SALINA, Kan. – Five years after introducing Turbo-Max to the vertical tillage market, Great Plains Ag is expanding the industry-leading product line to accommodate a wider range of farming operations.

With the release of the smaller 8½- and 10-foot Turbo-Max models for lower horsepower tractors and a 48-foot Turbo-Max for larger tractors, more farmers will have access to the benefits of true vertical tillage, which translates to improved water infiltration, root development and nutrient uptake.

The smaller 850TM and 1000TM models perform true vertical tillage by slicing residue vertically, only working in the direction of travel to remove compaction and prevent the addition of density layers to the soil. The new, compact Turbo-Max units are ideal for manure incorporation, residue management, seedbed preparation and interseeding for grass renovation after hard grazing seasons; they can also contribute to water quality conservation efforts by increasing water infiltration on farmed HEL grounds.

“There are a large number of livestock and family farmers who have expressed strong interest in running Turbo-Max technology with lower horsepower tractors. No one has addressed the need for vertical tillage with this group of farmers until now,” says Mike Cleveland, Great Plains vice president of sales. “Conversely, as today’s farms grow, tractor horsepower is increasing and farm labor is becoming harder to find. We are introducing the 4800TM to meet those high-productivity needs, allowing farmers to utilize cutting-edge vertical tillage technology while maximizing the output of today’s high horsepower tractors.”

With a working width of 48 feet, the 4800TM offers a highly-productive vertical tillage solution to match these growing demands, while delivering the same agronomic benefits as smaller versions. This wider Turbo-Max will efficiently manage residue and prepare a smooth seedbed at a faster pace behind a larger tractor, addressing rural conservation and water quality issues through a large-scale reduced tillage system.

Large or small, each of the new Turbo-Max models is equipped with the following features:

  • Turbo coulters – All Turbo-Max models provide truly vertical cutting with 20-inch Turbo Coulters spaced 7½ inches apart. Offset front and rear gangs cut residue at a length of 3¾ inches.
  • Hydraulically-adjustable gang Angle – Gang angle is hydraulically-adjustable from 0-6 degrees on-the-go. The 3-6 degree range is ideal for sizing and covering residue in the fall, while running at 0 degrees in the spring leaves a smooth, level seedbed for the planter.
  • Maintenance-Free Bearings – Exclusive 360-degree self-aligning bearings are totally maintenance-free, and a six-lip seal on each side locks in grease and prevents contamination. Additionally, the walking beam pivots utilize Teflon-coated bushings, eliminating the need for tapered bearings and grease in pivot points.
  • Hydraulic weight transfer – A standard feature on all models, hydraulic weight transfer creates an even, constant downforce across the entire width of the implement, assuring uniform penetration and eliminating the possibility for wings to float.