New Holland continues its development in the field of mechanical weed control, with the introduction of a new cultivator model, the SRC SmartSteerTM with camera self-steering system. This new introduction complements the existing range of 4 to 18-row mechanically guided models, meeting the needs of large farms and contractors who value work output and comfort of use.
The SRC SmartSteerTM range brings in eight models from 8 to 18 rows, available in two chassis widths: 6.70 m and 9.90 m, each meeting a road gauge of 3.00 m for safe road transport, folding in by 3 and 5 sections. The range boasts 45 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm and 75 cm-gauge models to adapt to different crops in rows, beets, sunflower and corn.
Each section of the SRC SmartSteerTM cultivator is mounted on a robust parallelogram, ensuring excellent ground tracking even on uneven ground. A separate control wheel guides the depth automatically. Two-gauge wheels positioned at each end of the machine also enhance the stability of the tool. The cultivator elements are equipped with 5 universal vibrating teeth (60-75 cm-gauge models) or 3 VCO teeth (45-50 cm-gauge models), the mechanical action covering the entire inter-row section.
Two rotating plant guards complete the tool, so it can work as smoothly and as close as possible to the row. They adjust in width to adapt to different crops and can be raised to avoid damage when the plants reach a critical growth stage.
The SRC SmartSteerTM cultivator is guided by an optical camera that detects colour differences between the soil and the weeds, following the row with extreme precision thanks to the hydraulic interface system. There is also the option to couple a section cut-off system that works on ISOBUS with the farm’s GPS solution. It will then automatically and individually lift each rotor element at headlands and turns, for precision results and a high work output rate.
Multiple optional tools are available, including back-end harrows, which bring the weed roots to the surface of the soil to speed up the wilting process; or rotor stars that work the space between plants, for excellent results.
The 60-75 cm-gauge models feature a platform to mount a compact pneumatic seeder to help plant combined crops during the final tilling run, such as clover.
With this new range of SRC SmartSteerTM cultivators, New Holland Agriculture has strengthened its position in alternative weed control solutions, offering reliable and efficient solutions to the most demanding users who value high work output rates.
