Agricultural machinery: types and applications

Soil tillage machines

Tilling machines are designed to prepare the soil before sowing or planting. These machines can include ploughs, harrows, tillers and hoes. Each machine has its own specific role and distinctive advantages, helping to ensure optimal soil preparation for crops.



Harrows

Harrows are agricultural machines used primarily for surface tillage of the soil prior to sowing. These tools consist of a series of tines or discs mounted on a frame, which are pulled by a tractor. The action of harrows is to break up mounds of soil and level the soil surface, preparing an optimal seed bed with better soil aeration.

Advantages of harrows:

- Soil preparation: harrows allow soil to be prepared quickly and efficiently, minimising the time needed for sowing.
- Maintaining soil structure: the breaking action of soil mounds helps maintain soil structure, encouraging the development of plant roots.
- Soil aeration: thanks to their surface tillage action, harrows promote soil aeration, improving crop growth conditions.

Tillers

Tillers are agricultural machines used for deep soil tillage, especially in compact or clayey soils. These machines are equipped with rotating blades or tillers that penetrate the soil to a certain depth, breaking up mounds and turning the soil to incorporate organic matter and improve soil structure.

Advantages of tillers:

- Deep tillage: tillers allow the soil to be worked down to a greater depth than harrows, ensuring good aeration.
- Improved soil structure: milling with tillers makes the soil more porous, which facilitates the infiltration of water and air into the soil, two essential elements for plant growth.
- Incorporation of organic matter: tillers allow organic matter to be incorporated into the soil, improving its fertility and its ability to retain water and nutrients.

Stone buriers

Stone buriers, also known as buryers, are agricultural machines used to work the soil between cultivation rows, especially in tree or horticultural crops. These machines are designed to break up mounds of soil between plants, aerate the soil and control weeds, without damaging crop roots, and are mainly used to bury stones and bring soil to the surface.

Advantages of stone buriers:

- Targeted working: stone buriers allow soil to be worked close to plants without damaging them, allowing better weed management and increased soil aeration.
- Time and labour savings: thanks to their ability to work between the crop rows, stone buriers reduce the need for manual intervention, saving farmers time and labour.
- Improved growing conditions: the action of stone buriers promotes soil aeration and plant root penetration, improving growing conditions and crop output.

Subsoilers

Subsoilers are agricultural machines used to break up soil and prepare it for use with harrows and tillers. These machines are equipped with rotating blades or discs that penetrate the soil in depth, breaking up mounds and creating a uniform surface.

Advantages of subsoilers:

- Deep working: subsoilers allow soil to be worked in depth, breaking up compaction and improving soil structure.
- Soil preparation: thanks to their breaking action, subsoilers effectively prepare the soil for the use of harrows and tillers.
- Cost reduction: by using subsoilers, farmers can reduce the costs associated with soil preparation, saving time and resources. Sometimes the use of the subsoiler avoids the use of a plough.

All these machines can be used in:

- Orchard and vineyard soil preparation and maintenance: these machines can be used to work the soil between the rows of vines or fruit trees. This type of operation helps break up clods, aerate the soil and control weeds without damaging plant roots. In addition, tilling the soil can reduce the risk of waterlogging, promoting better drainage and root growth.

- Green area maintenance: Before creating new green areas in parks, it is essential to prepare the soil properly. Harrows and tillers can be used to work the soil in depth, breaking up any compact layers and facilitating the establishment of new plants.

- Road and watercourse maintenance: Before installing new pipes or drainage systems along roads or watercourses, it is essential to prepare the soil properly. Tillers can be used to work the soil deeply, creating a uniform and clean trench for the installation of drainage systems, improving the efficiency of water drainage. Harrows, on the other hand, can be used to clean and level road edges, removing debris, grass and small plants that could obstruct the passage of vehicles or compromise road safety.

Inter-row tillage machinery

Among the various steps in the agricultural process, inter-row tillage is of paramount importance in ensuring healthy crops and maximising yields. In this context, inter-row tillage machinery plays a crucial role, enabling farmers to optimise crop maintenance and care operations.

Mechanical herbicides

Mechanical weeding machines are an effective solution for combating weeds that impair crop growth and development. These machines are designed to remove weeds from the row quickly and efficiently, while eliminating the use of pesticides.

These agricultural machines are equipped with cutting systems or rotating brushes to eliminate weeds between the crop rows.

Used mainly in organic farming or sustainable agricultural practices, these machines offer an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical weeding.

The technique of mechanical weeding implemented through mechanical weeding machines can be useful for:

- Vineyard and orchard maintenance: mechanical weed killers are used to keep vineyard and fruit tree inter-rows clean, reducing weed competition and promoting plant growth and development. With regard to vines, this is particularly important during critical phases of the vine's vegetative cycle, such as flowering and grape ripening. They also help to improve soil aeration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and improving the quality of the harvest. On the other hand, for fruit trees, they reduce weed competition, improve plant growth conditions and reduce the risk of disease and pest damage.

