When it’s time to get your fields prepped for seeding, there are a few different equipment options to choose from.
For many years, harrows have been used to prepare fields in different capacities. Whether you are levelling off ruts, busting up hardpan, or removing trash before seeding, both the Riteway 5-bar and 7-bar harrows have a specific purpose in the tillage cycle. With low-till or zero-tillage farming practices gaining popularity in the last decade, you need a way to create ideal seedbeds for your crop.
Riteway 5-Bar Heavy Harrow in use
Heavy harrows, often known as 5-bar harrows, are very common and do a great job moving dirt, even in wet conditions. The Riteway 7-bar harrow is lighter than a traditional heavy harrow and has twice as many tines, offering you the flexibility you need to deal with excess straw post-harvest and residue management before seeding.
Riteway 7-Bar Harrow
We put together six reasons why you should consider using a Riteway 7-bar harrow this year.
“At its most basic point: if you’re looking to move soil – stick with your 5-bar, but if you’re looking for trash management there’s no better way to go than the 7-bar harrow.”
Brad Grass, Territory Sales Manager at Riteway Manufacturing
Think about how you use a large fan rake to clean up all the leaves in the fall. You go over the surface of your lawn, gently collecting the leaves and removing them. When using a garden rake, you collect everything from the roots of your grass – eliminating everything that protects the soil.
7-bar harrows work much the same as a large leaf rake, cleaning up and breaking down straw residue, while leaving the soil mildly agitated. Featuring twice as many tines as a heavy harrow, the 7-bar’s ½” tines provide better agitation as the harrow floats over the field – allowing for greater trash removal and distribution.
24" long 1/2" tines on the Riteway 7-Bar Harrow
The smaller diameter tines on the 7-bar harrow provide greater agitation while disturbing less ground. By only mixing up the top layer of the soil, it allows the moisture to stay in the ground. The goal is to remove extra trash on the surface, not dry out the soil.
The 82’ Riteway 7-bar harrow weighs 19,900 lbs and is the heaviest and strongest 7-bar in its class. Despite its weight, the 7-bar won’t compact the soil down as much as a heavy harrow because it floats over the topsoil instead of digging down. Less compaction, combined with better moisture retention, creates a better environment for plant development.
Riteway 7-Bar Harrow in use
Remove all the trash and debris left from harvest and prepare your seedbeds without removing soil. This allows the seed drills to move easily through the field with less straw build-up around the knife. After using a 7-bar harrow, you’ll end up with a nice, clean surface for a fresh start in the spring.
Riteway 7-Bar Harrow field demo
As some weeds become resistant to certain herbicides, older chemicals are making a comeback. Because granular herbicide mixes well with topsoil, the 7-bar harrow can effectively protect your crops from invasive weeds. The 7-bar helps introduce the granular chemical into the soil just enough so that it can be evenly distributed throughout the field.
The 7-bar’s lightweight spring tines help manage weeds that start to thrive in your field after harvest. By damaging these weeds enough so they stop growing, your crops have less competition for nutrients in the soil.
Spring Pressure Kit on the Riteway 7-Bar Harrow
As you can see, there are many advantages to using a Riteway 7-bar harrow to prepare your fields for seeding and manage the crop residue after harvest.
Brad, Riteway Manufacturing, walks through the features on the 7-Bar Harrow
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If you have any questions about our Riteway 7-Bar, Heavy, or Rotary Harrows, or any of our other tillage equipment, contact us or visit your nearest Flaman location.
Some of the main reasons seed tenders are growing in popularity include:
Speed and efficiency are often the deciding factors that influence producers to purchase a seed tender. By reducing downtime when filling and maximizing the available hours to plant, farmers will notice the immediate benefits of owning a seed tender. There are only 24 hours in a day, and when utilized properly, more work can get done in less time. Seed tenders are often able to load an air cart faster and safer than a stand-alone seed truck and traditional auger.
