Stubble Multivator

May 1, 2008 12:00 PM, Jeff Ryan

The Stubble Multivator, a tillage tool from Bute Engineering in Australia, is designed to level soil for seedbed preparation or size stubble in a single pass using a series of integrated chain links (individual chain elements are shown at right). Working widths of 45 and 60 ft. provide a fast and easy way to shred stubble in a single pass. A hydraulic tensioning system enables the operator to maintain equal pressure across all sides of the machine automatically from the operator's seat with hydraulic levers. When unfolded, the tensioning system will apply the same set pressure each time the machine is used.

Standing stubble is cut into small pieces without a lot of horsepower. The company plans to get a machine into the Midwest for demonstration purposes sometime this season. If it works well in cornstalk stubble, it may benefit farmers who harvest stalks for livestock feed. It also may be useful for cellulosic ethanol production from crop residue.

The 45-ft. model retails for $50,000. The 60-ft. model is $54,000. Contact Bute Engineers, Dept. FIN, Box 43, Bute, SA 5560, Australia, 61 8 8826 2035, visit www.stubblemultivator.com or www.freeproductinfo.net/fin, or circle 150.