Detail view

The design engineers attached a chassis with a large axle to the frame of the Terrano FM. Due to this front position the manouverability is excellent. We were, however, not able to check whether heavy following tools might cause a negative vertical load. The wheels have a large diameter and are inflated. The AS-profile is remarkable – it may not be "trendy", but it is functional. For the centre chassis can be used for depth control when the roller has been removed – due to its excellent self-cleaning effect and the intensive connection with the soil the AS-profile is perfectly suitable for this task. And this is what leads us to one of the main features of the FM design: The cultivator can optionally be used with or without a roller. This is more and more required by farmers who want to create a rough autumn seedbed with the cultivator. A heavy roller would be obstructive, especially in wet conditions and on clay soils. Moreover the danger of water erosion might increase. Therefore if the conditions dictate then the roller may be removed, if necessary, by means of undoing six flanges. This was not yet possible for our test model. The levelling discs as well as the six depth control cylinders remain on the cultivator, it really is only the roller that is removed.

Without the roller, the chassis together with the depth control wheels keeps the Terrano FM at the correct depth. To adjust the working depth, you have, however, to get off the tractor to be able to put the Horsch-typical clips on the two chassis cylinders as a depth stop. Thus, it is not so easy anymore to adjust the working depth while driving – at least if you want to work more deeply – or you work without clips relying on a constant visual check of the depth scale. To avoid leaving tracks when working without roller, there is one tine of the fourth row behind each of the two tyres - good.

With the Terrano FM we worked on a stubble field with varying soil conditions – from mild, slightly wet soil to wet loamy spots. Due to the changing weather in the summer of 2011 the stubbles already were quite brittle. The tractor we used was a Challenger MT765 with 355 hp which allowed for going at a speed of 14 km/h for a working depth of approx. 10 cm. At a working depth of approx 15 to 20 cm the soil type allowed for a speed of 7 to 10 km/h – even with wings. Horsch indicates a hp requirement for the Terrano 6 FM starting at 240 hp. This is sufficient on light, sandy soils for working depths of up to 15 cm. On heavier soils you should use a tractor with 350 hp. Those who want to loosen the soil at a working depth of 25 or 30 cm, should better use a tractor with 400 to 450 hp for a working width of 6 m – that sounds a lot, but about 70 hp per metre working width is a standard requirement for loosening.

We were highly pleased with the result. The incorporation of the straw on the surface was very even, the soil leveling was excellent. We liked the fact that the double RollFlex packer leaves a slightly opener, looser surface. The compaction effect begins at a depth of approx. 3 to 4 cm depending on the soil and was completely sufficient under the test conditions. We do not know, however, if its mode of operation can also cope with very heavy soils with minutesoil character. On these soils the Farm-Flex packer with closed V-ring profile might be preferable.

What we noticed additionally:

• Instead of annular plates there are gear wheels in the middle for levelling. This is to avoid ridges as the discs converge at this point.
• The design of the RollFlex rollers has been slightly revised. A profile is to increase the stability of the individual elements. Moreover, there are now ridges which the rings can hook into in case of stones to avoid bending.

Quick summary

The Horsch Terrano FM is a mediumweight, 4-bar cultivator. Thus, it is on
one level with the Köckerling Vector, the Väderstad Cultus and the Amazone Centaur Super. In this line it is at the moment the only one with a removable roller which can be used to create a rough autumn seedbed. Without the roller the depth is controlled by two transport wheels which are not to smear even in wet conditions due to the ASprofile.

Working quality: Very good mixing, excellent levelling and high clearance. The consolidation work done by the double RollFlex packer begins approx. 3 to 4 cm below the soil surface.

Handling: The optional hydraulic depth control increases the ease of adjustment. The leveling discs only have to be adjusted in case of more considerable modifications of the working depth. To avoid jamming, the adjusters have to be adjusted alternately.

Power requirement: Low hp requirement despite a narrow tine spacing of 28 cm. For a working width of 5.90 m, however, you should not use a tractor under 300 hp. At a working depth of 15 cm downwards 350 hp are the minimum requirement.

Functionality: Flexible use due to removable roller. Wide range of working depths, but in case of deep loosening the tight tine spacing increases the power requirement.