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TrashMaster - Rod Weeder
The classic TrashMaster Rod Weeder, originally designed for weed control in summerfallow, has evolved to be indispensable in managing soil moisture. Its reverse-rotating square rods effectively bring weeds to the surface, but its functionality goes beyond weed control. By compacting the soil and creating an insulating mulch layer, it prevents moisture loss and sets a moisture line essential for successful crop yields. The new heavy-duty model comes equipped with 30-inch steel drive wheels, optional pneumatic wheels, and high-chrome wear parts. It also features a heavy-duty sealed bearing and 1-1/4 inch square drive axle for enhanced durability. The Calkins Open Chain Boot allows the TrashMaster to operate efficiently in extreme trash conditions without clogging. This system minimizes maintenance with its straightforward drive mechanism and single chain take-up, making it a reliable tool for low tillage costs per acre across diverse soil and trash conditions.
Classic Rod Weeder improves yield.
Rotary rod weeders were initially developed to control weeds in summerfallow. Their design is highly effective: square rods rotating in a reverse direction forcing weeds upward to the ground surface.
Ironically, it is not uncommon now to see a rod weeder operating in a completely weedless field. But for another purpose: to set the moisture line in summerfallow.
And that`s important. Loose soil will lose moisture to the depth of tillage -- regardless of whether you plow or disc. Consequently, this soil type should not be allowed to extend to the surface, since moisture travels upward through compact soil by capillary action.
That`s why knowledgeable farmers utilize reverse rotating rods to compact their soil. This process allows an insulating mulch of loose clods, soil and trash to blanket the surface and help stop evaporation. To set the moisture line, just immediately follow your initial tillage with a rod weeder.
Then, in each succeeding operation, avoid running the rod any shallower until moisture is held at a depth suitable for seeding. Your final rodding pass will make a firm seed bed in moist soil.
Clearly, the rod weeder is an indispensable tool for all soil affected by limited rainfall. Without this field advantage, you would not have sufficient moisture to grow crops successfully.
Is the rod weeder misnamed? Yes, or at least undernamed. It purposefully kills weeds. But it performs beyond initial duty by adding many bushels to your yield. Apply this knowledge with a Calkins Culta-Weeder and you`ll achieve the lowest tillage cost per acre, while covering more acres per unit -- in all kinds of soil and trash conditions.
New Sealed Bearings and Square Drive Axle
The heavy-duty TrashMaster is standard equipped with a new heavy-duty sealed bearing and 1-1/4" square drive axle.
Calkins Open Chain Boot
The exclusive open chain boot drive is the reason the Calkins center drive weeder is called the TrashMaster. The chain being exposed in front of the boot allows the unit to operate in all kinds of conditions including extreme trash. No plugging or gahering and a small minimum track make it a "Master of Trash." A straight line drive from the sprocket on the rod to the driving sprocket with no extra counter shaft means easy driving and low maintenance. A single chain with a single take up is simplicity in itself.