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January/February 2023 | Muedanyi Ramantswana

Pitting with the Risutec PT-6

Site Preparation

Soil Preparation

Background
Pitting is one of many available soil preparation methods used to create a suitable planting position during the re-establishment of a forest. It is an effective and efficient method because it involves the cultivation of a precise spot which will be used for planting. Risutec offers a pitting attachment which meets most pitting specifications and creates a conducive environment for tree survival, early growth, and uniformity.

How the pitting head is configured
The Risutec PT has a 400mm cracking depth and is protected with a super durable Hardox 400 chassis. Spikes line the sides of the pitting bars which helps to break the side layer and roots, while preventing glazing. The pitting head can also be used to clean the spot from harvesting residues and slash. Furthermore, the Risutec PT-6 can be installed on a tracked (minimum 10t) or wheeled excavator. A backhoe is also a possible option.

Technical specifications of the pitting head
Subsoiling depth :400mm
Spot width :440mm
Pressure:450 bar max
Speed:425 rpm
Max flow rate:187l/min
Head weight:290kg

How the machine functions
The pitting mounted on an excavator can be used to make a pit that keeps moisture in the soil by not lifting the soil up while breaking the possible roots of competition vegetation and breaking the structure of the soil for the roots to grow easily. The head can combine pitting with fertilizer applications - mix up to three kinds and blend with the soil for maximal growth. Furthermore, the head can also be integrated with the function of applying herbicide as a swath or with booms.

Guidance system
The pitting head can be further modernized by adding the ASTA system. The ASTA-system is a documentation system developed by Risutec which shows soil cultivation locations. The ASTA system can be fitted with a grid. Compartment spacings can be planned ahead of time and the ASTA guidance system to plant in accurate grids.

For more information visit: Risutec.fi