Veg kit maker Scotts Precision Manufacturing has updated its Trinity 22B single-bed haulm topper to match the increasing power output of harvesting tractors.

With that in mind, it has raised the Trinity’s horsepower capacity by 50%, by beefing up components and improving the gearbox unit.

Since introducing the machine in 2010 the Lincolnshire-based Scotts has sold more than 200 Trinity 22B front- and rear-mounted two-row haulm toppers.

Scotts managing director Derek Scott says: “The current Trinity 22B usually removes the need for an expensive and high-maintenance cross conveyor by using shear plates to produce an effect similar to a straw chopper with cleverly designed deflectors guiding the vast majority of the mulch into the tractor wheelings.”

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According to Mr Scott, the haulm is so finely chopped that the potato harvester can sieve the debris without using haulm rollers. As the Trinity 22B also offers a 2.1m working width, tractors don’t trample the haulm either.

“The improvements made in the latest model will now mean we can stay ahead of the horsepower curve,” he says. “Growers looking to operate at more moderate speeds will get the benefit of the improved reliability and performance.”

The new Trinity 22B also gets quick-change flails for reduced downtime, a broad range of cutting heights, a replaceable steel inner liner hood protector, and a large selection of flail lengths.

The machine will be available from August, with prices starting at £8,350 for a front- or rear-mounted standard topper. The hydraulically-driven cross conveyor option adds £2,000 and an oil-powered depth wheel is another £560.