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Agronomic Row Crops
Standard Rotary Hoe
Overview: In clean-tilled or low-residue fields,
the sharp-edged, rounded teeth on rotary hoe spokes aggressively
uproot weeds in the preemergent, white-root stage. Hoes work before
or after crops are up, as long as crop seed is more deeply rooted
than weeds and crop tissue damage is not too severe. Rotary hoes
are used for “broadcast” cultivation, i.e. lightly tilling
their full width at 1" to 2" deep without regard to crop
rows. Faster speed enhances surface aggressiveness but decreases
penetration. Rotary hoes have a vertical entrance and surface shattering
action ideal for aerating crusted soils. Increase corn seeding rate
about 2 percent per intended mechanical pass to compensate for possible
plant population reductions.
Design Features: Curved steel spokes radiating
as a flat wheel from a hub are rotated forward by ground contact.
The curvature accelerates the exit of a tooth tip from the soil,
sharply kicking up soil and weeds. Rigid or folding toolbar; 18"
to 21" wheels; 16 teeth per wheel; wheels on 3.5" centers.
One or two wheels per arm, with most models using down-pressure
springs for consistent penetration on uneven surfaces.
Cautions: worn tips greatly decrease effectiveness. Replace
worn hub bearings as needed for smooth operation. Bolt attachments,
rather than rivets, makes bearing replacement easier. Residue, corn
rootballs, stones, sticks and plastic can plug wheels. Adding knives
to cut residue or increasing spacing between wheels can improve
performance in these conditions. (See next page.)
Options: Gauge wheels (recommended); extra down-pressure
springs for crusted soil. (Other options for extending hoe use are
described on the next page.)
Model for comparison: 21', rigid-frame
Rec. PTO HP: 75 to 90 Speed: 5 to
15 mph List price: $4,700 to $6,100
Width range (all makers/all models): 10' to 42'
Sources: 14, 18,
21, 68,
86
Farmers: Berning, Cavin,
de Wilde, Fernholz,
Kenagy, McKaskle,
Spray
TIPS: Don’t hoe bean crops
from the brittle “crook” stage to three days later. Don’t expect a
rotary hoe to kill green weeds—they’ve usually developed too deep
a root system.
Next section
Agronomic Tool Index
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