How does it work?
For the Combcut principle to work there needs to be a physical difference between what is to be cut off, the weeds, and what should remain, the crop. The film below shows the unique and patented concept of Combcut.
You can comb and cut the weeds in the crop when;
- The crop is thinner than the weeds
- Weeds are higher than the crop
- There are differences in stiffness between crop and weed
The Combcut principle is to cut and damage the weeds
The must be a physical difference between the crop, i.e. weeds that are stiffer than the crop, weeds that have thicker than the crop and weeds that grows in a different way compared to the crop.
If the crop is very thick or lush, or can not be combed (e.g. lettuce and potatoes);
cut the weeds directly above the crop
Repeat to exhaust the weeds.
Is Combcut only for organic farming?
No, Combcut can also be used in conventional farming systems:
- In order to reduce the use of herbicides
- Close to rivers, lakes, wells and urban areas
- In vegetables
- To fight weeds resistant to certain herbicides
- To cut weeds directly before harvest
- To cut spilled grain from last year's harvest
- To cut sugar beet bolters
What´s important to have in mind?
Timing is the most important parameter to take into account when using Combcut. The result is not visible until two weeks after cutting.
- Use Combcut when the physical difference between weeds and crops is at its greatest. Most often it occurs just before the stem elongation phase in cereals. The greater the physical difference, the easier to find the right settings and get good results.
- Start as early as possible in the season before the crop begins its stem elongation, but also later in the season in established crop and grasslands.
- Cut the weeds before seed development.
- Comb through the flag leaves of the crop. Before the flag leaves have emerged, the risk of damaging the crop is minimal.
Test shows long-term effects
On the left (A1) without Combcut, on the right (A2) with Combcut.
Speed
- Since the knives do not move, Combcut works like a coulter.
- If you drive slowly, the cutting effect is reduced. If you have to drive slowly, the bruch can be used to improve the cutting effect.
- Recommended speed is 8-15 km/h
- If possible you can drive even faster. The maximum speed is 22 km/h.
Height
- The recommended height is 8-12 cm below the top of the crop.
- It is easier for the crop to pass through when combing higher.
- In a very dense crop, or in a crop that can´t be combed, cut the weeds just above the crop.
- In many cases, Combcut can be used without support wheels, it makes it easier to adjust the cutting height while driving.
Use Combcut throughout the growing season
Comb & cut Cut
Tilting
Tilting, forward and backwards, is done with the top link on the three-point linkage.
If Combcut is tilted forward, the knives become more aggressive to an angle of about 15 degrees. After that, it decreases. An increase in tilting also increases the height of the incision.
If the weeds that are cut off have a tendency to gather directly behind the knives – tilt forward.
The recommendation is to use a hydraulic top link that facilitates adjustment of tilting and, if necessary, the height.
The tilting of the machine can be adjusted with hydraulic top link while driving.
How do I set the knives on Combcut?
The blades can be adjusted in two ways.
Tilt angle – The opening between the knives
Knife angle – Angle in relation to direction of travel
Both settings can be read on scales on each section. Basic setting 5/50 (older models) 5/0 (fr 2019)
Settings for stem thickness: The tilt angle of the knives .
The size of the opening between the knife and the ambush affects how thick the stems can be. The smaller the gap, the thinner stems are cut! By increasing the opening, vegetation that has thicker stems slips through uncut.
Settings for straw stiffness: is regulated by the angle of the blades against the direction of travel. A higher value of the angle increases the selectivity of straw stiffness. The vegetation with stiffer stems are cut off while the softer ones fold away with a higher value. Setting 50-70 (older model) 0-25 (fr 2019) thus becomes more aggressive against straw stiff vegetation. The distance between the ambush and the blade reduces slightly with an increased angle and slightly affects the aggressiveness towards the stem thickness.
At low values below 50 (min 40) (older model) 0 (fr 2019), the vegetation settles directly on the knife blade instead of on the back, which reduces selectivity and increases aggressiveness.
More about knife settings
- Note the settings that are best for different types of crop, weeds, season, plant stage, etc. to know how to best use Combcut in your crops.
- Since settings can vary with different conditions, there is really only one basic setting. Further adjustment may be necessary to achieve the most optimal result.
- Keep in mind that the sharpness of the knives changes over time and affects the settings.
Is it possible to put the machine both in front and back of the tractor?
Yes, both ways are fine.
What is required of my tractor to use Combcut?
There is no need for a large tractor since it does not require much energy to drive. However, it needs to be able to lift 900 kg for a machine of 6 meters and 1200 kg for a 9 meter. The tractor must also have two double-acting hydraulic sockets for operating the brush (requires 40 l/min for maximum speed) and folding during transport. It is also good if you have row cultivation wheels if you drive later i.e. after the crop has become stiffer.