Convey-All CST-1550
Convenience, versatility, and portability are all key aspects to improving efficiency. Seed tenders give you the ability to load up seed in advance and strategically position your fill site where it needs to be. This can reduce the manpower needed to move seed around the countryside if your farmland is scattered. One person can independently use the onboard conveyor to conveniently load the drill with the ease of a remote, reducing the need for extra bodies to move around in trucks and start/stop the fill auger before it overflows the tank.
Scale systems allow producers to precisely meter products when filling and emptying the seed tender and when filling the air cart or planter. This ensures operators know exactly how much seed is being allocated to which compartment This also allows for even distribution when filling the air cart to ensure there is no excess product left in one tank and not the other.
Whatever your reason for wanting to improve efficiency, the time is now to visit your local Flaman dealer and learn how to maximize your planting window with a new seed tender.
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At Flaman, we offer three options of seed tenders in our product lineup – the Convey-All Commercial Seed Tender, Convey-All Seed Cart, and the Haul All Side Draw Seed Tender.
New to our product offering: Side Draw Seed Tenders from Haul All Industries
There are many different options and features to be aware of when considering a seed tender, including size, capacity, and functions. For more information on these three seed tenders options or to learn which one would best suit the needs of your operation, talk to one of our ag specialists at your nearest Flaman location.
It’s time to get ripping this fall and reclaim that land that hasn’t been seeded in years.
When the fall weather permits, tillage and other end-of-season work is necessary to get a jump start on prepping next year’s seedbed before the spring rush. Disc ripping is a great tillage method that you can use to break up hardpan and compaction layers, manage trash and crop residue, and increase acres by reclaiming some of the low spots in your field.
Given the dry conditions this year, the opportunity to reclaim low spots and disc dried-up sloughs is available. Using a Kello-Bilt Disc Ripper from Flaman allows you to improve moisture retention and root development by digging deeper into the ground.
Kello-Bilt Disc Rippers feature five adjustable ripping shanks that allow for depths of 12”, 15”, and 18”, setting them apart from conventional tillage or other types of tillage practices. The heavy-duty shanks on this machine dig below the compaction layer beneath the soil’s surface and demolish the hardpan.
Effectively shattering the hardpan with a Kello-Bilt 275DR allows plant roots to penetrate the soil further while accessing additional nutrients and moisture.
An interesting analogy when trying to understand how disc rippers reclaim land in dried-up slough bottoms is to think of a pool liner. After years of water sitting in a low spot on your field, the water saturation in the soil tightens up and creates a layer much like a pool liner. Disc ripping a dried-up slough bottom penetrates this liner, aerating the soil and allowing it to breathe again.
This increases soil efficiency with better moisture retention, microbial activity, and balanced pH levels to help reduce saline patches. In other words, “healthier soil” that will produce healthier plants.
The beauty of seeding into a low spot (once the slough bed has been properly disc ripped) is the likelihood of that land seeing moisture in the following crop year. In dry growing seasons, this additional moisture can be the difference between a heavy, high-busheling crop and a below-average yield.
For more information on how a Kello-Bilt Disc Ripper can help with seedbed preparation, managing post-harvest crop residue and trash this fall, or increasing acres next year by reclaiming land that hasn’t been seeded in years, talk to one of our ag specialists at your nearest Flaman location.
Shaun walks through the features of the Kello-Bilt 275 Disc Ripper
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Interested in trying out the Kello-Bilt 275DR on your farm but not ready to purchase? We offer short-term rentals of tillage and field prep equipment, as well as grain handling equipment, hay and livestock equipment, trailers, and more. Contact your local dealer for rental inquiries and current product availability.
There are a lot of different discs and harrows on the market, but there is nothing quite like the Schulte SoilStar Disc Harrow.
Whether you are cleaning up after a bumper crop or dealing with pulse residue post-harvest, properly managing the trash in your field is important prior to seeding. The Schulte DHX combines a 5-bar heavy harrow and a double row of wavy coulter discs. This unique design is engineered to properly size straw and manage it in the top 1.5” – 2” of the soil.
