On Thursday, at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Great Plains introduced the VT1100 Turbo-Max, announced an expanded lineup for its Terra-Max variable-intensity tool and enhanced the Turbo-Seeder offering for cover crop and forage compatibility. To support producers in regenerative ag efforts Great Plains is also teaming up with Bayer.
Redesigned Components on Turbo-Max Vertical Tillage Tool
Building on the Turbo-Max true vertical tillage tool, the VT1100 Turbo-Max offers several redesigned components.
“The new VT1100 builds upon the legacy of true vertical tillage machines with its use of straight, non-concave blades,” says Blake Bergkamp, Great Plains research agronomist. “Now with a choice of 20" or 22" straight Turbo blades, the VT1100 Turbo-Max, in combination with our new finishing attachment options, is one of the most versatile vertical tillage tools on the market.”
The robust frame supports new finishing attachments and heavier transport tires and axles. Producers can choose from a new chopper reel option for difficult, high-residue conditions, a new double basket attachment or a single basket attachment. The single and double basket attachments are available to order with flat or round bars to best match field conditions and soil types. According to Great Plains, the rear attachments offer greater flexibility and improved post-harvest residue management and seedbed preparation.
Available in sizes from 20ˈ to 40’, the VT1100 Turbo-Max offers gang angles that adjust up to 6 degrees for multi-season applications, but provides a true vertical finish when run at zero degrees.
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“Great Plains defines true vertical tillage as a system that works the soil vertically to remove or avoid the addition of horizontal, density-change layers,” Bergkamp adds. “While maintaining a zero degree gang angle, the VT1100 Turbo-Max continues to create the ultimate seedbed by creating a level planting surface and uniform soil profile. These characteristics have been proven to promote consistent germination and crop emergence and improve root development. Vertical tillage products like the VT1100 are also key to managing long-term soil health, including water infiltration, nutrient utilization, and reducing soil compaction and erosion.”
To provide additional control and convenience, the VT1100 Turbo-Max is now offered with the optional Implement Command system, to set, adjust and monitor the unit from the tractor cab. Implement Command is ISOBUS-compatible and works with the tractor’s existing virtual terminal.
Models from 8.5ˈ to 15ˈ working widths will continue to be offered under the standard Turbo-Max name, with the original frame and features.
Terra-Max Lineup for Lower Horsepower Tractors
As a variable-intensity tool, the HT1100 Terra-Max sizes residue, helps control weeds and prepares the seedbed. Now available in 10ˈ, 12ˈ and 15ˈ widths, the new models are compatible with lower horsepower tractors–from 125 hp to 200 hp.
All Terra-Max models are designed with adjustable front and rear coulter gangs to perform variable-intensity tillage for primary and seedbed preparation applications. The front gangs adjust from 0 degrees to 8 degrees, while the rear coulter gangs adjust proportionally from 0 degrees to 6 degrees to adapt in changing soil conditions. Combined with the optional double finishing reel, producers can achieve versatile soil management with a level finish, according to the company.
Turbo-Seeder for Cover Crops and Forage Compatibility
Compatible with select Terra-Max and Turbo-Max models, The TS9100 Turbo-Seeder is a seeding attachment available in two sizes.
“Using the Turbo-Seeder, operators now have the ability to seed a cover crop, overseed a hay field or establish a forage crop and incorporate residue – all in a single pass,” Bergkamp says.
With a 19.2-bu. capacity on 10' to 15ˈ Terra-Max models, the Turbo-Seeder can seed a variety of crops, such as alfalfa, cover crop mixes, small grains and other forages.
Great Plains and Bayer Support Regenerative Ag Efforts
Great Plains is teaming up with ForGround by Bayer to help producers overcome barriers, reduce risks and provide tools and resources on their adoption of a systems-based approach to soil management. In its company announcement Great Plains acknowledges it was strategically selected to join ForGround by Bayer’s “grower support networks.”
Great Plains is helping producers adopt a holistic, systems-based approach to soil management by:
- Supporting Soil Health. Great Plains encourages producers to plant cover crops and companion crops to sustain soil microbial life, protect the soil surface from extreme temperatures and intense rainfall, cycle nutrients and begin to regenerate soils for future generations.
- Using Innovative Technology. Innovative and practical technology such as variable-rate seeding and prescription mapping help maximize input efficiency and improve ROI of seed, fertilizer, chemical and fuel inputs.
- Encouraging Efficient Soil Management to Protect Soil Carbon and Organic Matter. Great Plains recommends a systems-based soil management approach to reduce tillage intensity and increase long-term soil health. For no-till producers, it’s important to remove sub-surface compaction with minimal residue disturbance to improve crop yield potential. True vertical tillage implements manage residue and reduce soil surface compaction with minimal soil disturbance, while improving crop yield and carbon capture potential.
As part of the ForGround by Bayer membership program, growers will receive a $50 per foot discount on new Great Plains box drills, as well as a Climate FieldView Plus subscription and access to the Bayer Carbon program with revenue opportunities. ForGround by Bayer is free to join and open to all U.S. farmers, whether they are exploring, growing or expanding their regenerative agriculture practices.
To learn more about what’s new from Great Plains, visit www.GreatPlainsAg.com.
