Fitting advanced technology carbide plough points has proved to be a highly cost-effective investment for one Welsh borders agricultural contracting business.
According to Paul Gwalchmai, foreman and tractor driver for Llangedwyn-based Martin Evans Contracting, the Kuhn Durakarb points on his ploughs have remained unchanged over a full 800ha season, approximately five to six times longer than standard points he used previously.
This has not only cut operational downtime dramatically but has also increased fuel efficiency both for ploughing and for some of the cultivations that follow.
“We would previously be either reversing or changing plough points on a weekly basis,” says Paul, “and that’s a job that can take at least an hour, possibly two. When you regularly have a man and a tractor standing idle for that amount of time, it inevitably has an impact of overall efficiency.
“The Durakarb points have done a full season, continuing to perform to full effect throughout. That’s a massive benefit, not only due to the reduced downtime, but because it keeps the plough performing as it should, maintaining a sharp edge to consistently dig into the soil to optimum depth. That is not only maintaining fuel efficiency for the plough tractor, but we find also benefits the following power harrow, for example.”
The plough in question is a six furrow Kuhn VARI-MASTER 183 with hydraulic auto-reset, usually running behind a 250hp tractor, either a Fendt or a John Deere. The plough is one of Martin Evans Contracting’s biggest workhorses, travelling up to a 30-mile radius of the operating base, working all year round, and coping with the variety of circumstances and conditions.
“Soil types can vary from light sand to heavy clay, with some very stony land also in the mix,” adds Paul. “With its robust transport wheel and headstock suspension, the plough travels well, and is comfortable at up to 50kph on good roads. The headstock suspension is really beneficial in the field too, making working a lot smoother for both the tractor and the operator. We can cover 20ha/day in ideal conditions, but 15ha/day would be a fair average.
“Hydraulic variable width is another big advantage, allowing the working width to be altered very quickly and easily to get the best performance for the conditions. Hydraulic auto-reset works well too, protecting the machinery and ensuring minimal disruption, should the plough hit any kind of obstacle.”
With so much good technology involved in the design of the plough, it’s even more important that wearing parts are as little of a hindrance to performance as possible. Kuhn offers a range of options when it comes to working plough and cultivator points, all available through its comprehensively stocked parts department in Telford, with a next day delivery service available seven days a week.
For the wider team at Martin Evans Contracting, choosing the Durakarb points is reducing downtime across the ploughing season, improving the return on their investment and lowering fuel use.
