French weeder cleans up without chemicals

12 October 2001




French weeder cleans up without chemicals

WEED control around the base of shrubs, trees and plants without the use of chemicals is claimed to be possible with the France-built Pellenc Tournesol.

A tractor-mounted unit, it comprises two rotating cultivating units which are mounted on arms which can retract and articulate in respect of the position of the plant.

Positioning of the cultivating units is achieved by covering the rotating blades with a hood having a polyurethane toothed circumference which makes contact with the base of the plant and keeps the blades at a small distance away. The hood, says the manufacturer, avoids the needs for a sensing system – it also prevents excessive movement of soil and, in dry conditions, excessive dust being created.

Working speeds of up to 4.5kph are claimed for the Pellenc Tournesol which can be fitted with different blade-types to cope with seasonal conditions. The machines are due to be available from next year. &#42

Chemical-free weed control with the Pellenc Tournesol. Note the polyurethane circumference of the cultivator hoods which keep the blades at a set distance from the plant base.


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