise any deep-down disturbance that may end up promoting grass weed problems, and the new Certos heavy compact disc harrow from Amazone, available in working widths of 4.0m, 5.0m, 6.0m and 7.0m, comes into the range alongside the existing Catros and the Catros+ compact disc harrows, that are designed with shallower work in mind.
The Certos, with its 660 mm diameter scalloped discs, staggered with an offset of 350mm, offers an angle of attack of 22 degrees in the first row and 17 degrees in the second to ensure a very aggressive operation, an intensive mixing and a good penetration force into the soil. In this way, even on soils with plenty of surface organic matter, an intensive mixing operation is possible.
Amazone’s Certos heavy compact disc harrow (pictured) is fitted with 660mm scalloped discs and is depth adjustable from the tractor seat.
The proven-Catros system of maintenance-free disc bearings, oil filled with integrated slide seals is also used on the Certos but here, however, the dimensions of the bearings, with an outer diameter 130 mm, are almost twice as big as those on the Catros.
The integrated centre running gear, equipped with 550/45-22.5 or 400/60-22.5 tyres ensures an excellent manoeuvrability of the machine, both in the field and on the road. The position of the running gear guarantees good weight distribution and allows the use of any of Amazone’s following rollers – this means the most suitable roller depending on the soil conditions can be utilised. When equipped with an air braking system, it is approved for speeds of up to 40km/hr allowing for quick road transport. The drawbar is sprung-loaded for increased driver comfort whilst in work and travel.
Depth control is carried out via a combination of the rear consolidation roller and the front guide wheels and is adjusted hydraulically, on the move, from the tractor seat. An optional Crushboard can run in front of the discs to level ploughing ahead of the cultivation discs.
Fitted to the 5.0m Certos 5001-2TX model, which will be on show for the first time in the UK at Cereals 2015, will be the new Matrix 650 KW M wedge ring roller with its ultra-large diameter cleated rubber rings that offer a high degree of targeted consolidation and crumbling as well an improved self-driving ability to help reduce the level of horsepower needed in the field.
The GreenDrill 500 catch crop seeder box will also feature strongly on the Certos as the machine is ideal for sowing intermediate crops following the combine for encouraging blackgrass germination pre-autumn drilling as well as helping with “greening” options for cover crops through to the spring.
For more information visit: www.amazone.co.uk.
