The disc harrow has a role at every point of the tillage cycle, offering relatively deep cultivation while increasing the overall working speed. We look at the latest updates.
Akpil
Polish manufacturer Akpil is looking to break into the UK market with its comprehensive range of tillage and drilling machinery. Within this is a complete range of disc harrows up to 6.1m.
Sitting at the top of this range is the Angel and EuroDisc series, both laying out the discs in an X-pattern to minimise lateral shifts.
On the Angel both the notched front row of discs and plain rear discs are 610mm, while the EuroDisc uses larger 660mm discs. Both also feature hydraulic depth control via the rear packer.
The Angel has a central tine that runs between the banks of discs to ensure full-width soil inversion, while the overlap of the disc banks on the EuroDisc means this is not necessary.
The options list includes larger-diameter discs for both ranges, up to 600mm on the Angel, and 710mm on the EuroDisc.
It is also possible to add hydraulic adjustment of the disc angle, with a memory function for easy return to work. Across both ranges, the Poplon seeder box can be mounted to sow catch and cover crops in one pass.
Offering a machine that is suitable for all farm sizes, Akpil disc harrows go down to just 1.4m, while retaining the angled disc banks to maintain the correct overlap and minimise lateral forces.
Amazone
Catros compact disc harrows offer working depths from 5cm to 14cm, with shallower depths of 3cm available if equipped with the 480mm X-Cutter wavy-profile disc instead of the standard 510mm serrated disc.
The 17-model range is available in working widths from 2.5m through to 12m. The 12m Catros+ 12003-TS can also be run at a width of 7m to reduce the tractor’s horsepower requirement and add nearly double the weight per metre.
The Catros 03 range comes as standard with SmartFrame, which means the disc gangs swivel around the frame to increase or decrease the working depth.
As the machine is working deeper, the discs lie further away from the frame, and also further from the rear roller for a higher forward speeds, more trash flow and better throughput.
The wider, trailed Catros+ 2TX and the Catros+ 12003-2TS come equipped with ContourFrame.
This is a pre-loaded hydraulic system with interlinked hydraulic accumulators and rams so, on undulating ground, the contours are followed precisely by the machine pressing down or lifting the wings.
New for 2025 is the Catros+ 6003-2TS Special. The new model is designed as a no-frills, semi-mounted, 6m compact disc harrow with all the benefits of the normal Catros, but without the option of any front tools, so it can be run without brakes on the road due to its lighter overall weight.
Where there is an increase in the amount of surface organic matter present, such as after maize, brassicas or when taking out long-term grass leys, the CatrosXL is the preferred option, with its 610mm serrated discs.
For growers looking to move soil at depth, the trailed Certos heavy compact disc harrow can work down to 20cm and comes in widths of 5m, 6m or 7m. The Certos features a 660mm serrated disc and runs at an angle that has been optimised for the deeper working.
Bednar
The Swifterdisc series is offered in working widths from 3m to 18.4m for shallow, post-harvest cultivation from 2cm to 14cm, which can be equipped with 520mm- or 560mm-diameter discs.
The XN, XO_F and XE models are laid with a continuous disc arrangement, while the XO_Profi, XE_Profi and XE_Mega arranges the discs in an X-pattern to minimise lateral forces on the machine.
Common features across the Swifterdisc ranges include a twin disc set-up, with two discs mounted on a single arm.
The company says this improves residue throughput, while the rubber blocks each arm is mounted on, with maintenance-free bearings, reduce downtime.
Depending on the model, the Swifterdisc can be specified with front equipment, including a trash cutter roller for breaking up crop residues, and a crushbar levelling board.
The Alfa drill can also be mounted on the machines for catch or cover crop sowing, as well as a fertiliser kit.
The flagship XE_Profi features electro-hydraulic control, operated through the Isobus system and load-sensing hydraulics.
With this system, operators can map the area worked, and vary tillage depth based on soil maps. It’s also possible to control each aspect of the machine from the tractor cab.
The product range comes with a two-year manufacturer warranty, which is honoured regardless of the hectarage worked.
Bullock Tillage
The Titanum range of disc harrows from Bullock Tillage are said to be a robust, well-designed and cost-effective cultivation system for efficient shallow tillage with the ability to incorporate large volumes of crop residue.
