Kubota enters the world of speed tilling

But in a world of machinery where key words hit the mark, speed tiller is a better description.

But forget this writer’s pedantic nuance.

Last week it was all about showcasing the new Kubota CD compact disc at Brunswick.

Organised by Bunbury Machinery, mainly dairy farmers were also given an opportunity to try out a new Kubota M7171 tractor, which was employed to pull the CD.

It only took a couple of passes to demonstrate the effectiveness of the harrow, or speed tiller, to level out lumpy cow paddocks with a good measure of pasture incorporation to boot.

And that is the reason why Bunbury Machinery branch manager Darren Pulford believes the CD will find a solid niche in the South West, particularly in “cow country”.

“There are a lot of guys using power harrows to level out paddocks, but it’s a slow operation and you burn a fair bit of fuel,” he said. “With the CD, it’s obviously a quicker operation with working widths from 2.5 metres to five metres (8-16.5ft).

“We have the CD 1000 series for shallower work to reduce topsoil compaction while levelling lumps and filling in holes and the CD 2000 series for more heavy duty stubble incorporation, while also levelling.

“In both cases, the resultant job also means a more even seed germination for effective spraying.

“And with the 2000 series, you’re also promoting stubble breakdown and material incorporation to improve soil health, while firming soil to assist with volunteer regrowth.”

This is achieved with the Actipack rollers, which are designed for clod crushing and firming soil, leaving an impression in the soil similar to a press wheel. This aids volunteer regrowth and the rollers can be adapted for heavy and sticky soils. A range of optional rollers are available.

The CD comprises a heavy duty frame in three-point linkage or trailing configurations.

Two front rows carry heat-treated 520mm or 600mm (20 or 24in) diameter scalloped discs arranged in opposite directions (for example, front row left-facing, second row right-facing) to enhance incorporation but also to move soil to fill holes.

The third row comprises the roller.

Both CD series can be converted to seeding with a small seeds air seeder mounted on the frame.