Rear-mounted tool carrier
The rear tool carrier, attached to the tractor's three-point linkage, makes it possible to work simultaneously in the inter-row and under the row, often using straight tines and inter-row blades. Designed to combine several operations in a single pass, these tools feature a welded steel frame and double-acting hydraulic cylinders for various adjustments. Fixing systems, such as flanges or gogues, ensure a solid connection.
Work objective
The rear tool carrier consists of a frame hitched to the tractor's rear three-point linkage, enabling inter-row work to be combined with work under the row. It is often fitted with straight tines combined with inter-row blades or dethatchers. The multitude of technical itineraries has led manufacturers to develop articulated tool carriers (TERRACTIV duo from CLEMENS) which, without having to be dismantled, enable the soil to be worked over the entire surface or simply under the row.Components of the rear tool carrier
Rear-mounted tool carriers have been developed with the aim of combining several operations in a single pass.The frame
The chassis is made of mechanically welded steel. Many models are available. Bare chassis to which inter-tip tools, ploughs, claws, etc. can be attached. But there are also chassis fitted with inter-row and inter-row tools, claws and inter-row blades, for example.Hydraulic cylinders
These provide various adjustments (width, height and sometimes tilt). They are generally double-acting.The tool attachment system
This provides the link between the tool and the tool carrier. The most frequently used systems are the clamp or the gogue.There are other types of rear-mounted tool carrier, which straddle the row.
FERRAND has developed a tool carrier for pre-pruning, trimming and pruning, while BOISSELET's ACOLYTE chassis allows mechanical weeding.
Manufacturers such as CLEMENS and FERRAND offer tool carriers with a double frame. The two chassis are connected by a pivot pin. A hydraulic cylinder raises the central part. It is then possible to work across the entire width of the row or just under the row without any handling.
Adjusting and using the rear tool carrier
Settings
Rear-mounted tool carriers have become increasingly efficient. They can be used, for example, to combine tine tools with mechanical weeding tools under the row. Manufacturers offer more or less comprehensive hydraulic equipment. This makes it possible to control height, spacing and even slope from the tractor cab.They can be manually or automatically controlled (soil monitoring by SOUSLIKOFF or EGRETTIER).