ALPEGO have developed a unique rotary cultivator named INVERSA which buries stones, clods and trash leaving only a fine seed bed on the surface to plant seeds. This makes it easier for seeding and seed germination as well as allowing harvesting machinery to work more efficiently and reducing crop damage from bruising during harvest such as in the case for root crops.
Alpego have achieved this by taking their experience in manufacturing traditional rotary hoes and by simply reversing the gearbox so the rotor works in reverse so it cuts upward rather than downward like a normal rotary hoe. The stones, clods and residue are lifted up and over the rotor and placed at the rear of the machine to the bottom of the seedbed and the lighter finer soil is left on top, hence leaving a fine seedbed for seeding and improved germination.
Soil profile shows stones at the base of the seed bed and fine soil in the seeding zone on top after cultivation with the Alpego INVERSA
The Alpego INVERSA IZ model has a maximum 280Hp rated central drive gearbox. The machine does not require such a large tractor as it will work perfectly well from a 120Hp tractor. The gearbox is unique to Alpego as it drives the rotor from the centre, unlike traditional rotary hoes which drive from the side. Alpego claim that this provides a number of benefits such as a lower power requirement and stronger rotor support, as it is supported at both ends and in the centre of the rotor. This also means fewer moving parts so lower maintenance.
The machine is manufactured to a very high standard using only specialised high tensile steel from Sweden throughout the construction, and high-quality bearings and components ensuring performance and reliability which is endorsed by the manufacturer’s 2-year full warranty.
The machine is fitted with a large diameter 520mm rear packer roller to consolidate the soil so as to preserve moisture for seed germination. An optional cage roller is also available for heavier sticky soils where consolidation is not required.
The machine is already proving its place in specialised cropping applications such as market gardening around New Zealand
With the IZ300 (3m) model imported, the 3.6m and 4m models can be specially brought in on indent basis only.
The Inversa IG model range in both 2.5m and 3m models suitable for tractors rated from 100 – 170hp.