SwifterDisc XE 10000, first wide disc cultivator has been introduced to Estonian soil

2013 is second mutual business year for Stokker Agri and Bednar FMT. So far only machines up to 6 m wide were introduced to Estonian farmers, so sale of first 10 m machine was important event. “It happened that quite few big farms are currently looking for either replacements to their big tillage kits or stepping up from 5-6 m machines,” says Ergo Viil, Product Manager of Stokker Agri. “Last few years proved that weather may make quite unpleasant jokes to farmers and time one has for tillage and seeding might be very, very short. Hence need for productivity, therefore wider machinery, is on a rise.”

Why Bednar?

The farm that SwifterDisc XE 10000 went to has over 1000 ha under cereals.  Unlike other colleagues, they grow a lot of rye, thus already many years are carrying nickname of “Kings of rye”.  Hans Kruusamäg, the owner, explains how he came to decision to purchase namely Bednar machine:  “It’s design of the machine that swayed me to this brand.  Many competitive machines looked like stretched 6 m models, while this one seems to be constructed as big unit from scratch.  I expect to last it long on my farm.”

Over 70 ha done in first two half-days, in rather small fields with plenty of obstacles and while still learning the machine.

There quite few such rocks pointing out in the middle of the field in this parts of Estonia.

So far, so … Brilliant!

“Brilliant!” was the response from tractor driver Veljo Pihlak when asked what he could say about his new disc cultivator.  “It does not jump!  Yesterday I was sometimes drove 17 km/h and, unlike the old machine I worked with, it flows smoothly over the field no matter what’s the speed,” he speaks excitedly.” Simple machine, simple adjustment, depth adjustment from the cab, easy folding and unfolding,” lists further advantages.  “I like it,” adds … with a wide smile which was still probably not really wider than ones on the faces of owner.

Quite unusual task was performed: zooming in would show barley seed laying on soil.  It was spread with fertilizer spreader.  SwifterDisc then mixes them into the soil.

Ergo Viil, Stokker Agri Product Manager, Ants Tust, Stokker Agri, Sales Representative and Veljo Pihlak, tractor driver of Simuna Ivax AS.

“I like it too”

“I like it too: what it does, how it does and how farmers respond to that” Ergo Viil says while walking off the field.  “There is always some anxiety when delivering new machine, but I am completely confident now.”  Ants Tust adds: “This farm is opinion leader in this area.  They have never purchased anything from us before.  I see bright future for Bednar!”

Tractor driver explains his findings about new machine to the owners of the neighbouring Tõnuri OÜ farm.

Driving at speed up to 17 km/h.

Gytis Slavinskas

GALLERY