Background
The preparation of a planting position is considered one of the most important re-establishment activities in silviculture. The aim of good soil preparation is to secure high survival and enhance early plant growth by cultivating the soil structure to aid root development and ensure the trees can access sufficient oxygen, water and nutrients. Novelquip has for many years taken the lead in developing pitting heads which meet soil preparation specifications.
What are the requirements for Novelquip’s pitting heads?
Although Novelquip’s pitting heads are most often seen fitted to Volvo 5.5 ton excavators, the pitting heads are in fact very versatile and can be fitted to a variety of tracked or wheeled carriers including excavators, skid-steer loaders, three-wheeled loaders, agricultural tractors, front-end loaders, and tractor-loader-back actors. Minimum requirements for the carrier are 30lpm oil flow and 160 bar pressure. In most cases no modifications are necessary to the base machine.
What are the pitting head specifications?
The standard pit size is 350mm across and 250mm deep with a 400mm centre and pit head sizes can be increased to customers’ requirements. Novelquip’s patented double flanges transfer the 3000Nm of torque to specially designed tines with tungsten cutting edges or shears designed to effectively break up the soil offering adequate tilth without glazing of side walls. The double flanges are robust and also allow for quick and effortless replacement of tines. An adaptor is also available for using standard augers as well.
Benefit: Alternative uses of the carrier machine
This ability to use the pitting heads on base machines which are used for other operations outside of the planting season not only reduces the capital outlay required for a mechanised pitting operation but also maximises capital utilisation of the carrier itself. Novelquip’s pitting heads are easy to install to and uninstall from the base machine and are available for every budget and contractor size with prices starting from as little as R170, 000 (Estimated 11 700 USD). Novelquip pitting heads have been proven to be reliable, there are currently more than 40 MPATs operating in South Africa.
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