A good inter-row cultivator is the foundation – the right attachments make the difference. With suitable add-ons, a hoeing machine can be tailored to different crops, soil conditions and requirements. This article gives an overview of the most important accessory options for inter-row cultivators in arable farming.
Why cultivator accessories matter so much
No two fields are alike – and no two hoeing passes are identical. Soil type, moisture, crop and weed pressure change from plot to plot and from season to season. Farmers who equip their cultivator with the right accessories can respond flexibly to these differences and achieve significantly better hoeing results than with a rigid standard configuration.
Hoeing shares: the heart of the cultivator
Shares are the central working tools of the cultivator. Depending on the application, various share types are available:
- Duckfoot shares are the most widely used shares in arable farming. They work shallow and wide, undercut the weeds between the rows and leave an evenly worked soil surface. Particularly suitable for dry soils and wide inter-row spacings.
- Chisel shares penetrate deeper into the soil and also loosen compacted areas. They are suitable for heavy, loamy soils or when deeper soil loosening is required.
- Narrow knife shares are mainly used at tighter row spacings, where little space remains between the crop plants.
Shares are wear parts and should be checked regularly for their condition. A blunt share works less effectively and requires more pulling power.
Finger weeders: precision close to the crop row
Finger weeders are flexible rubber or spring-steel fingers that work close beside the crop row. They reach the zone that normal shares cannot enter, without damaging the crop plant. Particularly useful in the early growth stage of the crop, when weed pressure is high and the plants are still small.
They are designed as a supplement to classic shares and are mounted on the share units. Their effectiveness depends strongly on the correct adjustment of the contact pressure.
Flanged guide wheels: precise row guidance without a camera
Flanged guide wheels are simple but effective guidance elements for cultivators without camera-based row guidance. They run along the crop row and automatically keep the cultivator on course – even in slight curves or on side slopes. Especially in crops with uniform row spacing and good soil contact, flanged guide wheels work reliably and cost-effectively.
Different guide wheel variants are available for different row spacings and soil conditions. The tire profile influences how well the guidance effect works in loose or moist soil.
Toolbar depth wheels and depth control
Toolbar depth wheels ensure that the cultivator is kept evenly at the desired working depth – regardless of soil unevenness. They prevent the implement from diving too deep in soft areas or working too shallow on hard spots. A consistent hoeing depth across the entire plot is crucial for good weed control.
Tine harrows as a supplement to the cultivator
A tine harrow is often used as a supplement to the cultivator – either mounted directly on the implement or as a separate machine. Tine harrows work the soil surface very shallow and evenly and are particularly well suited to so-called blind hoeing: a pass shortly before or after crop emergence, in which germinating weeds are dried out at the surface. Combined with the cultivator, this creates an effective system for mechanical weed control across the entire growing season.
Ridging bodies: extra protection for row and soil
Ridging bodies pile soil up against the crop row during the final hoeing pass. This buries weeds in the immediate vicinity of the row and at the same time improves the stability of the crop plant. Especially in corn, ridging is a common final pass before the canopy closes over the rows.
Choosing accessories correctly: advice pays off
Which accessories make sense depends on the individual circumstances – farm size, crops, soil type and the existing base machine all play a role. If in doubt, seek advice from the manufacturer or a specialist dealer. SAMO Maschinenbau offers a range of accessories and attachments for the VarioCHOP system and is happy to help you choose the right configuration.
Conclusion: get more out of your cultivator with the right accessories
Cultivator accessories are not a gimmick – they are a practice-relevant way of adapting the hoeing machine to different crops and conditions. Shares, finger weeders, flanged guide wheels and tine harrows complement each other to form a system that is significantly more effective than any single tool on its own. Talk to us – we will help you equip your cultivator optimally.