Speed up work rate with new sward slitter

Grassland farmers will be able to speed up work rates with a new wider hydraulic folding sward slitter. OPICO has launched two new wider sward slitters – with 5m and 6m working widths.

The 6m hydraulic folding sward slitter has a slitting axle consisting of 36 rotors with four blades each to give 144 blades. It weighs 1150kg and costs £8,305 + VAT. The 5m working-width model has 28 rotors and 112 blades, weighs 940kg and costs £7,688 + VAT. Both have a transport width of 2.95m.

The heavy-duty frame of both sward slitters includes a weight carrying rack. Sets of additional disc weights can be purchased for £253 a set, to aid penetration in dry conditions.

As with the original 2.9m sward slitter, the blades have points which incorporate a chamfered trailing edge. This limits the turf damage when each knife comes out of the soil, so leaving a better finish.

OPICO MD James Woolway explains: “These 5m and 6m sward slitters are designed for large farms and contractors. They are not the cheapest on the market, but they are of a stronger and heavier build than most. With the split-folding design, the 6m slitter will cover twice the ground of the original, halving the time and cutting the fuel cost.

“The sward slitter is designed for the removal of surface compaction and capping. For deeper compaction – greater than 12cm – like that caused by heavy machinery, a sward lifter should be used to break up the mineral pan and improve drainage,” said Mr Woolway.

For more information on the OPICO sward slitter range click here or telephone 01778 421111.