The new HIT 12.14 T

Larger farming operations, shorter harvesting windows and high expectations regarding forage quality are driving factors that mean grassland machines need to deliver more productivity at the same time as increasing working quality. To meet these demands Pöttinger has added the trailed HIT 12.14 T tedder to the top end of its product range.

Like its smaller brother, the 10-rotor HIT 10.11 T, optimised ground tracking, lowest possible forage contamination, perfect distribution quality and improved operating convenience were at the forefront of product development. In addition to best working quality, the new HIT 12.14 T also delivers higher productivity: With its 12 rotors and a working width of 12.70 m this machine offers a new dimension in performance.

Like on the HIT 10.11 T, the chassis wheels remain on the ground during operation at the headland as well as during transport. This has a number of advantages compared to competitors' tedder concepts: Firstly, no additional weight is applied to the tedder because the chassis is not folded upwards, meaning that the working height of the tines remains consistent. Optimum forage quality and durability of the machine is ensured as a result. Secondly, the chassis on the HIT 12.14 T enables the machine to be moved into a headland position. The large tyres combined with the chassis frame and ideal drawbar mounting provide additional smooth running and driving convenience in every situation. A lower linkage mounting system is also available for even better manoeuvrability. Mounted on the lower linkages, the HIT 12.14 T follows perfectly in the tractor's tracks. High transport speeds are possible thanks to this machine's smooth running and perfect folding mechanism for compact transport dimensions. The side under run guard folds up automatically to protect other road users. Both wheels on the chassis also function as 'over-sized' jockey wheels. These two large wheels guide the tedder perfectly over undulations in the ground. The position of the drawbar is irrelevant: regardless of whether the tedder is driving over a crest or through a trough, it will always follow the contours of the ground thanks to the position of the two large chassis wheels. Pöttinger makes no compromises when it comes to the ground tracking. Each rotor is mounted on its own jointed frame so that it can float over the terrain to guarantee clean forage. In the headland position the rotors are secured by a cylinder so that they are stabilized during manoeuvres.

The new HIT 12.14 T also features the unique "Liftmatic plus" system that raises the rotors into the headland position: A double cylinder moves the rotors into a horizontal position before raising them. This intelligent hydraulic control system prevents tines from contacting or penetrating the ground. Forage contamination is significantly reduced while increasing working quality - clean forage is the result. Liftmatic plus also reduces the weight on the tines and the power required to operate the machine, further increasing durability and productivity.

HIT Liftmatic plus

The headland lifting system provides excellent ground clearance, which makes the tedder much more manoeuvrable. Not only does this increase driver convenience, but also increases flexibility of the tedder in the field, when crossing drainage channels, for example. The working height is easily adjustable using a turnbuckle.

Pöttinger has adopted innovative technology from the HIT 10.11 T for the rotor units and booms. The bolted frame design with large cross-section tube frame is responsible for the highest stability. The rotor units are flanged on to the neighbouring frame segment using 6 bolts, while implementing the same rotor unit throughout the machine was also an important factor. Additional stability is ensured by the new guard design which is now a weight-bearing element. Sealed-lubricated single and double universal joints transfer power without play for extremely smooth running of the rotor transmissions. A power clutch enables the outer rotors to pivot by 180°. For fenceline-tedding, two rotors on the right-hand side can be hydraulically folded to the rear.

The heart of this machine is also formed by the DynaTech rotor. The rotor diameter of 1.42 m and the six new curved tine arms ensure optimum tedding quality and perfect ground tracking. The unique rotor geometry offers a range of advantages: forage cannot become caught or wrap around the tine arms. Forage is taken up easier and is subjected to less of a beating between the tine arms, meaning lower losses due to disintegration. This careful uptake is achieved by the sweeping arms that 'pull' the tines. And additional positive effect is that the tines are well protected, increasing durability. The proven, closed tine security system is also integrated into this model. The rotor plates have also been redeveloped so that the tine carrier arms are precisely positioned on the rotor plates and are also bolted to the hub. This guarantees increased stability at no increase in weight. The spreading angle can be adjusted on each rotor in three steps without extra tools. All rotors are equipped with 16 x 6.5-8 tyres which are even better protected from contamination thanks to a new design of wheel yoke.

With the HIT 12.14 T Pöttinger brings a new level of excellence in tedding to the market: innovative technology, highest productivity and optimum forage and ground protection at the same time.