Potatoes
Beefed up tiller boosts output Rota Tiller history 1995 Single tiller based on Kongskilde’s and built in Germany 2000 RT6000 2-bed tiller from Kongskilde on a Sumo frame 2010 RT540-2 3-bed tiller based on Kongskilde’s Howard R800X with Grimme ridging bodies (prototype/evaluation machine) 2014 GF600 prototype in field for the first time in 2015 t The beefed up GF600 3-bed, double folding Rota Tiller from Grimme.
A new tiller provides potato growers with a simple, yet strong and versatile soil cultivator that offers greater output achieved with higher horsepower tractors. Modified from the original German specification, Grimme’s beefed up GF600 3-bed, double folding Rota Tiller can cope with bigger
and more powerful modern day tractors. It is claimed that its stronger frame and improved geometry with updated speed
BRITISH STRENGTH IN COMBINATION WITH DUTCH FINE-TUNING
blade rotors and 12mm thick two bolt fixed blades, independently sprung vibrating hoods, a 500hp centre gear box and solid PTO shaft can boost output while significantly reducing wear and tear. Options on the GF600 include a crumble bar, choice of potato ridging body as well as full speed blades or inter row knife tines for organic weeding. “The GF600 prototype has been tested in UK growing conditions since 2014,” says Grimme design engineer Dan Griffiths. “But it was the launch of our first single tiller back in the early 1990s that has culminated in the production of the GF range including 200, 400
continued over...
PROPANE-GLYCOL REFRIGERATION FOR BOX AND BULK STORES
Sustainable refrigeration equipment
Crop storage equipment for potatoes, onions and carrots
and 600 versions. A GF800 model is also available but comes without ridging bodies or speed blades. “Grimme’s first single bed tiller was based on Kongskilde’s Howard Rotavator but it wasn’t strong enough so we approached Sumo which improved the design and this led to the launch of the 2-bed RT6000 tiller,” says Mr Griffith. “Its 230hp gearbox was adequate for the size of tractor at the time, but nowadays would be considered inadequate,” he adds. “In 2010 we launched the 5.4m wide 2-piece hydraulic folding Grimme RT540-2 for 3-bed operations as an evaluation machine to assess the market, designed around the Howard Rotavator R800X.
Intelligent climate control accessible by mobile devices
Intelligent climate control
Improving your agribusiness in an intelligent way Contact Elizabeth or Tim on: 01476 591592
www.farmelec.co.uk
May 2018 www.farmersguide.co.uk 85
66-89 ROP MAY.indd 85
21/04/2018 17:44