All disc harrows come fitted with 560mm-diameter serrated discs, which are bolted to maintenance-free SKF bearings, with the disc arms individually mounted by six bolts to the frame and protected by rubber shock absorbers.
Side screens to avoid ridging, a full-width packer with six variants to choose from, and road lighting are all included as standard features.
Available in working widths of 3m, 4m, 5m and 6m, hydraulic folding and trailed versions are available for 4m, 5m and 6m models, with the 3m machine only available as a rigid unit.
On-the-move hydraulic depth adjustment is offered as an optional extra, which can help the operator to rapidly adjust the depth of work to match changing soil or residue conditions.
The 3m Titanum can be fitted with a 1.5t up-and-over linkage, which adds additional benefits to the disc harrow, allowing the quick fitting of seed hoppers and so converting the disc harrow into a planting unit for cover crops, stewardship or Sustainable Farming Incentive options.
Cousins of Emneth
Designed to be used in combination with another implement, the front-mounted Up-Front disc harrow from Cousins is said to intensify levelling and mixing operations.
It’s been shown to be particularly useful when taking out potato ridges after harvest and, when used with a tined cultivator, provides the versatility of being able to separate the disc and tine elements depending on requirements.
The discs are spread across two rows to maximise soil and residue throughput, and are individually mounted on maintenance-free bearings and rubber suspension blocks.
The 500mm discs can be specified as either plain or cutaway depending on the intensity of work needed, and the pitch between the two rows can be adjusted using the top link.
Standard equipment includes side plates to contain the worked soil in the machine width. It is available in 3m and 4m working widths, with the possibility to specify other widths to suit the rear implement.
Depth control is via castor wheels. Cousins recommends pairing the machine with its range of Patriot combination disc and tine cultivators.
HE-VA
HE-VA’s Disc Roller Contour is available as a rigid machine with working widths of 2.75m and 3.25m, and as a two- or three-section folding machine.
Two-section cultivators have a working width of 4.25-6.25m and a three-section machine has a working width of 7.75m.
It is available with either a single V-profile roller or two twin roller options, either a twin V-profile roller, or the twin U-profile roller, ideal for providing shallow consolidation and reducing the draught requirement of the tractor.
A number of front tool options can be added on the trailed models to increase their versatility, including seeders to establish cover crops, a Top Cutter for mechanical cover crop destruction, shatta and slicerboards for aggressive levelling ahead of the discs or straw tines for spreading chopped straw and chaff.
The Disc Roller XL Contour is designed to increase versatility, allowing users to work deeper as well as shallow, using HE-VA’s SAT system, allowing each section of the machine to independently follow the ground contours at all depths up to 160mm.
This enables operators to be more precise when cultivating for shallow stale seedbeds to control blackgrass and provide a weed chit, while also allowing deeper working to cope with incorporating increased levels of stubbles, chopped straw and cover crops.
The HE-VA Disc Roller XL Contour is available in mounted or trailed versions from 2.75m to 7.25m working widths.
It comes with a selection of options and front tools such as a seeder, Top Cutter, shattaboards, slicerboards and straw tines to increase the adaptability and versatility of the machine.
As with the Disc Roller Contour, a single V-profile roller is available or two twin roller options, a twin V-profile, or the twin U-profile roller.
Horsch
The family of Joker disc cultivators is designed for shallow stubble cultivation, germination of volunteer crops and shallow seedbed preparation.
They feature the DiscSystem, with new 52cm discs, which are serrated and particularly suited to aggressive working and good penetration into the soil. The discs are arranged in pairs and have a large spacing to allow the crop to flow through.
The compact Joker CT disc harrow for three-point linkage is available in working widths from 3m to 7m.
According to the company, the newly developed frame has not increased the weight, allowing a 90hp tractor to easily handle the 3m versions while also improving visibility of the working area.
Six different packers are available. In addition to the top-selling RollFlex packer (54cm diameter), there is also a tyre packer (65cm diameter), RollCut (60cm diameter), FarmFlex (55 cm diameter), SteelDisc (58 cm diameter) and a cage drum roller (54 cm diameter) available.
A liquid manure preparation kit comprises a distributor support and liquid manure outlets. Joker 3 and 3.5 CT can still be combined with the deep-loosening Mono TG, which uses low-disturbance points for deep loosing up to 35cm without transporting rough soil to the surface.
