By Farm Progress staff

Maybe you need a tool that can mix up residue and churn soil with it. If your current tool is tired, some of the new tillage equipment hitting the market from various companies could be worth a look.

Tillage tools editors found at shows ranged from chisel-type tools with disks capable of handling tough stalks to simple harrows to tools designed specifically to finish soil before planting. The new products join a host of products already out there in the tillage line.

So why take a look at new offerings? Company representatives who offered new products in almost every case said major improvements had been made over previous models. The trend among manufacturers is listening to what customers are saying about their current tools and making adjustments so tools do an even better job in the field.

One of the trends showing up is equipment that is easier to maintain. Some tillage tools feature fewer grease fittings. Manufacturers promise longer life on bearings in many cases as well. This results in not only reduced maintenance time and cost, but also a safer working environment by not crawling under equipment to service and grease the machine.

Also, tillage tool makers have taken road travel and safety even more seriously. Transport widths due to different folding configurations are often narrower than with some previous models of years past. Compared to earlier days, the folding process is often easier, usually almost seamless from the cab.

Many of these tools are better marked for road travel so they can be seen more easily by motorists, especially on the outer edges of the tool. You still need to pay careful attention on the road because some motorists aren’t paying attention. But tool makers are doing all they can to help you improve your odds of being seen on the road.