Innovative, new-generation speed discs Diskacrop are ticking a lot of boxes for large-scale maize growers.
The implement, which is used for two-pass, pre-planting cultivation, and for trash incorporation after harvest, is reducing cultivation time from a week to just one to two days. Along with removing the need for tertiary and PTO-implement cultivation.
The gangs of discs are followed by harrows then rollers, creating a firm, even seed bed on the second pass. There’s also a drawbar, providing the option of towing a secondary roller behind, if necessary, to help with levelling.
FarmChief’s Matt McKillop says the implement is an answer to the drive for greater efficiency and increased productivity. “Doing the same job, with one implement, in less time, and more effectively, just makes a lot of sense.”
“Standard cultivation is a lot slower. The Diskacrop means you can cover the ground at around 10kms an hour.” He says with high value crops, and often narrow windows for cultivation, speed can be the difference between getting crops in on time and missing that opportunity.
But that doesn’t mean compromising effectiveness.
With widths of 6m-12m, (mounted and trailing) the solidly-engineered Diskacrop is a high-speed incorporator with 660mm discs, at a spacing of 265mm. It easily handles heavy soils and wet maize stubble; powering through the hectares while protecting soil structure, ready for the next crop.
Blades work autonomously, which means if a stone, or uneven ground, is encountered, optimum blade to ground contact will be maintained and the finish will not be compromised.
The heavy, steel rear rollers are excellent for breaking up clods and compaction.
There’s also more than a nod to longevity and low maintenance with sealed bearings for years of hassle-free use.
Hugh’s View
Hugh Ritchie of Drumpeel Farms, Otane, in Central Hawkes Bay runs a 2050 hectare operation. It includes 800 hectares of process vegetables, cereals and seeds, with the remainder being used for livestock finishing.
Hugh uses his Diskacrop to incorporate maize stubble, soon after harvest, alleviating problems including strong spring winds blowing stubble, in drifts, that reach fence tops. “We use it to get stubble anchored.”
Hugh says the implement also comes in handy for levelling paddocks after carrots, especially after a wet harvest.
Stuart’s View
The Diskacrop is also a recent purchase of third-generation commercial grower, Stuart Briant. Gisborne-based Stuart works 400 hectares of flat to rolling country including around 100 hectares, annually, of maize for seed and for feed. Some specialist varieties end-up in products ranging from flour to cornflakes, and corn chips.
Stuart’s “20-odd year old” discs had done a lot of hard work and needed to be upgraded, “We used them all the time. It was either re-build our discs or get new ones,” Stuart says. As it turns out, he traded-in on the Diskacrops.
Stuart says what appealed about the Diskacrop was the gain in efficiency and ability to do more in one pass.
He will be using the Diskacrop, which is a recently new addition to his cultivation system, to disc grass and fallow paddocks ready for maize crops and for squash.
“They’re good, I’m quite impressed with them.”