Available in 5m to 12m working widths, the trailed Joker RT features a hydraulically operated levelling board at the leading edge of the frame, enabling it to perform well on stubble and ploughed land.
The latest 12.25m Joker 12 RT completes the range with a new folding mechanism and twin axle to keep the transport height to 4m. A new knife roller or a crossbar can be optioned.
The knife roller cuts diagonally to the direction of travel in rape stubble or cover crops, while the crossbar in front of the discs is ideal for additional levelling and can be retracted or extended hydraulically.
Köckerling
Brought into the UK by Samagri, the Köckerling range includes the Rebell Classic T compact disc harrow, said to be more manoeuvrable thanks to the integrated double STS roller.
Suitable for shallow operation, as well as primary cultivation or breaking plough furrows, the machine can work down to 12cm, with the individually mounted 510mm discs.
The discs are spring suspended, said to enable aggressive engagement of the discs and more intensive mixing. For a high throughput of soil and crop residue, the discs are spaced 130mm apart. Depth control is operated via a hydraulic system, enabling the machine to be adjusted from the tractor seat, with a clear scale visible.
As an option, the disc leaf spring suspension can be swapped out for a compression spring to suit heavier soils.
There is also a full range of front-mounted equipment, including a 360mm-diameter knife roller to break down crop stubbles, and a levelling board.
Following the packer, a 13mm tine harrow can be mounted to separate larger clods of soil and leave them on the surface.
For those wanting to minimise passes, it is possible to add slurry pipes to the machine, enabling organic manures to be incorporated during cultivations. A Speed Drill, to sow small seeds and cover crops, can also be mounted on the Rebell.
Kuhn Farm Machinery
The latest feature on Kuhn’s Optimer 6000 and 7500 stubble cultivators is Smart Soil Technology (SST) and Isobus connectivity for greater control of working depth.
The development allows operators to manage cultivator settings from the cab, with automatic adjustments for an even working depth and improved tracking on slopes.
SST features Steady Control Exclusive, which uses a combination of pressure and position sensors to adjust disc depth to changing field topography and soil types.
It prevents downtime associated with manual depth adjustments, while using soil map data to determine depth is also possible.
To correct the Optimer’s position behind the tractor when working across slopes, an Auto-Line function uses live data to centre the implement behind the tractor.
SST uses a central coulter to measure the position of the Optimer in relation to forward movement, accounting for changes in slopes and soil type.
The system modifies the position by using the gauge wheel and rear roller to offset the forces on the front and rear disc rows and ensure a true pull line behind the tractor.
Additional benefits are reported to include reduced fuel consumption by preventing deep and uneven cultivations, while a constant angle for each disc is maintained for an even working tilth to support future germination.
Pass-to-pass overlap is also reduced as the system aims to achieve pass widths as close as possible to actual machine.
SST features section control, allowing the Optimer to raise and lower automatically on each run.
The operator can select the machine to turn on the rear roller to reduce soil compaction or use the transport wheels if conditions suit. There is an automatic folding sequence for improved safety during transport.
Kverneland
The Qualidisc compact disc harrow range now extends to a 12.25m working width, following the arrival of the trailed Qualidisc T.
Suiting controlled traffic farming regimes, the Qualidisc T boasts four independently mounted frame sections that follow ground contours, with each carrying two rows of 600mm-diameter notched discs, as found on smaller Qualidisc Pro models.
A depth pre-setting only needs to be done at two scales. One is mounted at the gauge wheel and the second at the rear roller, both directly on the left-hand side of the machine, where the driver leaves the cab.
Gauge wheels and the rear roller are adjusted separately to maintain the balance between the two rows of discs. The depth adjustment is steered hydraulically from the cab.
For an improved soil flow even at shallower depth, Kverneland has designed parallelogram-guided side deflectors which prevent any ridges, especially in conditions with high amounts of residue such as maize straw.
They keep the material in the working area and ensure mixing and cutting. An optional pair of star discs instead of two standard discs, one mounted on the front right and one at the rear left side, improves the levelling effect in light and fluffy soils and provides extra guidance of the soil flow
Ground pressure is maintained across pairs of wing sections, maintaining a level, worked soil layer and surface, even at high forward speeds of up to 20kph.
Working depth is from 2cm to 15cm, and rear packer options include Actipack, Actipress and Actipress Twin rear rollers.
Lemken
Calls to reduce the application of crop care products in arable farming mean that stubble tillage is becoming more important as an option for mechanical weed control.
