We were all highly excited to see the Pottinger FLOWTAST rake at our recent Farm Trader Harvest Showcase event and it certainly didn’t disappoint.
We didn’t come in with scepticism as such; it’s more a case of ‘does this advanced technology justify the price tag that goes with it?’. The conclusion we drew was that it absolutely is worth it.
If you factor in reduced wear on the machine, the superior ground hugging ability, the raking quality, the increase in forward speed or reduction in rotor RPM (or both) due to the glide bar, plus not having the associated admin of wheels filling up with water during storage and constantly getting punctures through the season, it becomes a no brainer in my opinion.
While the photos don’t really do it justice, if you head to farmtrader.co.nz, the video of this machine really brings new meaning to the phrase ‘seeing is believing’.
If your attention span can handle some more of my ramblings, and you’re not already on the internet, then read on, there’s much more to like people.
HEADSTOCK AND FRAME
Hydraulic ground pressure adjustment is a key feature of the FLOWTAST contour following system
Let’s start at the beginning, with what the TOP 882C numbering means: TOP is the series, 88 means a maximum 8.8m working width, and the 2C means it is a twin-rotor centre delivery rake. This innovative machine is available in two configurations: with wheels under the rotor or a skid known as the FLOWTAST glide bar.
The hydraulic width adjustment also doubles during folding to allow the rotors to be sucked down. This helps keep it under a four-meter transport height when folded, as well as making it easy to move and store. The way the mounting headstock is designed means the twisting forces when one rotor is in the air or on uneven terrain ensures it won’t ‘cock’ a transport wheel. Instead, they are distributed through to the other plough arm of the tractor to keep things on the straight and narrow.
FLOWTAST
The MultiTAST glide wheel helps navigate uneven ground contour
One of the standout features of this rake is the FLOWTAST glide bar instead of traditional wheels. This glide bar is designed to seamlessly glide over rougher surfaces without causing excessive shaking to the rotors.
The heavy-duty plastic at the bottom of the glide bar is replaceable. It’s a polyethylene, similar to plough moleboards, and ensures longevity and durability. One of the most primo features of this rake is its hydraulic ground pressure adjustment. The hydraulic pressure is adjustable, enabling the operator to reduce the weight on the rotor to just 150-200kg. This feature is particularly beneficial as the FLOWTAST will glide over the rougher surfaces without shaking the rotors about, all while reducing soil compaction and ensuring optimal performance.
MULTITAST WHEEL
The hard-wearing glide bar proved impressive during the Harvest Showcase
Another notable feature is the single MULTITAST wheel located at the front of the rotor. This wheel, which runs just above the ground, helps guide the rotor over undulations, ensuring smooth and consistent performance even on uneven terrain. It’s great for the sharp knobs in seemingly ‘smooth’ paddocks seen around the regions. A small but very valuable feature.
ROTOR AND DRIVELINE
The Pöttinger TOP 882C features a short, low drive line with a 45-degree gearbox. This design takes the drive from the front at an angle out to the rotors, as opposed to a traditional long drive shaft running the entire length of the backbone to a 90-degree angle out to the rotors. In terms of daily maintenance, the large cam track is easily greased with top and bottom nipples.
At the heart of the rotor lies a 420-millimeter diameter cam track, which offers three adjustable settings. These adjustments allow for the fine-tuning of the tines as they leave the ground, ensuring the creation of a perfectly shaped windrow. As many will know, great shaped bales start with a great row, and an adjustable cam track allows that.
Additionally, the cam track keeps the tines on the 13 tine arms (which have tine savers on the ends) slightly further forward than 90 degrees when they contact the grass. This takes the spring out of the tine to then remain at 90 degrees as it is moved to the middle row and doesn’t leave any grass behind.
For tricky conditions, you can adjust the height of the rotors for tine height adjustment. On our test machine ,this was done with a crank handle at the front of the rotors. There is also an option for adjustable electric adjustable tine height from the cab. Speaking of the box in the cab, on our test machine, it was a simple little electric over-hydraulic box that covered individual rotor lift and road mode.
SUMMARY
The Pöttinger TOP rake and IMPRESS baler are a formidable duo
The Pöttinger TOP 882C FLOWTAST rake is a highly advanced and versatile piece of equipment, and I was genuinely blown away by how good it was at scooting along the ground.
Its innovative features, such as the FLOWTAST glide bar, MULTITAST wheel, and hydraulic suspension, set it apart from traditional rakes, providing superior performance with higher ground speeds constantly achieved throughout the day, every day.
With its adjustable cam track and tine arms, it ensures the creation of perfectly shaped windrows, which in turn make good-looking bales to keep even the most insecure baler driver content.
The attention to detail in its design and the ease of maintenance make this one of the coolest pieces of machinery I have seen in a long time.
Top 5
FLOWTAST Glide Bar: This innovative feature replaces traditional wheels, providing a smoother and more stable performance over rough surfaces.
MULTITAST Wheel: Positioned at the front, this wheel aids the rake in navigating undulating ground, ensuring consistent operation.
Streamlined Design: The top-line design, with everything coming in under the rake beam, keeps the machinery tidy and efficient.
Hydraulic Suspension: This feature alleviates weight off the rotor, minimising soil compaction and enhancing performance.
Adjustable Cam Track: The large 420-millimeter cam track with its 13 tine arms allows for precise adjustments, ensuring the creation of perfect windrows.
Words and Images by: Jaiden Drought / Farm Trader (Harvesting Showcase; February 2025)
