Browns, Viceroy Grassland Subsoiler.

[steveR]

Anyone using a 3 leg version? They seem like a well built, simple bit of kit for what should be a simple enough task to open up compacted grassland HP requirements seem lower than some other models, although I struggle to see why they should vary, as all they are reality, is a big solid frame with legs and a winged point!!

Pondering a purchase and went to have a look at one this afternoon, and they seem competitive in comparison to some of the machines on offer.

Still waiting on contact from Erth to get some idea of pricing, but I am guessing up there... Liked the look of the Aitchison Earthquake and supposedly low power requirements, but no new ones in teh UK, but there is an Italian copy/licenced copy, I believe?

 

[Derrick Hughes]

I've been looking at the Erth and 50% Funding in Wales

 

[neilo]

Anyone using a 3 leg version? They seem like a well built, simple bit of kit for what should be a simple enough task to open up compacted grassland HP requirements seem lower than some other models, although I struggle to see why they should vary, as all they are reality, is a big solid frame with legs and a winged point!!

Pondering a purchase and went to have a look at one this afternoon, and they seem competitive in comparison to some of the machines on offer.

Still waiting on contact from Erth to get some idea of pricing, but I am guessing up there... Liked the look of the Aitchison Earthquake and supposedly low power requirements, but no new ones in teh UK, but there is an Italian copy/licenced copy, I believe?

I have one, probably bought for just the same reasons. It does the job well enough, and is adjustable enough that it can also be used for deeper subsoiling on arable ground, where needed (unlike many of the ‘grassland’ models).
I have an inkling that it needs to be used at lower speeds than some of the funkier(/more expensive) versions in order to keep surface disturbance to a minimum, but it’s certainly effective at breaking up sub-surface pans.

If you avoid creating such pans as much as you can then, once you have remedied existing compaction, you will end up using it very little as time goes on.
I wouldn’t buy one today, I would hire one in when needed instead.

 

[aangus]

If you go for the Erth get the 4 legged one had a 3 legged one on demo and was useless compared to the browns with wings fitted to the 3 leg version. Do have to say very little surface disturbance with the Erth. But the 4 leg Erth will be at least twice the price

 

[steveR]

I have one, probably bought for just the same reasons. It does the job well enough, and is adjustable enough that it can also be used for deeper subsoiling on arable ground, where needed (unlike many of the ‘grassland’ models).
I have an inkling that it needs to be used at lower speeds than some of the funkier(/more expensive) versions in order to keep surface disturbance to a minimum, but it’s certainly effective at breaking up sub-surface pans.

If you avoid creating such pans as much as you can then, once you have remedied existing compaction, you will end up using it very little as time goes on.
I wouldn’t buy one today, I would hire one in when needed instead.

Yeah, I am wondering about Hire, but not found one as yet. Good point about speed and from watching numerous Youtube vids, it does appear as if slow is good at cutting down mess on top! Bit like my GrassFarmer where slow is important at times to avoid to much soil flying about!

Prevention of compaction is the issue, as although I try to use light machinery, sooner or later, a trailer of silage bales trundles across the grass, or worse a contractors laden grain trailer/chaser, belts down the stubble as they don't use the tramlines.

I was looking at the likely remergence of some Grant money to essentially pay for it! Wouldn't dream of spending that much otherwise...!

 

[steveR]

If you go for the Erth get the 4 legged one had a 3 legged one on demo and was useless compared to the browns with wings fitted to the 3 leg version. Do have to say very little surface disturbance with the Erth. But the 4 leg Erth will be at least twice the price

Cheers. Also needs a LOT more ponies up front of the tractor!!

 

[aangus]

I ended up buying a Browns couldn't justify spending £9k on a machine for 2 or 3 days work a year

 

[Nearly]

the narrower the actual leg, the easier it is to pull.

 

[steveR]

the narrower the actual leg, the easier it is to pull.

Makes sense

 

[Red Fred]

I have a 2 leg Viceroy, very well built and nothing to complain about. My tractors aren't very big and I thought the Stockman special would handle it OK. The newer 90 romps away with it.

 

[yellowbelly]

Yeah, I am wondering about Hire, but not found one as yet.

Funnily enough, I know somebody who has one but doesn't use it much nowadays.
I may be able to arrange something. My fees are very reasonable

I have one, probably bought for just the same reasons.
Once you have remedied existing compaction, you will end up using it very little as time goes on.
I wouldn’t buy one today, I would hire one in when needed instead.

Funnily enough, I know somebody who is looking to hire one.
I may be able to arrange something. My fees are very reasonable

 

[neilo]

We have a local contractor that hires out an Opico machine, which would be my preference over buying one today. Not much use if you have to travel far to access one though.

 

[aangus]

I bought mine last year, cost just over £1k with discount and grant money couldn't really refuse.
If no grant I would go down the hire route. Also know of a contractor using a Sumo nearby that is charging £18/acre plus diesel

 

[steveR]

I ended up buying a Browns couldn't justify spending £9k on a machine for 2 or 3 days work a year

3 Leg? Hw much HP??

 

[steveR]

I bought mine last year, cost just over £1k with discount and grant money couldn't really refuse.
If no grant I would go down the hire route. Also know of a contractor using a Sumo nearby that is charging £18/acre plus diesel

That is my mindset too, at a Grand for a new machine, what is not to like?

That is not too expensive at £18/ac I have to say... diesel costs?? Seen much higher figures, but possibly they were running own diesel.

 

[steveR]

We have a local contractor that hires out an Opico machine, which would be my preference over buying one today. Not much use if you have to travel far to access one though.

Can find a shakerator, but not really what I want for pasture!!

 

[steveR]

Funnily enough, I know somebody who has one but doesn't use it much nowadays.
I may be able to arrange something. My fees are very reasonable

Funnily enough, I know somebody who is looking to hire one.
I may be able to arrange something. My fees are very reasonable

I suspect that unless it can fly, the transport to the civilised West, may be the killer!!

 

[steveR]

I have a 2 leg Viceroy, very well built and nothing to complain about. My tractors aren't very big and I thought the Stockman special would handle it OK. The newer 90 romps away with it.

The Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme specifies a 3 leg machine. However, the miracle that is a spanner, can soon resolve any issues of too many legs for my Tractor...

 

[Derrick Hughes]

any comments on Sumo, my contactor tried an Opico and said the discs bent

 

[steveR]

any comments on Sumo, my contactor tried an Opico and said the discs bent

Not proof against Welsh Rock possibly?

Needs a spring back mechanism on the disc, as well as the Leg maybe??