Although traditional discs can be effective at leveling a field, they are also known to bury heavy straw residue down into the soil and not properly size it. The result of this is that the field may look like it has been left clean, but the straw remains intact below the surface. The problems arise when the air seeder brings the straw back to the surface in spring and creates trash piles.
Harrowing can also prove effective in providing a finer finish to the field prior to seeding, but heavy trash that remains after a large-yielding crop can bunch up and create substantial piles of material behind the equipment.
The Schulte Disc Harrow is the best of both worlds. The 18” double row of wavy coulter discs are spaced at 7.2” and are available in 8 wave and 13 wave options – effectively sizing the straw in the top 1.5” – 2” of the soil. This levels the soil without being overly aggressive and without over-disturbing the topsoil like a concave disc.
The coulter discs move independently from the main frame, which allows the operator to either maximize the weight of the machine on the cutting edge of the discs or lift them completely and use the DHX as a 5-bar harrow.
The Schulte SoilStar is available in 36’ and 60’ widths and requires a minimum of 8 HP per foot. Depending on the stubble and soil conditions, the DHX can be pulled between 7-10 mph.
DHX-600 (60' model)
DHX-360 (36' model)
Whether you are prepping the field in late fall or early spring, the Schulte DHX is proven to get you in the field sooner and maximize your time. With the ability to adjust the disc depth and tine angle from 35 degrees to 90 degrees, you no longer have to wait for ideal conditions to get rolling – the Schulte Disc Harrow is just as effective in wet conditions. When used in the springtime, the DHX can warm up the soil and speed up weed seed germination to promote a proper pre-seed burn off for producers hitting the field with a sprayer.
The versatility of the Schulte Disc Harrow is what sets it apart from the competition in the tillage world.
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For more information on how the Schulte DHX can help you manage post-harvest trash and straw residue in your field this fall or quicken soil warming and increase water penetration next spring, talk to one of our ag specialists at your nearest Flaman location.
At Flaman, we understand that investing in your farming operation and expanding your yard site is important for continued growth and efficiency. That’s why we believe in supporting you from start to finish.
Our Grain Systems team are experts in grain handling, grain drying, and grain cleaning. When you buy from us you are not just buying a product, you are gaining the ongoing support of a team with over 50 years of experience.
One of our industry experts will sit down with you to discuss and understand what your needs are for the coming year, as well as any future plans you may have. From there we will design a phased approach, with future expansion in mind.
We provide complete engineered drawings constructed in-house, with multiple alternatives to come up with a solution that works for your operation.
Once the equipment is decided on, we will continue to work with you through the site preparation and construction. Our job is not done until your equipment is handling grain the way you expect it to. And even then, we don’t consider our job to be done. Rather, we shift our focus to make sure you remain satisfied with the performance of your equipment.
That’s where our Service Team comes in. This dedicated team of certified technicians specializes in after sales support including warranty, pre-season and post-season maintenance, optimization, and commissioning of your machines to ensure your equipment is always running at peak performance.
Our Service Team Lead explains what you can expect from our team even after the sale (above)
We also offer access to a customer service hotline with live tech support after hours (in season only).
When you buy from us you are not just buying the equipment, you are buying the total solution. We have been here for over 60 years and we look forward to continuing to grow with you as your farming operation grows.
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If you are considering adding grain handling, drying, or cleaning equipment to your farm, give us a call or talk to one our Grain Systems specialists at your nearest Flaman location.
At Flaman, we understand that investing in your farming operation and expanding your yard site is important for continued growth and efficiency. That’s why we believe in supporting you from start to finish.
Our Grain Systems team are experts in grain handling, grain drying, and grain cleaning. When you buy from us you are not just buying a product, you are gaining the ongoing support of a team with over 50 years of experience.
One of our industry experts will sit down with you to discuss and understand what your needs are for the coming year, as well as any future plans you may have. From there we will design a phased approach, with future expansion in mind.
We provide complete engineered drawings constructed in-house, with multiple alternatives to come up with a solution that works for your operation.
