Alpego reckons its DK Top and AS-Pro power harrow drill makes an ideal partnership. We take a closer look and get feedback from a Cheshire business running the combination for two seasons
The power harrow drill combination still has its legion of fans, especially in locations where weather or soil conditions can make cultivator drills risky to rely on. Finding a truly integrated power harrow drill combination can be a challenge. Italian manufacturer Alpego has a long history with the system, founded by the Pegoraro family – which is in its third generation of engineers – in the 1980s. After working with various importers, Alpego spa decided to invest in a wholly owned subsidiary, Alpego UK in 2019.
From the top
The DK Top power harrow is designed to be especially suitable for partnering with a seed drill, coming with wiring and hydraulic hose support in readiness and in three versions – 4.0, 4.5 and 6.0m folding for transport to 2.5m. Modern power harrows are required to work with increasingly powerful tractors; Alpego quotes 82kW/110hp-260kW/350hp for the 4.0m model featured, and the DK Top’s three point hitch is Cat III/IV compatible.
New shaped lateral frames with wearproof skids have been designed to improve soil flow, and another benefit of the folding design is that the two sections can float up or down by 10°. The Twin-Force K transmission consists of two rotors held together by a single support plate for sturdiness, with Timken taper roller bearing and hardened gears. Alpego says that this allows it to work to greater depth (up to 28cm) at higher forward speeds, making the best use of available power. Rotors are close-spaced at 25cm to move more soil and for improved crumbling, and a precise rotor timing sequence
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