At CIA Ltd, we are dedicated to optimizing land use whilst ensuring that soil quality remains uncompromised. Our mission is hinged on the understanding that efficient land utilization is pivotal for sustainable agriculture. Recognizing the importance of preserving the health of our soils, we actively work towards enhancing farm productivity through innovative solutions.
The Southern Alps of New Zealand are a testament to nature’s formidable forces, shaped over thousands of years by glaciers that carved through the landscape. This glacial activity freed rocks and sediments from the headwaters of Arthur’s Pass, resulting in rich alluvial deposits that extend from the mountains to the sea. Such geological formations have played a crucial role in establishing fertile farmlands throughout New Zealand. Nevertheless, despite the abundance of fertile soil, certain areas of our rich landscapes have not realized their full agricultural potential. The presence of rocks and stones peppering the surface has inhibited optimal cultivation practices.
These stones not only contribute to the underutilization of land but also impose an ongoing financial burden on farmers. Each year, farmers across New Zealand face mounting costs associated with stones in the fields. The potential for these stones to disrupt harvesting machinery is a significant concern. Damage incurred by harvesting equipment when encountering rocks can result in costly repairs, or even the need for replacement in severe cases. Moreover, the downtime attributable to stone-related incidents can extend from an inconvenient week to considerably longer, disrupting the timely harvest of crops and ultimately affecting output.
In an effort to tackle this persistent challenge, CIA Ltd is proud to introduce the ELHO Scorpio 550 to our product offerings. This robust stone picker is engineered to efficiently collect stones from fields while preserving soil integrity, thus alleviating the burdens imposed by stones on agricultural operations.
The ELHO Scorpio 550 is equipped with an array of innovative features designed to facilitate the efficient removal of stones. A standout characteristic of this stone picker is its fully hydraulic drive system. Delivering a hydraulic flow of 85 litres per minute at a pressure of 110-150 bar, this advanced hydraulic drive seamlessly integrates with a tractor’s standard dual-function hydraulic coupling, requiring a nominal pump size of 110 litres per minute. It ensures that operators can rely on a consistent and reliable power source while minimizing the wear on agricultural equipment. With a maximum continuous use output of 24 kW, the tractor’s own cooling system effectively maintains optimal oil temperatures, further enhancing performance.
Another remarkable feature of the Scorpio 550 is its automatic depth adjustment. This system enables the machine to adapt to the surface of the ground, ensuring constant working pressure during operation. This capability not only enhances the ease of use but also proves advantageous even under challenging conditions, such as extremely dusty environments. By maintaining consistent operation, farmers can expect a smoother workflow with fewer disruptions.
Furthermore, the hydraulic system of the Scorpio 550 has the ability to temporarily increase pressure to the second pickup motor when required. This versatility provides additional lifting force, with the end of the tines being capable of exerting a remarkable 700 kg. Such strength is crucial for efficiently dislodging stones from various soil types—ensuring that no obstinate rock remains upon the surface.
A significant innovation of the Scorpio 550 lies within its tines, which are comprised of durable Hardox 500 steel. Unlike traditional steel spring tines, the Hardox 500 tines can rotate at elevated speeds, enabling superior sieving and soil removal capabilities. Additionally, the heightened rotation speed enhances the machine’s ability to break up organic matter, promoting healthier soil conditions necessary for productive farming. The picker features a diameter of 1.8 meters, rotating at 80 revolutions per minute (r/min), while the tines themselves rotate at an impressive 125 r/min.
Moreover, the design of the Hardox 500 tines includes rubber bushings that add an essential layer of flexibility. This flexibility allows the sieve steel bars to flex laterally, enabling all tines to yield backward when encountering resistance and thereby minimizing the risk of blockages. With a maximum tine flex of 500 mm, the Scorpio 550 ensures that stone removal can occur swiftly, without compromising on soil quality or operational efficiency.
In conclusion, CIA Ltd is committed to supporting farmers in maximizing their land’s productivity while preserving the essential qualities of the soil. With the advent of the ELHO Scorpio 550, we take a significant step forward in addressing the challenges imposed by stones, ultimately facilitating a more fruitful and sustainable future for New Zealand agriculture. We believe that, through the use of cutting-edge machinery and innovative practices, we can unlock the full potential of our land for generations to come.
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