A no-till cultivator is a machine used for deep pre-sowing cultivation. This machine often operates at depths of up to 30 cm. As a result, the cultivator’s working parts are exposed to very high soil resistance and rapid wear. In deeper soil profiles, there are often stones that are not visible. The coulters should therefore also be durable enough to withstand impact with a stone. Which coulters for a no-till cultivator should you choose? Should you cultivate with or without side blades? We invite you to read our article!
Standard 80×15 coulters
The 80×15 coulter is a standard working element mounted on KRYPTON PLUS no-till cultivation units. These coulters are made of hardened steel, characterized by long-lasting durability and resistance to wear even under difficult conditions. The coulter is mounted with a single mounting bolt, allowing for easy replacement in case of wear. The coulter is 15 mm thick. This thickness prevents deformation during deep tillage. These working elements are primarily intended for smaller farms where the no-till cultivator will be used on areas not exceeding 100 hectares per year. Under standard use, the 80×15 coulter lasts an average of 100 to 120 hectares, depending on soil conditions.
Carbide-tipped coulters
Carbide-tipped coulters for plowless cultivators are working parts with significantly increased wear resistance. This is a thick, heavy-duty coulter designed for large-scale farms. Its construction differs significantly from that of a standard steel coulter. In the area most exposed to wear, cemented carbide plates have been used, which are characterized by excellent wear resistance, allowing these coulters to last significantly longer than standard hardened steel working parts. The coulter is mounted to the coulter beam with two mounting bolts, reducing the risk of losing the coulter during operation, even if one bolt were to fail. This type of coulter is definitely a better choice for farmers whose no-till cultivator works well over 100 hectares annually, as the coulter with cemented carbide plates lasts an average of between 400 and 500 hectares, depending on soil type and field conditions.
Narrow coulters for deep tillage
Narrow coulters for deep tillage are designed for no-till cultivation at a depth of approximately 30–35 cm. These are long coulters mounted on the frame using two mounting bolts. These coulters are additionally reinforced with cemented carbide, which significantly extends their service life. The coulter’s design differs significantly from others because it features a special upward extension intended to serve as a coulter body guard. Thanks to this, the coulter body to which the coulter is attached is not damaged during use. The narrow coulter operates differently than others because the upper extension prevents the installation of a mixing blade. When working with the KRYPTON PLUS no-till cultivation unit equipped with these working elements, you will not achieve the same soil mixing effect as when using standard coulters and mixing blades. Narrow coulters for deep cultivation are designed to “cut” into the soil as deeply as possible, creating optimal conditions for plant growth. The working speed of the machine with these working elements should range from 8 to 10 km/h at a depth of 25 to 30 cm. Depending on field conditions, the coulters should last for approximately 100–120 hectares.
Tillage with Side Blades
Side blades are standard working elements mounted on the RAPTOR II and KRYPTON stubble cultivators. These are two horizontal elements (left and right) mounted on the sides of the coulters, which serve to widen the coulter’s working width. These components are mainly used during shallow stubble cultivation, as the machine cuts through the entire working width, thoroughly mixing crop residues. A stubble cultivator equipped with side blades creates significantly more resistance for the tractor, so the optimal working depth is between 10 and 15 cm while maintaining a working speed of approximately 10–12 km/h. The use of side blades for deep tillage with a no-till cultivator is not recommended, as the machine then exerts enormous resistance, making the working parts more susceptible to damage than during shallow post-harvest tillage.
