Opico Adds Hydraulic Tine Adjustment for Comb Harrows

Opico's new hydraulic tine adjustment lets operators adjust the tine angle from the cab, optimizing weeding efficiency in changing field conditions.

Bourne, Lincolnshire - OPICO LIMITED., an agricultural machinery distributor, has introduced an on-the-move hydraulic tine adjustment option for its comb harrow range. This feature allows operators to modify the tine angle from the tractor cab, ensuring optimal weeding efficiency as crop and soil conditions vary across the field.

Existing models require manual adjustments on each independent floating bed. However, with the new hydraulic option, operators can now make precise, on-the-go adjustments effortlessly from the cab, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

Fine-tuning the tine pitch is essential for regulating the harrow’s aggressiveness, ensuring it aligns with the specific growth stages of both crops and weed seedlings. The newly introduced hydraulic adjustment feature further refines this process, allowing operators to seamlessly modify settings from the cab. By maintaining the tine’s gyroscopic movement within the soil, this innovation maximizes efficiency, delivering consistent and thorough weed removal across varying field conditions.

Opico notes that while organic farmers have long relied on mechanical weeding technology, a hybrid approach, blending chemical and mechanical methods, is gaining traction as herbicide-resistant weeds become more prevalent. With fewer available active ingredients in the UK and a growing emphasis on environmentally focused policies, more farmers are expected to explore alternative weed control methods that don’t rely on traditional chemical inputs.

Opico will offer on-farm trials featuring a 12m demonstration comb harrow equipped with an Air16E Pro Seeder. This feature allows operators to effortlessly adjust the tine angle from the cab, adapting to changing crop and soil conditions in real time. According to Opico, this adjustment enhances weed removal by ensuring consistent tine movement in the soil, improving overall weeding efficiency.