Plastic mulch layer for subcompact?

[Lilou]

Hello to all,
I've been trying to find a plastic mulch layer to use on a 23HP sub-compact tractor (MF). I am wondering if the Rain-Flo model 345 series II could be pulled by my small tractor? or the Mechanical Transplanter layer model 90? I was told that I cannot have the bedder attachement, just the layer, since my 23HP won't be able to pull it. but I would love to have raised beds/rows, 3 feet wide only.

Rain-Flo Mulch Layer Model 345 Series II for flat beds > Mulch Layer (Dubois Agrinovation)

I live in southern Quebec, my land is all black earth, no rocks (just old decaying cedars come out). Around here they do have these layers/bedders, but they seem huge for my little red tractor!

Do I need a "special" size layer? do they even exist? I've searched the archives but I haven't found much on these attachements.

I have learned a lot from this list! I have only had my tractor for 2 years and have found many helpful hints on how to use it

 

[Agrinovation]

Hi Lilou,

I work for Dubois Agrinovation and I saw your question on the utilisation of a 23 HP tractor with the Rain Flo Model # 345 or Mechanical Model # 90. Our machinery specialist assures me that your tractor will be able to pull these 2 models with the bed attachment.

On the other hand, you are mentioning that you would love to have high beds, please note that Models # 345 and # 90 do not make high beds. You would need Rain Flo # 2550 or # 2600 but you would need a tractor with 4 drive wheels with an engine of 80 HP minimum.

If you wish, we can continue this discussion by phone or via this forum.


Best regards,

 

[Lilou]

Thank you for your response.

Ok, so that means no raised beds for me and my 23HP - even though it has 4WD but far from 80HP!

Right now I have rototilled a 4-foot wide row in between grass rows. I would like to have 3 feet wide of plastic to plant into. Is 4 feet wide enough for the layer to install the plastic or do I need to give it more working space?

I may go to the store today to see you

 

[Luremaker]

Thank you for your response.

... Right now I have rototilled a 4-foot wide row in between grass rows. I would like to have 3 feet wide of plastic to plant into. Is 4 feet wide enough for the layer to install the plastic or do I need to give it more working space?...

Are you installing irrigation pipes under your plastic?

 

[Lilou]

By irrigation pipe, do you mean the "drop-by-drop" water line that I can install at the same time as the plastic with the layer or sub-drainage pipes?
Actually last year I installed drainage pipes and am thinking of installing the "drop-by-drop" line under the plastic but I don't know what it takes to connect it to my water line (yet) and if it is cost-effective for the small garden we have this year. I imagine that if I don't have the water line under that I will have to go to each hole and water each plant individually.

 

[MarkV]

It looks to me like that 345 model you linked is 790 lbs and sets pretty far back from the 3pt arms. You may be able to pull it but can you lift it with a sub-compact?

MarkV

 

[Agrinovation]

Yes, it is possible to lay 3’ plastic mulch on a 4’ ground but you need to be a good driver because you don’t have a lot of spare space (only 4’’)

 

[Agrinovation]

By irrigation pipe, do you mean the "drop-by-drop" water line that I can install at the same time as the plastic with the layer or sub-drainage pipes?
Actually last year I installed drainage pipes and am thinking of installing the "drop-by-drop" line under the plastic but I don't know what it takes to connect it to my water line (yet) and if it is cost-effective for the small garden we have this year. I imagine that if I don't have the water line under that I will have to go to each hole and water each plant individually.

Drip tape is very efficient for the following reasons:

• Crop uniformity
• Distribute your fertilizer
• Reduce your workload
• Save water
• Not expensive

In addition, it can be layed at the same time as your plastic mulch, if you add a drip tape attachment to the Rain Flo Layer Model # 345.

Looking forward meeting you.

 

[Agrinovation]

It looks to me like that 345 model you linked is 790 lbs and sets pretty far back from the 3pt arms. You may be able to pull it but can you lift it with a sub-compact?

MarkV

You are right!

On the other hand, by putting weight in front of the tractor you will not have problem to raise Rain-Flo mulch layer 345, but you need a good 3 hitch point.

 

[Luremaker]

Thank you for your response.

Ok, so that means no raised beds for me and my 23HP - even though it has 4WD but far from 80HP!

Right now I have rototilled a 4-foot wide row in between grass rows. I would like to have 3 feet wide of plastic to plant into. Is 4 feet wide enough for the layer to install the plastic or do I need to give it more working space?

I may go to the store today to see you

How long will your beds be? If your not planting too much why not simply stretch the plastic by hand. I am sure that with a few helpers you can lay a lot of plastic mulch in a few hours.