- Vegetable crops (tomatoes, peppers and aubergines): mechanical weeders are used to remove weeds between the rows of vegetables planted in both small and very large fields. This helps keep the environment around the plants clean, reducing competition for water, nutrients and sunlight. It also helps prevent the spread of fungal and bacterial diseases, improving the overall health of the plants. Finally, the removal of unwanted weeds also improves the output and quality of vegetables and also facilitates handling and harvesting.

Main benefits:

- Reduced use of chemicals: mechanical weeders allow farmers to limit the use of herbicides, thus helping to preserve the environment and crop health.
- Increased operational efficiency: thanks to their ability to remove weeds quickly and accurately, these machines optimize the time spent working the inter-row.
- Reduced production costs: by minimizing dependence on pesticides and increasing the efficiency of weeding operations, mechanical weeders can help reduce overall production costs.

Cultivators

Cultivators are versatile agricultural machines used to work the soil between cultivation rows, ensuring proper aeration and better root penetration. These machines are essential for keeping the soil fertile and promoting plant growth.

They are equipped with strong rotating tools or hoes that move the soil and break up the surface crust, making it easier for plants to absorb water and nutrients. These machines are also used to bury plant residues and organic material, thus helping to improve soil structure.

Cultivators can be used for:

- Vineyard and orchard maintenance: cultivators are also crucial in the maintenance of orchards and vineyards, where they are used to till the soil between the rows of trees or vines. They are used to break up the surface crust of the soil and keep the inter-rows clean. This helps improve soil aeration and drainage, reducing the risk of root disease and improving the overall health of fruit trees or vines.

- Potato cultivation: in potato fields, cultivators are used to work the soil after ploughing and preparing the seed bed. The cultivator points or discs break up the surface crust of the soil, creating a favourable environment for the emergence and development of potatoes. During the cultivation cycle, cultivators are also used to manage the inter-row, reducing weed competition and improving growing conditions for potato plants.

- Maintenance of olive groves: cultivators are also used in the maintenance of olive groves to prepare the soil before sowing and to manage the inter-row during the cultivation cycle. During the cultivation cycle, these machines are used to reduce weed competition and improve the growing conditions of olive trees.

Main benefits:

- Improved soil structure: the use of cultivators promotes soil fragmentation and improves soil ventilation, promoting root growth and nutrient uptake.
- Erosion prevention: ploughing and tilling the soil with cultivators helps prevent soil erosion, reducing the risk of nutrient loss and water contamination.
- Increased crop yields: by keeping the soil fertile and well aerated, cultivators promote healthy and vigorous plant growth, thereby increasing agricultural output.

Inter-row discs

Inter-row headers are specialised machines designed to perform specific operations within the inter-row, optimising crop care and maintenance. These devices are essential to ensure precise and targeted plant management.

Thanks to their modularity and versatility, these machines allow farmers to carry out cleaning around the stems of plants without damaging the bark. adapt care and maintenance operations to the specific needs of each crop. This is why they are perfect for use in:

- Vineyard and orchard maintenance: inter-row headers are also essential in the maintenance of orchards and vineyards, where they are used to remove weeds and keep the area between the rows of trees or vines clean. Thanks to the possibility of adjusting the inclination of the inter-row disc, these machines can also be used on steep or steeply sloping soils, such as ravines or gullies. This allows effective and precise tilling of the inter-row, improving plant growth conditions and contributing to the overall management of the crop.

- Maintenance of olive groves: inter-row tillers can also be used to clear weeds around olive trees.

Main benefits:

- Accuracy and targeting: inter-row headers allow farming operations to be carried out with high precision and control, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding plants.
- Yield maximization: by using inter-row headers to perform targeted and timely crop operations, farmers can maximise yields and obtain high quality products.

Windrowers

Windrowers are agricultural machines designed to facilitate manual work within the row spacing, allowing operators to move easily between cultivation rows. These devices improve the ergonomics and efficiency of field work, reducing physical effort and increasing productivity.

They are mobile structures or platforms mounted on wheels that allow agricultural operators to move comfortably along cultivation rows during sowing, transplanting or harvesting operations. These machines are equipped with adjustable seats and support devices to ensure the comfort and safety of operators while working in the field.

Main benefits:

- Increased operating efficiency: the swathers allow operators to move easily along cultivation rows, reducing downtime and optimising farming operations.

- Improved working conditions: thanks to adjustable seats and support devices, these machines reduce the physical strain on operators and improve their comfort during long working days in the field.

- Reduced crop damage: by using windrowers to move between cultivation rows, operators can avoid trampling and damaging plants, thus helping to preserve crop quality and yield.

