OPICO has launched an ultra-low disturbance subsoiler at LAMMA 2020, in response to the widely acknowledged thinking that reducing the mixing of soil horizons will improve soil health.  It is also well documented that reduced surface disturbance is essential in fighting grassweeds.  Where a min-till or no-till regime is employed, either constantly or during the rotation, there is a growing demand for effective, low disturbance subsoiling to loosen and fracture the medium depth subsoil to relieve compaction thus assisting drainage, aeration, nitrogen uptake and encouraging crop rooting. 

OPICO has taken this thinking and customer feedback on board and has worked with HE-VA to design a totally new ultra-low disturbance subsoiler specifically for the UK market.  HE-VA have over 15 years of expertise in producing subsoilers coupled with the past five years of manufacturing low disturbance subsoiling machines.

The HE-VA Stealth – a medium depth, ultra-low disturbance subsoiler.  Its scalloped straight, front cutting discs cut through trash, vegetation and top soil, reduce soil burst and in turn grassweed germination. 

Legs are staggered in 2 rows to allow residue flow through the machine and reduces the required tractor lift capacity whilst maintaining a lower HP requirement.  Leg spacing is standard at 500mm but can be altered to 450mm, 500mm or 550mm, adding versatility for differing soil types and conditions. 

The hardened cast steel points are tungsten tipped and 120mm wide creating the necessary lift and shatter whilst ensuring longevity. Similarly, the 15mm ‘Hardox 500’ legs are thinner but stronger and more durable than standard subsoiler legs.  A “V” profile roller re-consolidates and helps to retain moisture in the surface.

Surface compaction can be alleviated to a maximum working depth of 300mm (12”). HE-VA’s standard hydraulic depth control is fully adjustable from the tractor seat.

The Stealth has been designed to satisfy the requirements of no-till and reduced input farming systems. However, it is also suitable for use in all farming systems where repair to damaged soil structure is required e.g. on headlands, tramlines or other trafficked areas. 

The Stealth features:

• 470mm scalloped disc openers – hydraulically operated
• Stealth legs - 15mm thick Hardox 500 legs
• Stealth points – 120mm wide wings, cast steel tungsten points 
• 2 rows of staggered legs with 350mm stagger (mounted)
• Variable leg spacings – 500mm standard (mounted)
• Shearbolt or hydraulic auto reset legs
• 700mm of under frame clearance
• 600mm V profile roller
• Hydraulic depth control – from tractor seat.

The Stealth is available as a 3m, 3.5m, 4m and 5m mounted or 6m and 7m trailed machine. Machines over 3.5m fold hydraulically.

A Stealth kit (i.e. legs and points) is available to retro fit to existing HE-VA machines e.g. the HE-VA Subsoiler range and for all HE-VA Combi-Discs.

OPICO is delighted to be launching the Stealth at LAMMA 2020 and a 5m Stealth will be on show on the OPICO stand, Hall 6 Stand 6.230