Once the equipment is decided on, we will continue to work with you through the site preparation and construction. Our job is not done until your equipment is handling grain the way you expect it to. And even then, we don’t consider our job to be done. Rather, we shift our focus to make sure you remain satisfied with the performance of your equipment.
That’s where our Service Team comes in. This dedicated team of certified technicians specializes in after-sales support including warranty, pre-season and post-season maintenance, optimization, and commissioning of your machines to ensure your equipment is always running at peak performance.
Our Service Team Lead explains what you can expect from our team even after the sale
We also offer access to a customer service hotline with live tech support after hours (in season only).
When you buy from us you are not just buying the equipment, you are buying the total solution. We have been here for over 60 years and we look forward to continuing to grow with you as your farming operation grows.
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If you are considering adding grain handling, drying, or cleaning equipment to your farm, give us a call or talk to one our Grain Systems specialists at your nearest Flaman location.
Model ST-9100
With safety, speed, and ease of use as the three pillars of design, these trailers were created to efficiently mix different batches of chemicals and quickly fill your sprayer – all with minimal downtime.
Now that all the planning and engineering has been completed, we are excited to have these units rolling through our production lines and hitting the market for the spring 2021 and 2022 seasons.
“We listened to our customers and put together all their best ideas into these all-new, all-encompassing sprayer tailers. Giving the customer all the features that they have always wanted to have – all in one unit. Flaman is proud to bring this product offering out to the marketplace just in time for the busy spring farming season.”
Bret Watson, Engineer
The Flaman ST-9100 and ST-9200 are tender-style trailers, built around a 53’ Behnke tri-axle trailer with a heavy-duty air ride suspension and 22.5” tires. They have an 80,000 lb GVWR, cross members on 12” centres, powder-coated paint, and Apitong hardwood decking. These trailers feature a 48” heavy-duty undermount toolbox for additional storage, mud flaps, and dual 2-speed jacks. The most notable difference of the ST-9100 and ST-9200 from other units on the market is the custom-designed 11’ upper kick compared to traditional 10’ upper kicks. This allows for a heavy-duty, low-profile 3,200 US gallon tank to clamp securely to the top deck with heavy-duty deck pins.
Chem Handler III
These ag sprayer trailers are completely outfitted with 3” hose and pipe for speed when filling and emptying the 4,500 US gallon (17,000L) tank on the back and the 3,200 US gallon (8300L) tank on the front. They are fastened directly to the trailer deck with heavy-duty steel mounting pins for safety instead of ratchet straps or chains. The entire system is controlled and mixed with a heavy-duty 3” Chem Handler III, a chemical handler that is fast, safe, and easy to use. The 3” steel piping is mounted under the trailer to keep the deck clean and eliminate the potential for tripping. The fill station is versatile and can feed either each tank individually or at the same time.
The stowable fill arm has been engineered with 5” HSS tubing to manage the hose when filling the sprayer. This versatile fill arm takes care of the weight of the 3” hose when it’s full of product, and it swings out when filling the sprayer and easily folds back in when you are done. Your back will thank you!
The stowable stairs give safe and easy access to the deck when managing the Chem Handler III. In a matter of seconds, the safety pins can be pulled out and the stairs can be folded down – no more hopping up and down from the deck like you are training for a Spartan Race! The textured grate steps provide additional traction and reduce the potential for unnecessary slips and falls.
The tote storage is loaded with innovative features and has been engineered to safely store two chemical totes on top with secure ratchet strap tie-downs. It is easily accessible from both sides of the trailer, as well as from on top of the deck. It can be used to store extra fuel, additional hose and couplings, chemical jugs and treatments, tools, extra parts or sprayer nozzles, and safety equipment. It has strategically been offset towards the passenger side of the trailer to allow for additional walking room on the driver side and access the upper kick with an integrated safety handrail.
Both tanks have built-in sight tubes for easy water level readings.
