Imants expands ‘spading’ cultivator range with 6m model
The Imants WX K cultivator with front hopper and seed Coulter assembly © Imants Dutch cultivator maker Imants has expanded its range of “spading” rotary tillers with a 6m tractor-mounted version that folds for travel between yard and fields, and another designed to be effective in loamy soils.
More common power tiller designs have either curved blades or spikes on a horizontal rotor that slice or beat earth into submission to a relatively shallow depth.
The Imants “spading” tillers have long curved tines with broad points that can slice into the soil to greater depths if necessary to break up compaction and mix underlying layers with the topsoil.
See also: Home-built cultivator towed by steel rope transforms steep fields
A chain driven “rake roller” turning a little faster than forward speed levels consolidates the seed-bed. The implements can be equipped with subsoiling tines and worked solo or in combination with a power harrow or drill.
Loam ground
The new 3m mounted 48WX K model, capable of working to 360mm, is designed to tackle loam-rich soils, which Imants suggests can be difficult to work into a fine, well-consolidated seed-bed, especially in dry conditions.
It incorporates the company’s “WX” subsoiling tines to break up compacted soil layers, 36 curved spading tines with 60mm-wide points to mix the profile for even organic matter and fertiliser distribution, and a 508mm diameter rake roller.
The key additional component here is a spring-loaded levelling clod bar with hydraulically adjustable resistance; positioned between the spading rotor and finishing roller, its aim is to break up surviving lumps. Power requirement of the 3.9t implement is from 140hp to 245hp.
The new Imants FWX 600H combines a 6m working width, contributing to an output of up to about 3ha/hour, with the manoeuvrability and convenience of being tractor-mounted.
Weighing in at 5.1t, it comes with centre-split folding and a single jockey wheel that is deployed for road transits. Hydraulic break-back protects the subsoiling tines, positioned ahead of a rotor than can work down to 250mm deep.