Great Plains began delivering the original Turbo-Till model in 2002. Several years later, a heavy-duty model went into production with thicker blades and heavy-gauge wheels. In 2007 the company introduced a Series II Turbo-Till model, which featured a stronger frame, greater weight per gang and a sturdier transport axle.

Now Great Plains announces the Turbo-Max, priced at $39,473 for the 18-ft. model. It has two coulter gangs like previous Turbo-Till models, but with 7.5 in. between each blade, it has 25% closer blade spacing per gang. The gangs are offset so the second gang splits the first, reducing residue to 3.75 in. laterally.

The Turbo-Max has the ability to angle the gangs hydraulically from zero to six degrees. “Adding the ability to angle the gangs gives vertical-tillage farmers more options when preparing their seedbeds,” says Tom Evans, vice president of sales for Great Plains. “In the fall, they can run the machine at an angle to bury more residue, which aids in the decay process and helps keep the residue from blowing away in high winds. In the spring, they can run it straight to create an excellent vertically tilled seedbed that is perfect to plant into. Running it at six degrees offset helps level wheel tracks left from harvest as well as offering better weed kill than the previous Turbo-Till models, which is something some of our customers have been asking for.”

The finishing attachment behind the coulter gangs is the company’s patented rolling spike harrow, which completes the vertical-tillage pass by leveling the soil and simultaneously fracturing any soil that was not already loosened by the coulter blades.

Great Plains will continue manufacturing the Turbo-Till in its latest form, but the Turbo-Max offers supplementary features for farmers looking for options in residue, leveling and weed control while maintaining a vertically tilled seedbed. The new models will be available in fall of 2012.

For more information, visit www.greatplainsmfg.com.