Lemken highlights the Rubin 10, which is said to ensure intensive mixing of soil and regrowth, even at shallow working depths and in difficult conditions.
According to the company, even the basic version of the headstock-mounted Rubin 10 MR is suitable for a wide range of applications. This is available in a rigid version with a working width of up to 4m.
For the semi-mounted Rubin 10 TF, which is available with working widths of 4m to 7m, several features are introduced.
The bar spacing has been increased by 150mm to 1,350mm to ensure that the organic matter settles further after the first row of discs, improving the cutting and mixing effect of the second row. This also reduces the risk of blockages.
A levelling tine section and a leading cutting roller are introduced for the semi-mounted Rubin 10 TF compact disc harrow in addition to the familiar straw harrow.
Unevenly distributed straw from the combine harvester chopper or piles of straw left behind when baling is picked up by the harrow and released into the disc section in a controlled manner.
The proven levelling tine section from the Heliodor compact disc harrows is used on the Rubin 10 TF when the compact disc harrow is employed for seedbed preparation, while the cutting roller is a new option for rapeseed or sunflower crops and also helps combat the European cornborer.
The six blades cut and shred the organic matter before the disc section takes over.
Maschio Gaspardo
Maschio Gaspardo’s latest cultivator, the Veloce TX Isotronic trailed disc harrow, is said to be a multi-purpose and highly productive machine, ideal for large-scale farms and contractors.
It reportedly offers low fuel consumption and reduced soil preparation costs, and can operate at speeds of up to 15kph.
Fully Isobus compatible, the machine uses this to control all functions: from working depth control down to 15cm and the calibration of other movements, to opening and closing for the transport phase.
Various configurations are possible. It is offered as standard with independent 560mm discs, with the option of 520mm fittings.
In addition, the X-arrangement of the discs helps to balance the machine, as well as limit any lateral drift, aided by the action of the pair of telescopic side deflectors.
Three types of rollers are available, depending on operator reference. It is available in two widths, 8.4 and 10.4m, and requires power ranging from a minimum of 300hp to a maximum of 450hp. In the 10m configuration, the Veloce TX is capable of working 10ha/hour at an average speed of 12km/hour.
Each toothed disc has an independent shock-absorbing structure composed of four silent blocks capable of absorbing contours up to 15cm (without requiring any maintenance).
The SKF hub-bearing assembly ensures that no dust or sludge particles come into contact with the operating mechanism, eliminating periodic greasing.
Pöttinger
Pöttinger has upgraded its 3m compact disc combinations so they are even easier to pull and save more fuel. The Fox 3000 D has a neater configuration with a headstock to improve the view of the machine from the tractor cab.
The new hydraulic depth adjustment system is available as an option to enhance operating convenience. Combined with a Pöttinger seed drill, this implement becomes a cost-effective sowing combination.
The key feature of the Fox 3000 D compact combination is its design. The lightweight construction, for smaller tractors starting at 80hp, enables high output and optimum seedbed preparation at the same time.
Thanks to the 410mm disc diameter, the machine needs less tractive power and consumes less fuel as a result. The soil is intensively loosened, mixed and levelled thanks to the combination of the disc angle and inclination.
The discs on the first row are arranged to face in the opposite direction to the discs on the second row. This configuration ensures soil movement over the full working width. The large row spacing of 510mm provides good clearance, even with high volumes of organic matter.
Optional track eradicator tines thoroughly loosen the tractor wheel marks to enable perfect mixing at a consistent working depth.
Fox 3000 D short combinations can be used flexibly on fields that have been ploughed or stubble cultivated. The short and compact design also ensures an optimum centre of gravity when used in combination with a Pöttinger implement-mounted seed drill.
Proforge
Offered in working widths of 3m or 6m, the Proforge InvertaPro range of disc harrows uses 560mm cutaway discs, mounted on maintenance-free bearings.
According to the company, it is possible to operate the machine at speeds of up to 15kph, depending on tractor capability and conditions.
A key feature is the 90cm gap between the two rows of discs, enabling high levels of soil and crop residue to pass through the machine.
On the 3m model, it is also possible to mount a row of harrow tines between the discs for additional levelling capabilities. On the 6m trailed machines, this row of harrows is replaced with a front-mounted levelling board.