Inter-row machines

Inter-row machines are specialised equipment used for stump removal and soil preparation prior to new planting.

These machines are essential for the regeneration of agricultural and forest soils, freeing up space for new crops or plantings.They are equipped with robust cutting or extraction tools that enable the removal of tree stumps or plants that were previously felled.

This equipment is also used to uproot and level the soil, thus preparing it for the next tillage or planting phase.

Main benefits:

- Efficiency in stump removal: by using inter-row machines, operators can quickly and efficiently remove stumps and roots, freeing up space for new crops or planting.

- Minimization of physical effort: thanks to the power and precision of their cutting or extraction tools, these machines reduce the need for manual labour and the physical effort required to remove stumps.

- Reduced soil preparation time and costs: inter-row machines allow soil to be prepared quickly and efficiently, reducing the time and costs associated with preparing the site for new crops or plants.

Tool holder castles

Zanon's implement holder castles are special agricultural machines designed to simplify the management of various implements dedicated to cleaning the inter-row of orchards and vineyards.

Available in single or double versions, rear or front, these robust agricultural machines are compatible with multiple implements, including harrow discs, tillers, inter-row blades, and offer a wide range of advantages. Let's discover them all.

Advantages:

- Versatility: one machine for multiple applications, with the ability to change tools quickly and easily;

- Efficiency: reduced working time and optimised operating costs;

- Productivity: higher output and quality of work;

- Maneuverability: ease of use and access to different parts of the machine;

- Reliability: high quality, time-tested components.

Zanon offers a wide range of tool carriers to meet the needs of every customer. The models available differ in terms of load capacity, the number of implements that can be used simultaneously and the type of attachment to the tractor. The basic version utilises the tractor's hydraulic system, while the PRO version is equipped with independent hydraulics, allowing implements to be operated with precision and control.

Light implement carriers, on the other hand, use the tractor's oil to power all their movements and do not have an integrated joystick to control them

Agricultural machinery for soil maintenance and cleaning

Soil care is crucial to ensure healthy crops and maximize yields.

To this end, the use of specialised agricultural machinery for soil maintenance and cleaning plays a crucial role. These include rear, side, reversible and front-mounted mulchers, each of which offers specific features and benefits.


Rear mulchers

Rear mulchers are an effective solution for managing weeds and plant residues in agricultural soils. These machines, mounted on the rear of the tractor, work by cutting and shredding unwanted material, reducing it to fine particles that can later be composted or used as mulch.

Due to their configuration, these mulchers can be towed by agricultural tractors, allowing for easy maneuverability and extensive soil coverage. Their main areas of use include:

- Land preparation work: rear-mounted mulchers are used for the reduction of plant residues after harvesting crops, preparing the soil for subsequent sowing. Their ability to shred and decompose organic residues contributes to the formation of humus and the improvement of soil structure.

- Olive grove maintenance: rear-mounted mulchers are also used in olive groves, helping to clean the soil under the olive trees and manage plant residues. This application is essential to maintain the health and productivity of olive groves, allowing better air circulation and less exposure to plant diseases.

Main benefits:

- Efficiency: thanks to their rear position, these mulchers provide excellent visibility for the tractor driver, making it easier to control and manage the shredding process.

- Versatility: they can be used on a wide range of soils and can adapt to various working conditions.

- Time and labour savings: they automate the soil cleaning process, reducing the need for intensive manual intervention.



Side mulchers

Side-mounted mulchers offer an effective solution for maintaining field edges, farm roads and hard-to-access areas. These machines, mounted sideways on the tractor, work by cutting and shredding weeds and vegetation along the edges of soils.

Thanks to their compact and maneuverable design, they are particularly suitable for:

- Edge maintenance and river banks: side mulchers are ideal for cleaning and maintaining the edges of agricultural fields and rural roads. Thanks to their ability to reach areas that are difficult to treat by other means, they contribute to keeping the environment clean and tidy.

- Urban greenery management: In urban and peri-urban settings, these mulchers are used to maintain public green spaces, keeping grass and vegetation along pavements, parks and gardens under control.

Main benefits:

- Accuracy: thanks to their side-mounted position, these mulchers make it possible to reach and treat corners and hard-to-reach areas with precision.

- Space-saving: they optimize the working area, allowing effective cleaning without the need for complex manoeuvres.

- Edge maintenance: they keep the edges of fields and farm roads clean, reducing the risk of fire and improving the overall appearance.

Reversible mulchers

Reversible mulchers are a versatile and adaptable solution for cleaning soil in various conditions and soil types. These machines can be mounted either at the front or rear of the tractor, offering greater operational flexibility.

This feature makes reversible mulchers extremely versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

- Intercropping work: reversible flail mowers are used to manage plant residues between cultivation rows, enabling effective soil cleaning without damaging cultivated plants. Their easy maneuverability allows precise work even in tight spaces.

