Brookfield D40 ChainBar for zero tillage operations on show

A new “one of a kind” chain bar designed to optimise soil health and ensure all tillage needs are covered will have its first public showing at next week.

Lifting the bar: The D40 ChainBar is designed to optimise soil health and ensure all tillage needs are covered.

A NEW compact, “one of a kind” chain bar with a 4m working width will have its first public showing at next week’s Henty Machinery Field Days.

Manufactured by Cowra agricultural machinery supplier Brookfield, the D40 ChainBar is designed to optimise soil health and ensure all tillage needs are covered, from stubble management post-harvest and weed control during fallow through to levelling and preparing the paddock for seeding.

Aimed at zero and minimum tillage operations, the model is claimed to enhance soil microbial activity, moisture retention by mulched stubbles and retained ground cover after harvest.

Brookfield sales manager Michael McCormick said the D40 was “the baby in our range, with the largest we make spanning 18.5m”.

“Previously, we were looking at going down to 6m, but found there was a market for going even smaller,” Mr McCormick said.

“We’ve had quite a few customers who don’t have large acreages, but would still like to use a chain bar, which needs no tools to set up.

“We see demand coming from sectors such as dairy and hobby farmers looking to employ it in levelling, wheel track renovation in tramline situations and creating firebreaks.

“Depending on size or what chain is in use, we think 80-90hp (58-66kW) would be adequate in terms of tractor power.”

Manufactured by Cowra-based agricultural machinery supplier Brookfield, the D40 ChainBar is designed to optimise soil health and ensure all tillage needs are covered, from stubble management post-harvest and weed control during fallow through to levelling and preparing the paddock for seeding.

With a fast-vertical lift for easy turning, the D40 comes standard with a three-point linkage hitch for accurate height adjustment.

It can be towed behind a ute, with road transport width of 2.45m, height 2.3m and length 7.1m.

In tough soil conditions, fixed wings give consistent ground following and depth control is via individual swivel-bearing height adjustment and adjustable front droppers.

Key uses include control of resistant weeds such as black oats, ryegrass, fleabane and melons, as well as incorporating pre-emergent chemicals.

The ChainBar can be used before, during and after sowing and can be operated alone or behind other implements, such as scarifiers, air seeders and offset disc ploughs.

“We have the only chain bar of this size on the market and believe it’s well priced (with DC72 chain fitted) at under $30,000, plus GST,” Mr McCormick said.

The D40 ChainBar will also go on show at Elmore field days next month. For more details, visit brookfield.net.au