Bomford brings back the Dyna-Drive cultivator
Bomford is to reintroduce its Dyna-Drive cultivator for 2014. Originally introduced in the 1980s, it quickly became one of the best-selling Bomford products, but production ceased 10 years ago.
The decision to reintroduce the Dyna-Drive, says the company, comes as arable farmers look to control blackgrass and other weeds by using a cultivator or harrows to quickly go over stubbles. This encourages weed seeds to chit so they can then be sprayed off prior to drilling.
One of the key design features is that the two rotors are not pto-driven. This reduces power requirement, says the company, so forward speed is not restricted and large areas can be covered quickly.
Initially the Dyna-Drive will be available in working widths of 2.6m, 3m, 4m and 5m. Minimum suggested power requirements range from 80hp up to about 160hp for the 5m model. At an average forward speed of about 12kph, typically outputs of 3.13ha/hour up to 6ha/hour can be achieved.
The machine comprises two ground-driven rotors, linked by a heavy-duty drive chain. Fitted with alternating left- and right-twisted tines, the forward tines on the front rotor initially penetrate, then lift and break up soils. The backward-facing tines on the rear roller then firm the broken-up soil and leave a level finish.
“Judging by our sales of replacement points, it’s surprising quite how many machines there are still out there in regular use,” says Bomford’s Chris Tucker. “The Dyna-Drive was also very popular throughout Europe. The reaction to having the new machine at this year’s Agritechnica was incredible and resulted in potential orders for up to 50 machines already.”
Prices for the new range go from £11,000 for the 2.6m model to £20,500 for the widest 5m version.
