“The True-Tandem 345 makes short work of Bt corn and other residue and leaves a level soil finish out the back in spring or fall,” says Tim Nix, tillage marketing manager.
Growers can now choose an optional rolling reel basket with active hydraulic down pressure to size any remaining large clods and further condition the soil ahead of the planter. The optional basket uses the same patented, double-edge bent bar found on the Ecolo-Tiger 875.
The active hydraulic down pressure system on the basket maintains constant down pressure and gives farmers total control from the comfort of the cab. “In muddy or rocky conditions when you don’t need the basket, or in changing field conditions, you can easily make adjustments on the go,” Nix says.
Producers can also choose from the following options for additional soil conditioning flexibility:
- A three-bar coil tine harrow for excellent leveling and residue flow, adjustable tine angle and down pressure.
- A rear hitch for pulling a Crumbler seedbed conditioner.
Unlike competitive offset disk harrows, the True-Tandem symmetrical design offers a long life of straight, easy pulling in the roughest field conditions.
Similarly, rugged Earth Metal blades on the 345 effectively size and mix residue from today’s hardiest hybrids, unlock the nutrients for the next crop and leave the soil smooth and ready for planting.
“The 22-inch Earth Metal blades have flat, crimped centers for added strength and long life, and a tighter fit with the spools. They’re 30 percent stronger and last up to 20 percent longer than conventional blades.”
Various blade thickness and edge options are available to tailor the disk harrow to a wide range of soils and field conditions.
In addition, an improved scraper design on the 345 increases durability and minimizes plugging, keeping operators productive. “Our fixed-mount scrapers keep mud and trash from building up on blades,” Nix adds. “And heavy cast-iron spools between the blades add weight to the gangs where it’s needed, not the frame.”
More productivity-improving features
The increased use of greaseless bearings on hinges, rockshafts and baskets will significantly decrease routine maintenance on the 345.
According to Nix, “There are significantly fewer grease zerks on a typical size 345 machine, which means a lot less time spent on maintenance.”
Nix says farmers also will appreciate the walking tandem design of the machine’s mainframe and wing wheels. “They move independently and stay on the ground better, while providing a smoother ride at faster speeds,” he continues.
“So the disks are staying at the proper level and not bouncing in and out of the soil.” Optional patented one-way pivoting front stabilizer wheels prevent gouging in uneven terrain and improve stability during turns.
New stubble-resistant tires help prevent flats from tough residue. These optional tires also are larger – 340/55-16 on smaller sizes and 380/60-R16.5 on larger machines – to provide greater flotation and reduce compaction.
The three powder coat paint provides a long-lasting finish. In addition, every seedbed disk harrow will come equipped with LED lighting, for better nighttime visibility and longer light life.
This new model replaces the True-Tandem 340 disk harrow single-fold models and will be available in working widths from 22 to 34 feet, in three-foot increments.
Orders are being accepted now for delivery in early 2015. FG
—From Case IH Agriculture news release
PHOTO
Photo courtesy of Case IH Agriculture.
