Kuhn Farm Machinery has added a folding version of its Optimer disc cultivator to its range of stubble tillage machines. With a five metre working width and two rows of independently mounted discs, the new Optimer+ 503R is ideal for shallow stubble cultivation at high forward speeds.
The new Optimer+ 503R folds from it’s working width of 5 metres to a transportation width of just 3 metres. It is equipped as standard with 40 curved cultivation discs measuring 510mm in diameter and 6mm in thickness. The standard discs have deep notches for working at depths of 3 to 10cm, with optional small notch discs available for shallower (3 to 5cm), less intensive stubble clearing.
Each disc is mounted on ‘no maintenance’ bearings which have a double row of oblique contact ball bearings that are lubricated for life. The discs are angled on two axes – in relation to the direction of travel and vertically – for improved soil penetration and trash incorporation, with each disc mounted on a re-designed arm which provides increased clearance between the disc and carrying frame. This increased clearance facilitates improved working capacity and enables the machine to work soils with large amounts of plant residue.
Each disc arm is protected at its contact point with the frame by four polyurethane elastomer blocks which allow the individual discs to deflect on contact with obstacles. By mounting and protecting each disc independently, the machine’s working depth remains unaffected by impacts to independent discs.
The Optimer+ 503R is suited for use with tractors in the 150 to 250hp range and is available with four press roller options. The standard T-Ring roller is designed for crumbly clay or cloddy soils. The optional T-Liner roller is designed for use on stony soils, while the PackLiner roller provides maximum consolidation, especially in damp conditions, with the Tube or Crumbler roller offering a lighter weight option for less aggressive consolidation.
Optional left and right side deflectors – which control soil movement and prevent soil being ejected from the side of the machine – are also available, as is a comb harrow which sits between the discs and press roller to enhance straw levelling and further regulate the flow of soil and residues. An optional lighting board is also available.
