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March 16, 2001

Caterpillar unveils primary tillage tools

Caterpillar Agricultural Products Inc. unveiled its new line of primary tillage tools—the latest additions to the company's innovative line of agricultural equipment—recently at the National Farm Machinery Show.

The Caterpillar TL2 Series in-line ripper and the TL3 Series disc ripper will be available for delivery from North American Caterpillar dealers in the fall of 2001.

"The new tillage tools are designed with unique features to complement the high productivity of the Challenger tractor line," according to Aaron Faivre, Caterpillar implement team leader. "These tools will help producers achieve optimum yields and improve their bottom line through better soil management."

Both tillage lines help eliminate compaction by working up to 16 inches deep, Faivre points out. But the tools handle soil surface residue in different ways—minimally in the case of the in-line ripper for decreased erosion and water runoff. The disc ripper's more aggressive incorporation and mixing provides for improved spring soil warm-up and soil tilth.

TL2 Series In-Line Ripper

The Cat in-line ripper is designed for minimum-till rotations where less surface disruption is desired.

Set on a beefy structural steel tube frame, spring-loaded coulters cut through tough residue, clearing the way for shanks to work deep, fluffing and aerating the soil. Choose from spring-reset shanks (for rocky conditions) or rigid shanks (where rocks are not a concern).

"Both the rigid and spring-reset shank designs incorporate an exclusive pivot feature for easier, smoother steering of the tractor while following field contours," according to Faivre. This design, which allows shanks to pivot six degrees each side of the center for a total of 12 degrees, helps improve the tool's performance with rubber-belted Challenger tractors.

The TL2 Series in-line ripper will initially be offered in 30 inch and five, seven or nine shank versions. Working widths range from 12 feet, 6 inches to 22 feet, 6 inches depending on the model, and in rigid or flat-fold versions for easier road transport.

TL3 Series Disc Ripper

This Cat combination tillage tool pairs the cutting ability of discs with the deep ripping capabilities of shanks. Residue cutting, mixing, incorporating and deep ripping can all be accomplished in one efficient pass.

The TL3 Series boasts one of the strongest frames on the market, according to Faivre. Front blades, set at a fixed 18-degree angle, slice and size residue. Next, parabolic shanks work deep to lift compacted soil and restore pore space for good air, water and nutrient movement. Finally, rear disc gangs level the soil. Front and rear disc gangs feature hydraulically adjustable depth, each independent of the other. The rear disc gang angle is adjustable so the desired amount of surface residue can be obtained.

A drawbar hitch pivots side-to-side with urethane mounts to cushion against stock loads caused by steering corrections and field conditions, says Faivre. Once the hitch is initially leveled, its self-leveling features allows for continuous operation.

The TL3 Series disc ripper will initially be offered in 30 inch spacing and in five, seven and nine shank versions. Working widths range from 12 feet, 6 inches to 22 feet, 6 inches depending on the model. The three-part frame folds to a narrow transport width on seven and nine shank models.

Cat dedicates 'Bountiful Valley Farm'

Caterpillar Inc. officials recently dedicated Bountiful Valley Farm at Disney's California Adventure Park in Anaheim California. A key attraction at the new 55-acre theme park, Bountiful Valley Farm brings together the educational fun of Disney with Caterpillar's product innovations for farming.

At the one-acre farm, guests can climb aboard a Caterpillar tractor, join an interactive Farmers Expo and stroll amidst plots of crops.

"Bountiful Valley Farm features Caterpillar's long-term commitment to farming and making progress possible through its products and people," said Caterpillar Group President Gerald L. Shaheen. "Company founders C.L. Holt and Daniel Best were pioneers in agricultural equipment in California near the end of the 19th century. Caterpillar continues that tradition today."

Bountiful Valley Farm focuses on agriculture and innovation in California. The attraction features a Farmers Expo and a place where kids can participate in ag-related crafts. Orange groves and other growing crops are on display, as well as insect exhibits.