The trailer comes standard with four LED lights to increase safety and reduce the chances of an accident after the sun goes down. There is a convenient light switch located on the passenger side of the tote cage and in easy reach from the ground or deck. All wires are run inside of the frame and are powered by the 7-pin trailer plug.
The ST-9200 includes an additional 1680-gallon (6400L) Chembine Hot Tank. Designed to reduce wait times and increase efficiency, the Hot Tank can mix and agitate the next batch of treatment while the sprayer is out in the field. When the sprayer is ready for another fill, the Hot Tank can quickly unload the next batch of chemicals that have already been already prepared. This feature can be added to any ST-9100.
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For more information on the Flaman ST Series Sprayer Trailers, talk to one our ag & trailer specialists at your nearest Flaman location.
Fuel
Fuel problems always seem to show up when the cold hits. The two most common fuel problems are:
1. Old/dirty fuel
2. Water in the fuel
Make sure you are always using good clean fuel. Check your fuel filters often, and replace them when necessary. It's the easiest way to ensure the auger engine will start easy and run clean at a cold, crucial time. The last thing you want when you're in a rush is pausing to clean the carb or rip the engine apart. If you're not sure how old the fuel is in the jerry can you're about to use, you're better off using it for a bonfire. Go get some new stuff and prevent the headache.
Water in fuel is as bad as dirty or old fuel, and sometimes worse. Because water is heavier than fuel, it will usually find its way to the bottom of the tank, often where the fuel line feeds the carburetor. And you can be sure that it will either freeze up when it's cold or prevent the motor from igniting when you need it to most. If there is a drain valve on your auger, it is recommended you periodically drain the fuel in the spring or when the unit is warmed up in the shop. Fuel additives such as Sea Foam or isopropyl-based gas line antifreeze can also help mitigate the problems old or water-based fuel can pose on engines.
EFI vs Carbureted EnginesMost farms have augers or conveyors with both carbureted and EFI (electronic fuel injection) motors. Although they operate very much the same, the starting procedure may differ.
On a carbureted engine, add a small amount of throttle to ensure the engine will idle, pull the choke fully out and start to crank the motor over. Be sure not to over-throttle and flood the engine. Once the motor fires and runs for a few seconds, you can usually push the choke in half-way and let the engine warm-up for 5-15 minutes. After the engine is good and warm, you can push the choke in all the way and you should be good to go.
When cold starting an EFI engine, there are a couple other things to consider. Set the throttle to approximately one-third open (between idle and one-half throttle), turn the key on, and watch for any lights on the control panels. This will ensure everything is powering up. Listen for a humming sound to confirm the electric fuel pump is working. After the pump kicks in, fully turn the key to the start position and start cranking the engine over. If it stalls or does not start after a few seconds, cycle the key to the off position, and repeat this step. Wait for the electric pump to kick in again and start cranking the engine over. This may need to be repeated multiple times. Once the engine is idling and running, allow 5-15 minutes for it to warm up before putting any load on it.
Following the tips above will ensure you the best chance of making sure your auger/conveyor starts in the cold weather. Sometimes it is just too cold for an engine to start regardless of what prep work you do. In that case, it might be time to go inside where it's warm, and browse here for a new auger with modern technology and new, clean fuel in the tank!
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For more information on our grain handling equipment, auger accessories, or to learn more about cold starting an engine, talk to one of our agriculture specialists at your nearest Flaman location.
It’s here. The legendary orange “gentle giant” from AGI/Batco has received more than a facelift for 2021. After a complete redesign from hopper to downspout, the BCX3 conveyor has a few new features worth bragging about. Aside from the redesigned S-Drive, new Turbo-Clean Wash System, and remodeled fuel tank, there are still 3 big upgrades that make this the most versatile conveyor yet.
You need to see it to believe it.
For more information on our AGI Batco BCX3 conveyors, talk to one of our ag specialists at your nearest Flaman location or give us a visit and we would be happy to show you what all the buzz is about! We may even let you take it for a spin. Even with winter conditions, we can assure you that you won’t need to worry about getting it stuck!