A new design for Spaldings FlatLift subsoilers has been unveiled to cater for higher horsepower tractors, whilst also reportedly maintaining its low running costs, high build quality and soil loosening characteristics.
The new models incorporate a strong box-section frame to cope with the rigours of operating on powerful tractors in heavy soils, while the V shape places the tines in the optimum position to work across the full width with low draft forces and good trash flow.
Steve Constable, Spaldings managing director, said: “The original FlatLift started the trend towards shallower, targeted subsoiling that restructures compacted soils with minimal impact at the surface. The new FlatLift V Range implements maintain that core purpose and ability but are much stronger to match today’s more powerful tractors and offer auto-reset leg protection.”
Key features have been retained from the previous generation, including the slim legs and replaceable shins, with prominent points and broad wings. The wings are set back from the point and operate at a shallow angle to create a lifting and restructuring action with the least possible effort.
“Maximum working depth is 500mm, the emphasis being on the ability to work at shallow depths just beyond any layers of compaction caused by field traffic during cultivations, ploughing, harvesting, and so on, or at greater depths if necessary,” explained Mr Constable.
“Restructuring compromised soils in this way helps maintain effective drainage, encourages rapid infiltration of water after heavy rain, and enables deep-rooting crops – such as oilseed rape – to put down strong, healthy root systems.”
The new FlatLift V range can also be upgraded with tungsten-protected wearing parts or the company’s own SPLUltra range. Standard equipment includes multi-shot shear pin leg protection, with the option of a hydraulic auto-reset system.
The 800mm Multipacka serrated ring finishing roller is fitted as standard, designed to provide a level, weather-proof finish while also maintaining the working depth using the multiple pin-and-hole positions.
Three fully-mounted sizes are available. The V3 is a three-leg variant with 900mm tine spacing for a working width of 2.7m; the 2.8m V4 has four legs spaced at 650mm; while the five-leg V5 has a tine spacing of 650mm and works across 3.6m. There is also the 4.7m trailed V7, equipped with seven legs and folding to 2.9m for transport.
For more information go to www.spaldings.co.uk