The Alpego cracker subsoiler provides a practical solution for addressing soil compaction, with the ability to work at different depths according to individual field requirements.
Designed to fracture restrictive soil layers and improve soil permeability, the cracker helps restore the natural movement of air and moisture through the soil profile while creating more favourable conditions for root development.
A significant advantage of the Alpego cracker is its innovative 3-in-1 cultivation concept, offering three different share configurations to suit varying soil conditions and working depths.
Alpego provide three share options to achieve differing approaches to soil and sub-soil loosening in one machine.
First is the CRACKER SHANK for deep soil loosening:
Designed for heavier soils and more substantial compaction layers, the standard cracker shank is suited to deeper subsoiling operations.
With a working width depth range of 50-65cm, this configuration is intended to fracture deeper restrictive layers, helping improve deep root penetration and the movement of moisture through the soil. it is particularly suited to paddocks where compaction extends well below the normal cultivation depth.
Second is the addition of CLOD SHATTERING FINS for intermediate cultivation:
For situations where soil restrictions are present at moderate depths, the optional clod-shattering fins provide an alternative configuration with a operating depth range of 25-35cm, the fins assist in breaking and crumbling soil, helping produce a more refined soil structure.
this option is particularly useful where growers require effective soil loosening without the need to cultivate to maximum depth.
Third is the DEK PLOUGHSHARE for shallow cultivation:
This share is used where the main requirement is to address near-surface compaction or incorporate crop residues, the optional DEK ploughshare provides a shallower working alternative. Designed for operating depths of 10-15cm, this configuration loosens and mixes the upper soil layer, making it suitable for surface cultivation and residue management.
The ability to undertake shallower cultivation is especially valuable where deeper soil disturbance would offer little additional benefit.
The advantage of the Alpego cracker 3-in-1 concept is to provide full flexibility for farmers and contractors to select the share configuration that best matches soil conditions and the depth of the compacted layer all in one machine. Rather than relying on separate machines for shallower intermediate and deep cultivations.
All three share options can be fitted or removed in a matter of minutes with Alpego’s ALLFAST SYSTEM which allows for fast interchangeability between each share with the use of a quick release pin.
By matching the cultivation depth to the actual requirement, operators can potentially reduce unnecessary draft loads, fuel consumption and wearing part costs while avoiding excessive soil disturbance. this is particularly relevant where compaction varies between paddocks or where different soil types are encounted across a farming or contracting operation.
It is also important to recognise that soil loosening and drainage serve different purposes. Breaking through a compacted layer can improve water infiltration where the underlaying soil is sufficiently permeable. However, where deeper soils are naturally impermeable or existing drainage is inadequate additional drainage measures may still be necessary. For this reason, soil assessment should always determine whether the problem is caused by restrictive compacted layer, inadequate drainage or a combination of both.
The principle is simple: identify the compaction layer, select the appropriate share, and cultivate only as deep as necessary.
with the right soil assessment, suitable operating conditions and the versatility of the Alpego cracker – farmers and contractors can take am more considerable approach to soil management supporting healthier root systems, improved soil functions, and productive crop establishment’s.
ALPEGO machinery is distributed throughout New Zealand by OriginAg and supported by its Nationwide Agricultural Dealer Network – Refer to the Dealer page on our website for YOUR LOCAL DEALER.
OriginAg – Proudly importing and supporting the Alpego product range for over 20 years.
