Choosing the Right Roller Diameter for Your Farm
Sep 04, 2023 Posted by Stewart Knight
Selecting the right roller diameter for your farming needs can be a crucial decision. It's not just about the size; it's about understanding the specific challenges you face on your farm. Let's delve into the options and their ideal applications.
24" Diameter Roller - The Seed Roller
If your goal is to enhance post-seeding results, flatten clods, and improve seed-to-soil contact, the 24" diameter trailing roller is your trusted companion. This versatile unit strikes a balance between weight per square inch and performance, ensuring quicker plant emergence and consistent germination rates. The 24" roller also excels at clod destruction and pushing small rocks below the surface, leaving your seedbed smooth and uniform. It's perfect for pre-seeding tasks to firm up "fluffy soil" and aid seed drills in achieving consistent seed depth.
30" Diameter Roller - The All-Purpose Workhorse
When it comes to smoothing and consolidating pasture after a challenging winter, or protecting your valuable hay equipment from rocks, the 30" diameter roller is the answer. Its larger size and weight make it suitable for a wide range of tasks. It's particularly effective as a post-seed roller, especially in areas with larger rocks. Unlike its smaller counterparts, the 30" roller won't ‘chock and skip’ over larger rocks, making it a favourite among mixed farm operators.
42" Diameter Roller - The Heavyweight Champion for Pugged Pastures
If your primary concern is restoring cattle-pugged pastures after a wet winter, the 42" diameter roller is your weapon of choice. Its significant weight and larger rolling circumference provide the perfect balance for smoothing pugged areas and pressing in rocks. However, be cautious not to use these rollers for post-seeding applications, as their weight can bury seeds too deep or even crack or damage more sensitive varieties.
48" Diameter Roller - Conquering Heavy Pugging and Large Rocks
For the most demanding scenarios involving heavy pugging and football-sized rocks, the 48" diameter roller stands as the ultimate tool. These units boast a robust fully wrap-around frame and can be ballasted up to nearly 9 tons. The 48” Roller also has the capability to shatter certain types of rocks and effectively press others in flush with the soil surface.
Impress Roller - The Compact Solution for Pugging Woes
If your primary concern is tackling pugging issues within tight weather windows, consider the Impress roller. These 3-point linkage-mounted rollers are only 24" in diameter but come with the added benefit of downforce, transferring weight from the tractor onto the roller. When combined with roller ballast, they can achieve a similar pound per square inch as larger rollers.
When selecting the ideal roller diameter for your farm, it all comes down to your specific needs. Are you focused on post-seeding, rock pressing, pugged pastures, or a combination of these tasks? Understanding your primary goals will guide you toward the perfect roller size for your farm operations.
The team at Delmade would be happy to answer questions you may have 1800 335 623 or check out the range Rollers - Delmade.