Hydraulic depth adjustment is standard, and the machines are completed with a 540mm-diameter double-row U-channel packer for full-width consolidation.
There are several versions of the Inverta available from Proforge, including a front-mounted model; the InvertaMax with larger 620mm discs; and the flagship InvertaMaxPro, a three-section machine in 5m and 6m widths, with aggressive disc angles and a high ground clearance.
The 3m Inverta can also be combined with the Stoka Pro tine bar for deep soil loosening ahead of primary tillage operations.
SMS
Three disc harrow lines are available from Czech manufacturer SMS. These offer a working depth of up to 18cm and are equipped with discs from 510mm to 610mm. The discs are mounted on maintenance-free bearings protected using rubber silent blocks.
The Ontario disc harrow with two rows of 510mm discs work down to 12cm, making it suitable primarily for the first shallow tillage, seedbed preparation or for the maintenance of permanent grassland. Both mounted and trailed models are available.
A new feature introduced this year is the launch of modernised, mounted, hydraulically folding Ontario H disc harrows. These are available in widths of 4m, 5m and 6m.
The frames are independently suspended, providing excellent ground contour following. Customers can choose 510mm or 560mm discs for these models.
The trailed version of Ontario is available in working widths of 5m and 6m. The axle is integrated between the second row of discs and the support roller.
The Superior is a heavy-duty disc harrow with working widths of 5m and 6m. It features two rows of 610mm discs working down to 18cm.
The first row of discs ensures excellent mulching, while the second row is responsible for turning and incorporating residues back into the soil.
The Superior G series represents the range of heavy-duty disc harrows, available in widths of 8m, 10m and 12m. It consists of two rows of discs and a support roller.
The structure is built from two or four frames. The four independent working frames on the 1000 and 1200 models allow a wing tilt of 3deg plus an additional 3deg on the outer sections.
Sumo
As cultivation practices evolve to meet challenges like soil variability and residue management, Sumo UK continues to develop its product range. Its shallow tillage range offers versatility, reliability and excellent ground penetration.
The Sumo Mixidisc operates effectively across a wide range of conditions, from heavy, compacted soils to lighter ground with high residue levels.
With individually mounted, scalloped discs and rubber suspension, it delivers consistent cutting depth and contour following, helping to break up topsoil, incorporate residues and create an ideal seedbed in one pass.
Also integral to the range is the Sumo Vaxio, a well-established cultivator designed for both shallow and deeper tillage.
Its combination of flexibility, efficiency and on-the-move depth adjustment makes it a valuable tool for varied soil types and farming systems, particularly in conservation and regenerative practices.
Sumo’s kit stands out for its attention to detail and build quality. A heavy-duty frame, low-maintenance bearings and hydraulic depth control provide durability and ease of use, while optional rear rollers enhance soil consolidation and moisture retention.
Looking ahead, Sumo continues to refine its cultivation offering with sustainability and precision in mind.
Future enhancements include improved disc configurations for better trash flow and precision tech integration, allowing growers to tailor operations to specific field conditions.
Väderstad
Väderstad claims to have invented the compact disc cultivator with the launch of the Carrier in 1999. Since then, it has developed and expanded the range with new disc sizes, offering options for ultra-shallow tillage at 2-3cm depth to incorporating discs with up to 16cm working depth.
All disc cultivators in the Carrier family are characterised by their strong frame, constructed with high-quality Swedish steel.
The high weight on each disc improves penetration and maintains working depth even in tough conditions. Each disc is individually mounted on a rubber-suspended disc arm, increasing penetration capability and improving the ability to follow the ground contour.
The design ensures a good throughflow of soil and crop residues, providing high precision without compromises. The conical shape of the disc produces fine tilth and mixes residues evenly.
This shape ensures that the same working angle is maintained irrespective of wear and working depth. The vertical attack angle prevents cultivation pans and keeps stones in the soil.
Väderstad TrueCut is said to be a unique method for milling the cut-outs of the discs. The company says it provides an even wear of the disc diameter, maintaining the original disc shape.
TrueCut maintains the grip, soil penetration and aggressiveness throughout the disc’s working life.
The CrossCutter Disc performs well in OSR stubble and cover crops, while also achieving great results in grain stubble and on ploughed land.
Manufactured from high-quality Swedish steel, its disc shape provides full cut-out and intensive mixing at shallow working depths, creating a stale seedbed over the entire field.
