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Jul 23, 2023

New vertical, hybrid tillage tools from Great Plains

Great Plains has announced a new lineup of products, including a new Turbo-Max

Great Plains has announced a new lineup of products, including a new Turbo-Max vertical tillage tool, new Terra-Max hybrid tillage tool, and updated compatibility for its seeder.

Great Plains has announced updates to the Turbo-Max line with the introduction of the VT1100, its vertical tillage implement. The Turbo-Max features a new frame, designed to support the new finishing attachments, and heavier transport tires and axles. The VT1100 is available in sizes from 20- to 40-foot widths. Owners will have the choice of 20- or 22-inch straight Turbo blades.

Farmers can choose from the new chopper reel option for high-residue conditions, a new double basket attachment, or single basket attachment. The basket attachments are available to order with flat or round bars to match field conditions and soil types.

Like previous models, the VT1100 gang angles can adjust up to 6°, providing the true vertical finish while running at 0°.

"Great Plains defines true vertical tillage as a system that works the soil vertically to remove or avoid the addition of horizontal, density-change layers," says Blake Bergkamp, research agronomist for Great Plains. "While maintaining 0° gang angle, the VT1100 Turbo-Max continues to form a seedbed by creating a level planting surface and uniform soil profile."

Bergkamp says these characteristics promote consistent germination and crop emergence, and improve root development. Additionally, vertical tillage can help manage long-term soil health, including water infiltration, nutrient utilization, and reducing soil compaction and erosion.

The Implement Command system is available as an option to the Turbo-Max, allowing farmers to set, adjust, and monitor the tool from the cab. The system is ISOBUS compatible.

Great Plains’ new HT1100 Terra-Max hybrid tillage tool models are now compatible with lower horsepower tractors. The HT1100 is now available in 10-, 12-, and 15-foot widths, in addition to the previously offered 20- to 40-foot widths, ideal for tractors in the 125 to 200 hp range.

All models in this range have adjustable front and rear coulter gangs to perform variable-intensity tillage for primary and seedbed preparation applications. The front gangs can adjust from 0° to 8°, and the rear coulters adjust proportionally from 0° to 6°.

An optional double finishing real is also available.

The new smaller HT1100 Terra-Max models will be compatible with Great Plains’ TS9100 Turbo-Seeder

"With the new sizes and the addition of Turbo-Seeder, the HT1100 Terra-Max is the ideal solution for hay, forage, and livestock producers, or lower-acreage row crop operations," says Bergkamp. "Using the Turbo-Seeder, operators now have the ability to seed a cover crop, overseed a hay field, or establish a forage crop and incorporate residue — all in a single pass."

The Turbo-Seeder will have 19.2 bushel capacity on the new HT1100 models, designed for a variety of crops like alfalfa, cover crop mixes, and small grains.

For more information on Great Plains’ lineup of products, visit GreatPlainsMfg.com.