Production of the first Pöttinger Tinecare V12200 Master (12.2m) tine harrows will start in January. Previewed at SIMA last November, the plan is to demonstrate one of the 25 production machines in the UK next year.
It is two years since Pöttinger expanded its arable portfolio with a range of mechanical hoes made by fellow Austrian company Cross Farm Solution.
The current UK product offering comprises the Rotocare (6.6m-12m) and Flexcare (4.7-9.7m). This will soon be bolstered by the Tinecare V12200 (12.2m) Master tine harrow.
Some 20 pre-series machines ran in Europe this year. Suitable for use in cereal and row crops, and to break up potato ridge crusts, a big feature is the patented design of the pre-tensioned tines results in a constant pressure across the full working width.
Tine pressure can be varied hydraulically from 500g-5.0kg from the cab while driving. Changing tines is said to be quick and easy. All in involves is to loosen one bolt and remove the tine. The new tine is then inserted and the bolt tightened. The company reckons that one person can replace all the tines in around four hours.
The numerous tweaks to the first production model we saw in an Austrian field recently include the larger tyres. Designed to operate at a maximum speed of 10-12km/hr, the 2.3t machine has a power requirement of 100-120hp and costs around €60,000.
Also able to operate at a width of 9.0m, the Tinecare will be on the Pöttinger stand at Agritechnica. The plan is to demonstrate one of the 25 production machines built in January next year in the UK. Large scale production will start in 2025.
Mechanical hoes are a new business sector for Pöttinger, and one with lots of potential. “We see massive interest in inter-row hoeing in the UK for working in sugar beet and maize,” comments sales development manager Shaun Kent.
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