The Salford Independent Series: Our Go-To for Vertical Tillage
By: Derek Bontrager | Equipment Sales
Vertical tillage … it’s a phrase that has been tossed around quite a bit in the last decade. What is it? How does it work? Why would I use vertical tillage? These are all questions we frequently get asked.
For the last 20 years, Salford has been building and selling their Independent Series (I-Series) vertical tillage tools. These tools were one of the first true vertical tillage units on the market designed to manage residue in soil without ruining the soil structure. Salford originally accomplished this by mounting a rolling coulter on a coiled spring shank on a cultivator frame, known as the Coil-Tech Coulter.
The original machine was dubbed the Residue Tillage Specialist or RTS. Salford found they could run the machine at higher operating speeds (8-12mph) across fields and cover ground quicker than conventional tillage. Those higher speeds were achieved due to having coulter blades individually mounted, which helped with obstacle protection. The individual blades still had high weights per blade to keep them engaged in the ground while allowing obstacles (i.e., rocks) and residue to flow through in conditions that would create plugging issues on a conventional gang machine. An additional benefit was the vibrations caused by the independently mounted coulters creating a “jackhammer” effect and fracturing soil at double the coulter depth in the ground. This “jackhammer” effect allowed for improved water filtration, root development and soil oxygenation. This less invasive soil fracturing maintained good residue coverage while still preserving valuable topsoil and alleviating soil compaction.
Fast forward 20 years. Salford has replaced the original RTS with the I-1100 machine and several variations based on it. The I-1100 and I-1200 models come with 1¼” Coil-Tech Coulters and 20” diameter blades on either 7½” spacing (I-1100) or 5” spacing (I-1200). These machines are typically run in the spring for seedbed prep but can be run in the fall at up to 4” deep.
The I-2100 and I-2200 offer the 1⅝” Coil-Tech Coulter II with 22” diameter blades on either 7½” (I-2100) or 5” (I-2200) spacing. These machines are more for fall fieldwork as they tend to be heavier, but they can also be run in the spring for seedbed prep. Maximum fall depth is around 4½” while spring depth is usually no deeper than what the planter would run.
The I-4100 and I-4200 are offered as “hybrid vertical tillage” machines. They have two rows of rubber suspension-mounted concave blades in the front of the machine-mounted on a compound angle. These are followed with individually-mounted Coil-Tech II Coulters to assist with mulching and burying residue. These units are offered on 7½” (I-4100) and 5” (I-4200) coulter spacing. These machines are designed to be used for fall tillage and have produced excellent results in heavier soils. The compound angle of the front blades allows for soil to be cut and thrown upwards — rather than sideways like a disc or plow — to better mix and break down residue without creating a compaction-prone “plow layer.” The trailing Coil-Tech II Coulters still allow for true vertical tillage. Either machine can be used in the spring as well and have a similar effect as a soil finisher.
The final variation of the old RTS is the 5200 Enforcer. The 5200 is designed for high-speed primary tillage and comes with four rows of individually mounted concave blades. If you are looking to bury residue and level soil, this is the right tool for the job. It is designed to replace a tandem disc, rather than function as a vertical tillage machine. The 5200 does a great job of mixing residue throughout the soil profile rather than leaving a mat of residue under the soil. The compound angles on the blades cut and throw soil instead of dragging it sideways and rolling it over. This helps with two things: residue breakdown over the winter, and it gives the 5200 the ability to run 9 mph without ridging.
When asked about the I-Series Salford tillage machines our Salford rep, Jason Hinners, commented, “The common models in Iowa are the I-1200, I-2200 and I-4200. If I had to plant behind any tool, it would be an I-1200. It may not run quite as deep, but it still does a great job of fracturing soil while leaving an excellent seedbed.” Many of Salford’s customers might run I-Series for both fall and spring tillage. Jason also mentioned, “Many times we find that Salford I-Series tools can get into the field earlier when conditions may be marginal for conventional tillage machines.” This is due to Salford’s superior residue flow and resistance to residue plugging.
I-Series machines are offered in widths ranging from 12’ to 60’, depending on the model. Salford has tried to do a good job of matching the machine to the customer’s available horsepower. Some models also offer the availability of chisel or NH3 shanks for greater tillage or fertilizing ability. All I-Series machines offer 3 bar, ½” tine harrows with a 14” rolling basket following to help distribute residue. Harrow tines and rolling baskets can be adjusted to match field conditions.
If you’re interested in getting into vertical tillage or want to upgrade your equipment, the Salford Independent Series (catch them in action) is a great place to start. Please contact us with further questions or more information on any Salford tillage tools. We will be happy to find the right machine for your operation.
