PRACTICAL TEST: Last year (profi 08/23) we carried a driving impression of Kuhn’s GA13231 four rotor rake where it impressed with its advanced control features including section control. Here we take a further look to see how the smart rake performed over an extended period. Are the added control features a real benefit?
Kuhn launched its first high-output hydraulic rake, the GA13031, over 20 years ago. Replaced by the second generation GA13131 in around 2011, this ‘gen 2’ variant shared the same working widths of between 8.50m and 12.50m as the original model, with advances to include easier set-up and reduced weight. In 2023, the GA13231 as tested here arrived alongside a wider GA15231 variant. The latter will work up to 14.70m but both it and the GA13231 are based around the same design as earlier models.
Following our initial driving impression, Kuhn left the GA13231 with us so we could put it through more intense operation. This enabled us us to work in broad range of fields and crop densities. For the bulk of the test, we used the rake at its maximum working width of 12.50m.
The bits that haven’t changed
Starting with the basics, Kuhn has retained a good deal of the existing GA13131 design in the GA13231. Attaching to the tractor is the same via elastomer block dampened Cat II or III lower link couplers, ride stability over undulating ground, and when the rotors are raised to one side, is unchanged. On the road the rake ran well behind the tractor at high transport speeds.
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save.
