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Making the decision to upgrade or replace your cultivator is not one to take lightly. It is one of the most important decisions you can make for your operation. The type of cultivator you use will affect numerous areas. This includes field performance and weed control. Also, soil health and yields can be impacted.
At Hiniker, we have been talking with growers across the country. This provides feedback to design cultivators that are tough and dependable. They also must perform under the most challenging conditions. This is important whether you’re a large row crop farmer or growing a variety of specialty crops. Your cultivator should fit your soil type and tillage philosophy. Also, make sure it works for your crop rotations and expectations.
As you shop for a new cultivator, here are a few things to consider to help ensure you get the most value for your money and get the most out of your equipment.
Know Your Tillage System
When choosing a new cultivator, you’ll first want to consider how it will fit into your tillage system. Are you trying to reduce your tillage? Are you no-till and trying to keep your soil structure intact? If you are, then you may want to look at a no-till cultivator. A no-till cultivator will reduce your soil disturbance while also controlling weeds and breaking through surface crusts.
On the other hand, if you’re running ridged cultivators or trying to rebuild your ridge heights, you’ll need a ridge-till cultivator that can shape your ridges or break up your soil. Every tillage system is different, and your new cultivator should work with your system.
Think About Your Crop and Row Spacing
The crop you’re planting and your row spacing will influence the cultivator that’s best for your operation. If you’re planting corn, your cultivator will need to provide the proper row clearance and protect young plants while aggressively working through heavy residue.
Growers with variable row widths or different crops may need a cultivator that’s flexible and can accommodate a variety of row configurations. Look for row cultivators that are adjustable, have a range of sweep and knife options, and can be compatible with different toolbars.
One of the most important parts of your cultivator is the frame. If you’re working in rugged or heavy-residue conditions, you’ll need a strong frame that will keep your cultivator from flexing and ensure your row units are in the right position. Toolbar width and flexibility also play a big role. Some growers need rigid toolbars for their flat fields, while others may need folding toolbars or flexible wings for contouring their uneven fields.
Hiniker cultivators are built for strength and reliability. Whether you’re running a compact 4-row cultivator or a 16-row unit, you need equipment that can handle the demands of row crop farming.
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Think About User-Friendly Adjustments
If you’re working in the field, time is money. You don’t want a cultivator that’s difficult to adjust because it will slow you down and give you uneven results. Look for a cultivator that’s easy to adjust. Depth control should be simple and convenient. Shank changes should be quick and easy. Make sure your grease points are accessible. Look for features like adjustable gauge wheels and precision linkages. These features aren’t just conveniences. They help ensure consistent soil engagement and can reduce your fatigue while working all day in the field.
At Hiniker, we build cultivators that are easy for you to adjust. They have simple adjustment systems, good visibility, and simple maintenance needs.
Think About Your Soil Type and Residue Load
Soil conditions vary greatly across the country. Your soil type will influence how your cultivator should perform. If you’re working in clay soil, you’ll need aggressive shanks and high-torque construction. If you’re working in sand or loamy soil, you may want to use a cultivator that will be lighter on your soil and avoid unnecessary compaction.
You’ll also want to consider your residue load. If you’re planting high-yield corn or are managing cover crop residue, you’ll need a corn cultivator that can work through the extra material without getting stuck. Look for cultivators with high-clearance row units, staggered shanks, and residue knives to help you achieve better performance.
For growers working in conservation systems, Hiniker offers no-till cultivators that will work through your residue and keep your soil structure intact. From springtime weed control to mid-season cultivation, having the right configuration will give you a clean pass every time.
Think About Your Dealer Support and Service
Even the best equipment will need parts and support from time to time. Having a good dealer network is critical. Experienced row cultivator dealers can help you set up your equipment, make field-ready adjustments, and give you fast access to replacement parts when you need them.
Hiniker has established a strong dealer network that covers the country. They’ll provide you with expert advice, in-stock parts, and fast turnaround. When you buy a Hiniker, you’re not just buying equipment, you’re gaining access to a team of experts that will help you succeed.
Call us today and let us help you find the right equipment for your operation.
Every successful farming operation relies on hard work, the right people, and the proper equipment – that’s where Hiniker comes in. When you need the latest equipment to make your farm operations as efficient as possible, our team is ready to assist.
Hiniker is proud to be one of the most reliable sources when it comes to farm equipment manufacturing. Since 1970, we have been building durable and productive equipment to help our friends in the agriculture community.
We carry the latest equipment, whether it’s cultivators, cover crop seeders, rate controllers, shredders, windrowers, or a forage chopper. Let Hiniker assist you with all your farming equipment needs.
Find your Hiniker Dealer today to find out more about our amazing agricultural equipment.
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