- Orchard and vineyard maintenance: In viticulture and fruit-growing contexts, these mulchers are used for plant residue management and soil cleaning between rows of trees and vines. Their ability to operate in both directions allows for thorough and thorough cleaning, contributing to the health and productivity of fruit trees and vineyards.

Main advantages:

- Operational flexibility: they can be used in either front- or rear-mounted mode, adapting to the specific needs of the soil and cleaning operations.

- Efficiency: thanks to the possibility of working in both directions, these mulchers allow greater area coverage and faster, more efficient cleaning.

- Adaptability: they easily adapt to uneven and difficult soils, ensuring uniform and thorough cleaning.

Front-mounted mulchers

Front-mounted mulchers are an innovative solution for soil management and cleaning, allowing optimal access to working areas and greater visibility for the tractor driver. These machines, mounted at the front of the tractor, work by cutting and shredding frontal vegetation and allowing for thorough cleaning of the soil.

Their main uses include:

- Cleaning pasture areas: front-mounted mulchers are used to clean pasture areas, reducing plant biomass and improving pasture quality for livestock. Their frontal configuration allows clear visibility of the work area, ensuring thorough and uniform cleaning.

- Park and garden maintenance: in both urban and rural settings, these mulchers are used to maintain public parks and private gardens, enabling effective and tidy soil cleaning. Their ability to operate in a precise and controlled manner makes them particularly suitable for the management of smaller green areas.

Main advantages:

- Visibility: positioned at the front of the tractor, they offer optimal visibility of the soil and work operations, allowing precise and safe control.

- Accessibility: they allow easy access to working areas, reducing the need for complex manoeuvres and improving overall efficiency.

- Efficiency: thanks to their frontal position, these mulchers enable thorough soil cleaning and optimal vegetation management, guaranteeing high-quality results.

Stalk shredders

Stalk choppers are machines designed to chop grass, maize stalks, prunings and other crop residues in order to clean the soil. Zanon stalk shredders stand out for their robustness, reliability and versatility, guaranteeing excellent performance in any field of use.

Advantages:

- Robustness and reliability: built with high quality materials and equipped with reliable components, Zanon flail mowers are able to tackle even the toughest jobs.

- Versatility: they offer a wide range of options to adapt to different shredding needs, with models suitable for tractors of different powers and working widths.

- Cutting efficiency: Robust, sharp blades ensure a precise, even cut, making it easier to till the soil later.

- Higher working speed: the large chopping chamber enables fast and efficient work.


In addition to the advantages listed above, Zanon flail mowers offer a wide range of optional accessories that expand the possibilities of use, such as:

- Pruning kit: for shredding vine shoots and pruning in general.

- Steered rear wheels: for greater maneuverability in tight spaces.

These machines are well suited for the maintenance of uncultivated, weed and bramble-infested soils, for preparing the soil for sowing or planting. Knife rotor stalk choppers are particularly suitable for shredding maize and sunflower stalks, facilitating their decomposition and subsequent burial. Finally, they are used for shredding shoots in fruit and vegetable cultivations, vineyards and nurseries.

Mulcher with collection pick-up

The flail mowers with collection pick-up by Zanon are efficient and robust agricultural machines designed for shredding mowing, prunings and pruning residues in various contexts. They are equipped with a pick-up system that facilitates collection of the material to be shredded, making them ideal for cleaning uncultivated soils, vineyards, orchards and olive groves.

Advantages:

- High cutting efficiency: cutting systems with knives and counter knives or mallets and counter mallets ensure precise and uniform shredding.

- Pick-up pick-up: allows the material to be efficiently conveyed for shredding, facilitating work and reducing operation time.

- Robustness and reliability: built with high quality materials, Zanon mulchers are resistant to wear and tear, shocks and have safety guards in compliance with CE regulations.

- Reversibility (TMK and TLK models): allows working in both directions.

- Versatility: suitable for different types of soil and crops, they can be used in orchards, vineyards, fields and uncultivated areas.

Conclusions

As we have seen, agricultural machinery varies according to fields of use and soil type. Ultimately, the use of agricultural machinery is a key step towards more efficient, sustainable and profitable agriculture. Investing in high-quality machinery and adopting modern farming practices can help farmers achieve better yields and meet the challenges of today's agricultural sector.

Zanon designs and manufactures a wide range of agricultural machinery that performs everything from inter-row cultivation to soil maintenance and cleaning.

With a long history of success in the industry, Zanon continues to provide reliable, state-of-the-art solutions to optimise soil tillage and improve agricultural productivity.

Thanks to a constant commitment to research and development, the company is confirmed as a point of reference for farmers looking for efficient, innovative machinery capable of meeting the challenges of the modern agricultural sector.

Contact us and we will show you the perfect agricultural machinery for your business