Tools to speed up farm jobs

The V-plow from Wolfe is capable of installing 4-inch tile a maximum of 5 feet deep with minimal ground surface disturbance, leaving a plant-ready field environment after a single pass. With a greater subsurface volume of soil being moved, the V-Plow creates more channels for water to find its way to the drainage tile. These units also have a cleanout assembly to clear dirt out of the plow at the end of the tile run. It can be equipped with an optional tile feeder, enclosed cutter crusher and a camera package. Get all the details at wolfeequipment.com.

The Fox VersaPlow makes snow removal simple. The revolutionary design from Fox combines the functions of a box-style containment snow pusher with a back-drag containment box and a conventional snow plow. No matter how you want to move snow — whether it is pushing, pulling, or windrowing and stacking — the VersaPlow can do the job. Available in 8-foot or 10-foot blade widths, the plows retail from $5,985 to $7,000. Get more details at foxattachments.com, or call 800-433-5620.

Ashland Industries has a heavy-duty scraper to build and repair waterways, ponds and terraces. The 1410E is a 14-cubic-yard, 10-foot-cut-width, rear lift-controlled ejector scraper. It can be used with tractors having 225 hp and up. Servicing takes seconds with pivot pins using self-lubricating, 1,200-hour bushings, reducing grease locations by 80%. The 1410E comes in two versions: a two-rear-tire model with 20.5x25 tires selling for $55,000 and a four-rear-tire model with 17.5x25 tires priced at $55,950. Contact Ashland Industries, Ashland, Wis., at 877-634-4622 or ashlandind.com.

The HitchDoc HDS 7100 can cut through the heaviest snow drifts. It offers an 84-inch cutting width. With added wing extension, it can cut up to 96 inches. It’s completely hydraulically powered, from the fan to the auger to the spout. Everything can be adjusted from the cab. The Quick-Tach mounting plate allows you to attach the blower easily to most skid steer makes and models. Contact HitchDoc, Jackson, Minn., at 800-446-8222 or hitchdoc.com.

While laying tile has its benefits, it can leave quite a mess behind, forcing the farmer to do a lot of cleanup. Port Industries’ new full-size V Plow Hydramaxx (shank only) can go between 4 and 6 feet deep, with the ability to run 4- or 6-inch tile. It can be adapted to fit most shank holders. Sam Rueter, sales representative, says this V Plow is better than a straight-shank plow because it leaves the ground with less disturbance. The V Plow with machine is available for $575,000. Visit portindustries.com.

The 2019 Ram DT trucks have been redesigned with a new interior, new technology, and a higher payload and towing capacity. The bed height has been raised 2 inches and the payload increased by 250 pounds. The gross vehicle towing capacity is 12,750 pounds, which product specialist Barry Black says can haul a small farm tractor or medium-size horse trailer. The trucks will be available in several models: Tradesman, SLT, Big Horn, Laramie, Laramie Longhorn and the Limited, which is priced at $65,000. For more information, go to ramtrucks.com.

As cover crops are starting to become more popular on farms, cover crop crimpers are becoming key tools farmers can use to roll the crop down in spring. Mandako has come out with its own cover crop crimper made with chevron-pattern blades. The crimper is a 36-inch drum with a 3-inch bar on top. The company has been demonstrating its machine this year, with a 15-foot model coming out this fall or next spring for $34,000. Go to mandako.com.

Prinsco’s Goldflex dual-wall pipe can go up to 320 feet and offers the convenience of a smooth-interior pipe with flexible coils that install with a plow. “So, it’s a lot faster to install — a lot safer to install for the contractors and the farmers,” says Andrew Vogel, ag sales manager. The company has developed 12-inch- and 15-inch-diameter pipes, with an 8-inch pipe available soon. Contact a Prinsco representative for pricing at prinsco.com.

If you’re installing new tile, consider Timewell Drainage Products’ flexible dual-wall pipe. Look for trademarks MaxFlex or MaxFlo. Now available in 12-inch-diameter as well as smaller sizes, the inner wall features a smoother liner compared to normal plastic drainage tile or pipe. The smoother inside surface of the pipe results in increased flow of tile water through the system, spokespeople say. Contact Timewell Drainage Products, Timewell, Ill., at 800-720-8453 or timewellpipe.com.