With the price of tires and tracks at an all-time high, producers are looking for ways to make them last longer. The new Yetter 5000 Stalk Devastator can help prevent premature tire and track wear and damage caused by crop stubble.

"Today's hybrids are designed to resist disease, insects, and wind, but the tough stalks are destroying tires. This leads to downtime and expensive replacement," said Jim Lascelles, service manager at Yetter Farm Equipment.

The rollers on the Yetter 5000 Stalk Devastator push stalks over, crushing them, which allows tires and tracks to roll over the stalk without damage. The rollers reduce stubble damage to the tires, wires and hydraulic hoses on combines, trucks, tractors, and seeding and tillage implements.

In addition to protecting equipment, stalk-crushing has several other benefits. With each pass through the field, the Stalk Devastator knocks stubble over while leaving the stalk attached with partially broken roots. That means they won't blow away—maintaining erosion-preventing and moisture-conserving residue on the soil surface. The crushed stalks, when knocked over, have more contact with the soil than if left standing, facilitating quicker plant tissue breakdown.

The solid steel 5000 Stalk Devastator comes with mounting kits for most corn head models. It is designed to not interfere with most header transport carts.

"As tire manufacturers reduce warranty coverage due to stubble damage, the 5000 Stalk Devastator ensures you get the full lifetime performance and reliability out of your tires," said Lascelles.