SHUTOFF GP-AIR 2257836 - Caterpillar

Row Crops
This tractor has been designed with the capability of cultivating and planting row crops. Although the tractor operates very similar to a wheel-type tractor, several operational differences exist. The following are techniques and suggestions to help maximize tractor performance and crop yield.Maximizing Performance
* Track Width Selection The track widths typically used in row crop usage are 406 mm (16 in), 457 mm (18 in), and 508 mm (20 in). Use the widest tracks that will work in a particular application. Wider tracks not only lower ground contact pressure, but also tend to wear longer than narrower tracks.* Track Gauge Spacing The narrowest gauge spacing, 1524 mm (60 in), can be used only with 406 mm (16 in) and 457 mm (18 in) tracks. As explained under the Optimizing Turning Performance subject in the Operating the Tractor topic, narrower gauge spacings tend to increase turning effort required. Because of this, it is recommended to use narrow gauges as needed for row crop work, and increase the tractor's gauge when doing heavy tillage. Increasing tractor gauge will increase steering performance and reduce potential crop debris buildup on the undercarriage.* Tractor Speed Because of the inherent smooth field ride quality of this tractor, light-draft implements that have their speed limited by tractor ride quality can often be pulled faster. An example application is rotary hoe usage, where field speeds as fast as 24 km/h (15 mph) have been demonstrated.* Tillage Direction A common practice when performing primary tillage is to travel at a slight angle to the rows or beds. The angle chosen is usually limited by the tractor ride quality. Due to the design of the undercarriage, it can allow primary tillage at higher angles, often at 90 degrees to the rows with reasonable ride quality. Maximizing Crop Yield
* Turning Technique for Cultivating Since this tractor is capable of an extremely tight turning radius, use of a special turning technique can minimize the number of plants driven over at the ends of the field when cultivating.Whenever possible, use two sharp 90 degree turns with a straight section in between when cultivating, instead of making an arc with the tractor path. This reduces the distance traveled while turning, and also minimizes the number of end rows driven over. Since a high-horsepower wheeled tractor typically needs to cultivate with dual rear tires to support the weight of a wide-span cultivator, four tire tracks are created. This tractor creates only two tracks, driving over only approximately half the number of plants. Using the above-mentioned technique reduces that number even further.* Reducing Number of End Rows Planted Because of the tractor's extremely tight turning radius, it may be possible to reduce the number of end rows planted by one or even two planter passes. In situations where this can be done, overall yields should improve, since end rows are typically the lowest yielding part of a field.* No-Till Considerations When planting in no-till conditions, it is important to minimize the amount soil disturbance