OPICO will launch a significant new addition to its HE-VA cultivations line-up at LAMMA in January – the Top Strigle straw harrow.

As many farmers continue towards reduced or no-till crop establishment, OPICO has seen demand grow for a fast, cost-effective implement to spread straw evenly across the field to assist with drilling and slug control as well as aiding in the battle against problem grass weeds.

Working directly behind the combine, the Top Strigle’s five rows of heavy-duty harrow tines spread trash and create a micro tilth to prompt a flush of growth. Equally as important as the need to generate a chit of weeds, the harrow disturbs slug eggs exposing them to sunlight and destroying the next generation of mollusc pests before they emerge.

Ideally the Top Strigle is worked at a slight angle to the combine’s direction of travel, carrying a ‘wave’ of crop residue to establish an even coverage of straw and chaff across the whole field. This in turn makes for easier trash flow for subsequent tillage and drilling operations.

Hydraulic tine angle adjustment means it is possible to vary the harrow’s aggressiveness on the move as conditions change. A Stocks seeder unit is an option for those that plan to use the Top Strigle as a tool to establish cover- and catch-crops.

Available in working widths of 3m to 10m, the new HE-VA straw harrow is designed to be operated at speeds of 15-25kph. Not only does this make for fast work rates, it also generates multi-directional oscillation from the 16mm diameter long-fingered spring tines, creating a fine surface tilth ideal for weed seed and volunteer germination.

But working at such speeds will inevitably put strain and stress on any machine. To counter this HE-VA’s engineers have used a heavy-duty central ladder-frame with dual hinge points and fold rams front and rear. This robust design means the Top Strigle is set to last the test of time.

Power requirement for the straw harrow is based on the need for an effective working speed. As an example, a 6m Top Strigle would ideally be mounted on a 155-180hp tractor.