Disc Rotavator

A disc rotavator is a heavy-duty PTO-driven rotary tiller designed to work to greater depth than a standard Rotavator, with stronger drive components for residue-incorporation and primary tillage in stubble-heavy fields. Maschio-Gaspardo, Lemken and Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supply the type to the Indian market.

Function

The implement rotates a horizontal cross-shaft carrying L-, J- or C-type tilling blades through the topsoil at high tip-speed. Compared with a conventional rotavator working at about 10 cm depth, the disc rotavator's heavier rotor, stronger gearbox and reinforced frame allow operation at 18-20 cm, making it capable of acting as a one-pass primary tillage tool in paddy or sugarcane residue.

Design and specifications

The Maschio-Gaspardo H-series and the Indian-manufactured Virat Pro range are compatible with 45-110 HP tractors at 540 RPM PTO input via a slip-clutch shaft. The reference unit uses three heavy-duty oil-bath gear drives and Duo-Cone shaft seals rated for prolonged hard-soil tillage; rotor speed is around 215 rpm. Starting price in the Indian market is approximately Rs 1.05 lakh.

Operation

The disc rotavator follows a combine (Combine Harvester Paddy) or stubble Tractor Slasher to chop and incorporate residue without burning. Working speed is matched to soil moisture; over-dry soil increases blade wear, while over-wet soil causes smearing.

Subsidy and adoption

The disc rotavator is listed under SMAM tillage and crop-residue-management equipment. Adoption is rising in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh as an alternative to stubble burning, alongside Happy Seeder and Super Seeder systems.

References

Maschio Gaspardo Rotavator. Tractorkarvan.
Maschio H 205. Tractorjunction.