Q:
Will it plug in thick, black, heavy-clay soils?
A: We currently have run wheels in some of the
heaviest black, gumbo soils. Specifically near Robstown, Texas.
Growers have commented, “If it didn’t plug there, it
won’t plug anywhere.”
Q: Will
the wheel run in rocky fields?
A: We offer a 7/8” and 3/4” spring
arm. Each has its advantages in certain applications. We recommend
that the 7/8” arm be used in situations where extra down pressure
is needed (no-till, established alfalfa stands, or excessively hard
ground). The 3/4” arm provides ample down pressure for hard
ground also, but it allows for more flex in fields where rocks may
be an issue.
Q: How
long will SpikeWheel last?
A: The injection spikes have a life span of 2500 to 3500 miles. The average wear life depends on the abrasiveness of the soil. However the internal parts will experience wear with acres.
As a general guideline, a 12 row set-up will run around 5,000 acres
before requiring a simple O-Ring replacement. It is important to
consider that with an increased number of wheels, and ultimately
a wider implement, the number of acres you can fertilize before
performing maintenance will increase accordingly.
Q: How
do I mount SpikeWheel?
A: Our newly designed spring arm provides a truly versatile mounting system. The actual mounting block has two 5/8" holes drilled on two-inch centers. Producers have mounted wheels on existing toolbars such as "ditcher bars", planters, cultivators, or purchased the wheels on existing carts ranging in size from a small turf applicator up to eighty feet in width.
Q: How
fast can I go?
A: Recommended speed for a minimal loss of product
is 6.5 miles per hour. You can run the wheels faster, however, we
find that with the increased centrifugal force, product “slobbering”
out of the points that are not in the ground becomes an issue. One
must note that even with this “slobbering,” total product
loss still only amounts to 3 percent on a total application basis.
Q:
How
deep will the injection points penetrate the ground?
A: The
points on the wheel will go approximately 3 1/2 inches deep depending
on the soil conditions.
Q: What
kind of fertilizer solution can I use with the SpikeWheel™?
A: Most all liquid fertilizer solutions can be
applied by using the SpikeWheel™. It is not recommended to
be used with anhydrous ammonia.
Q: How
fast can I travel while applying fertilizer?
A: The recommended rate of speed is up to 5 miles
per hour. Speeds above 5 MPH cause the fertilizer to be released
from the wheels while they are above ground.
Q: How
many gallons per acre can I apply to the crop?
A: You can apply up to 90 gallons per acre. The
recommended rate is between 10 and 60 gallons per acre 12" wheel spacings at 5 mph.
Q: How
does the SpikeWheel™ work?
A: The metering sleeve only allows fertilizer out
to the injection point while it is in the soil. The metering sleeve
regulates the amount of solution each point gets so each receives
the same amount.
Q: What
kind of crops can I use this system with?
A: You can apply fertilizer to most all varieties
of growing crops.
Q: How
much damage will this do to my crop?
A: Comparing this method to the colter injector and the knife injector the SpikeWheel method is 90% less disturbing to the roots of the growing crop.
Q: What
type of soil can I use this in? What happens if my soil is hard?
A: This system works best in most types of soil.
Rocky ground doesn't seem to be a problem. If you can sink a spade
shovel into the ground by applying pressure with one foot, you can
use the SpikeWheel™.
Q: How
do I tell how much fertilizer is going to each wheel?
A: The method to determine this is the same as
for a shank fertilizer machine. Whatever amount you put through
the orifice to the wheel is applied into the soil. See
the calibration chart.
Q: When
can I use this method to fertilize my fields?
A: This method can be used in growing crops in
the spring or fall. It can be used in summer fallow also. It has
advantages over a shank machine in high soil residue conditions.
Q:
When will I see results after using this machine in a growing crop or on turf?
A:
You should see some results anywhere from 4 days to 2 weeks depending on most conditions.
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