The Combination Tillage Tool That Tames Tough Field Conditions In A Single Pass

Hard packed, tough stalk stubble, heavy clays, and high residue can make field preparation a real challenge. Of course, you can tackle tough soils with a variety of tools, covering the same ground again and again. Or you can get the Reel Till – the combination tillage tool that tames tough soils in a single pass.

Four Tools In One
The unique design is actually four tools in one. Together, these four tools do what no single tool can do and it saves preparation time and lets you plant sooner. The coulters loosen the first few inches of soil and cut residue. This enables the spiral reel, with its five hardened – steel blades, to cut and loosen the residue in the opposite direction and distribute it evenly on the surface. The flexible 5-bar spike tooth harrow stirs, firms and levels the soil turned by the coulter and reel – leaving behind a finely ground, yet firm seedbed. This helps dry topsoil for earlier planting while also sealing in moisture at lower levels. The feathering board puts the finishing touch on the whole process. It smoothes the entire seedbed – leaving your fields ready to plant.

In spring, the Reel Till loosens the top few inches of soil so it warms up and dries out faster. Using the Reel Till helps get crops into the field sooner. Moreover, soil won’t compact. It remains loose and level.

Higher Yields – The Root Of The Matter
Saving time in field preparation isn’t the only reason to use the Reel Till. The advanced agricultural technology of the Reel Till eliminates the need for any horizontal tillage tools like disks or field cultivator sweeps which can change soil density and adversely affect higher yields.

The Reel Till also enhances the potential for fuller and stronger root development. Strong root structure is essential to a crop’s successful growth and development. The better a crop’s root structure, the better the crop.

A four-year study conducted by Farm Journal magazine discovered that uniform soil density is the key to fuller root development. (View articles)

McFarlane’s Spiral Reel Stalk Chopper, using the same tool configuration as the Reel Till without the coulter, prepared a firm seedbed without compacting the subsoil. This helped promote uniform soil density and maximum root development and increase yields (up to $28 per acre). We believe that the Reel Till will provide the same result, especially in hard-packed soil where some initial ripping is essential for seedbed preparation.
  

New 3 Bar & Rolling Basket Feature
The new 3 bar heavy-duty sections have all the great features of the 5 bar, but with better residue handling capability. The increase in residue cover due to more corn on corn acres was the key to designing this combination. Adjustable down pressure on the rolling basket can make it aggressive for clod sizing and firming or passive for soil separating and conditioning.

High-carbon flat blades have been added for long life and durability in tough conditions.

Large 12" diameter reel keeps residue and soil moving without plugging. The 8 blades leave the soil profile smooth with larger and smaller particles separated.

Features:

• Two rigid models: 12’ & 16’
• Four folding models: 20’, 25’, 30’ and 35’
• Level lift hitch ensures unit stays level with turnbuckle adjustment to match tractor
• Lighting package is standard on all units
• Convenient hose/light harness storage
• Adjustable-depth coulter gang to match varying field conditions
• Coulters are 20” diameter on 7” spacing
• Hardened steel spiral reels are mounted using triple-lip regreasable bearings for endurance
• Spiral Reels are attached to the frame using large C-springs to reduce vibration and added protection
• 5-bar flexible spike-tooth harrow features replaceable teeth and wear bushings in linkages
• Feathering board is adjustable and spring loaded to provide proper coverage and pressure for a finishing touch
• Can be pulled at speeds from 7 to 9 mph
  New compact frame reduces transport width and height
  New narrow hitch allows for tighter turning radius

U.S Patent 6,698,525 - Canadian Patent Pending