The increasing challenge to control grass weeds, particularly black-grass, means stale seedbeds are becoming an important part of crop establishment on today’s arable farms. A quick, but shallow, pass with a cultivator immediately after harvest will encourage germination of many grass weeds.
    The Lemken Smaragd (TerraDisc), which was first launched in 1984, is used on many farms worldwide to encourage germination of weed and volunteer seeds. With two rows of tines, levelling discs, and a rear roller, the machine leaves the ideal seedbed for their germination, whilst being a cheap enough operation to be justifiable.
    In 2011, the Smaragd range will be fully replaced by Lemken’s new mounted Kristall cultivators. Available in 3.0m only during 2010, 3.5m and 4.0m rigid machines, and 4.0m, 5.0m and 6.0m mounted folding machines enter the range for summer 2011. 7.0m, 8.0m, 10m and 12m semi-mounted machines will also follow later in the year.
    The fully-mounted folding machines will be launched at Lamma 2011 where a 6.0m machine will be displayed on the stand.
    Kristall retains the key features of the Smaragd, which it replaces, but includes a number of useful upgrades. While there are still two rows of shear-bolt or auto-reset tines, the distance between the rows has been increased by 5cm to improve straw flow. The quick-change, feet first seen on the Karat cultivator, are also available on Kristall, for those wishing to switch easily between share types.
    A new TriMix share, which offers increased mixing of soil and straw, is supplied as standard. Alternatively, the machine can be supplied with DuoMix shares similar to that used on the Smaragd. Either way, the entire soil width is cut even at shallow depths – very important for efficient stale seedbed preparation.
    Levelling discs provide a level finish ahead of the rear-mounted roller. A selection of roller options ensures that there will be one suitable for your soil type.
    The 6m Kristall 9/600K is suitable for use with tractors from 180hp or more and is priced from £18,594 when fitted with a tube bar roller.

For more information visit: www.lemken.com.