2230 FLOATING HITCH FIELD CULTIVATOR

Technology should be simple to maximize full potential, autonomy shouldn’t be different. With autonomous farming solutions on the horizon, many customers are wondering what they should do to ensure the tillage equipment they are purchasing today will be READY to operate autonomously.

Autonomy Ready includes known and available integrated components, allowing customers to save time and money when adding the fully autonomous tillage solution hardware. The components included from the factory are:

• Implement lights
• Receiver mast
• Implement receiver harness

Please reference the chart below for model availability.

Universal StarFire™ 7500 receiver will need to be purchased separately for autonomous tillage operation.

As John Deere continues to develop the fully autonomous solution, additional requirements will be required. For the most up to date information on autonomy and additional key enablers, please visit the John Deere Autonomous Tillage Launch Center or John Deere Autonomy homepage. For more information on Autonomy Ready Large Tractors, please visit the Large Tractor Sales Manual.

At 16-km/h (10-mph) working speeds, the 2230FH can cover up to 34 ha (84 acres) per hour, enabling producers to size their implement for their unique productivity and agronomic needs.

The 2230FH is available in sizes ranging from 7.8 to 21.2 m (25.5 ft to 69.5 ft). Horsepower requirements range from 19.6-29.4 kW/m (8 to 12 hp-ft), depending on the soil, depth, and speed.

Three-section configurations

Five-section configurations

The 2230FH Floating Hitch Field Cultivator offers superior ground-hugging capability with precise depth and pressure control across all types of terrain. The floating hitch frame design enables this field cultivator to work independently of the tractor and follow the contour of the ground so the implement remains level. The 2230FH commands consistent depth from front to back and from side to side.

Thanks to an updated frame design that enables true 152-mm (6-in.) split-the-middle shank spacing, the 2230 Field Cultivators can maintain consistent depth and evenly cover the field to achieve an optimal seedbed and manage weeds.

Seedbed preparation

Even at high speeds and in tough field conditions, the TruPosition C-shanks with 91 kg (200 lb) of trip force minimize side-to-side movement and provide the operator better control of the soil profile for improved leveling capabilities.

These shanks provide a full tillage cut across the entire width of the implement. The shanks stay firmly planted in tough soils without quickly relieving. As a result, the soil is mixed completely and streaks are reduced. This helps producers maximize their productivity and create flat seedbeds for smooth planter operation and consistent seed depth.

Weed management

The even 152-mm (6-in.) split-the-middle shank spacing enables the 2230 Field Cultivator to minimize the potential of remaining strips of weeds that survive the tillage pass. With a field cultivator pass just prior to planting/seeding, the crop can emerge into a weed-free field that gives it the best chance to reach canopy ahead of the weeds.

If some weeds emerge and a post-emergence herbicide is needed, weeds should be smaller and easier to control. As a result, the field cultivator pass helps keep weed management costs under control and helps preserve crop yield potential.

Spacing options

152-mm (6-in.) shank spacing base equipment on the 2230LL and 2230FH.

Many knock-on, and s-tine sweep options are available to customize the 2230 Field Cultivators to perform well in a variety of field conditions.

John Deere’s high-productivity sweep options are recommended for the high-working-speed market and perform best at speeds of 11-16 km/h (7-10 mph). With a low profile and curved wing shape, the high-productivity sweeps provide low draft and consistent penetration while easily getting through tough and heavy residue. Compared to Tru-Width sweeps, high-productivity sweeps are designed to exert less draft and retain their shape for longer wear life so producers can stay productive in the field longer.

The high-productivity sweeps are only available in the knock-on Perma-Loc versions. They fit all 47-degree standards with 44-mm (1.75-in.) hole spacing and 11 mm (0.4375 in.) that currently take Tru-Width sweeps, both John Deere and other makes.

Sweep sizes

229-mm (9-in.) sweeps and 178-mm (7-in.) sweeps can both be utilized on a machine with shanks on 152-mm (6-in.) spacing. The decision between the two is dependent on soil type, operating speed, and the agronomic goal of the tillage pass.

• 229-mm (9-in.) sweeps – When weed management or weed removal is an important part of the tillage pass, a 229-mm (9-in.) sweep provides more of a cutting edge and can catch weeds that may bend around the wings of the 178-mm (7-in.) sweep.
• 178-mm (7-in.) sweeps – These sweeps provide enough wing width to maintain full-width tillage, but with less draft load than a 229-mm (9-in.) sweep. Less draft results in the shank maintaining a more consistent depth, especially at higher speeds, and less of a horsepower draw on the tractor. This will be most evident in harder, heavier soil types.

Knock-on sweeps

Perma-Loc utilizes a self-tightening ratcheting system for easy installation. Indentations formed in the sweep stem provide the spring clip with a locking surface. The adapter edge, sweep, and spring all act together to tightly lock the sweep to the shank. The operator simply pushes the sweep on by hand to the first notch (audible click). As the resistance is increased (ground engagement), the sweep progressively wedges tighter. The mounting design minimizes lost sweeps and wear on adapter.

Utilizing the removal tool to depress the spring through the stem access opening and a tap with a hammer easily releases the sweep from the adapter and spring.

Perma-Loc sweeps have the advantage of using a Tru-Width design for penetration, residue flow, and long life. The proven 47-degree sweep angle minimizes soil slabbing yet promotes soil movement. The narrow stem enhances excellent soil and residue flow. Stem geometry ensures soil flow over the spring access opening, effectively separating and lifting flow to a point higher on the shank. The force of soil flow is reduced on the shank, improving shank life.

Tru-Width sweeps with the Perma-Loc adapter can seamlessly move the high-productivity sweeps. The high-productivity sweeps use the current Perma-Loc adapter for 47-degree curved standard, N237614.

The ProFinish Leveling System offers a wide range of rear harrows to meet agronomic needs.

Depending on agronomic needs, producers have a choice of six rear harrow options included in the ProFinish Leveling System on the 2230 Field Cultivators.

Front-mounted active-hydraulic castering depth-control wheels come standard on the 2230FH Floating Hitch Field Cultivator’s centerframe and wings. These active-hydraulic castering wheels rotate a full 360 degrees and provide good stability at the front of the implement and facilitate excellent turning, reducing tire scuffing.

Working together with John Deere’s floating hitch, the active-hydraulic castering wheels help ensure level operation for the 2230FH as the implement is free to follow the contour of the terrain. This frame flexibility over rolling terrain provides more uniform depth integrity fore to aft for:

• Consistent sweep depth
• Thorough seedbed preparation through the entire width and length of the implement
• Consistent chemical placement and mixing 

The active-hydraulic castering wheels can be manually adjusted with a turnbuckle. TruSet™ with side-to-side leveling capabilities also enables operators to individually control wing depth and the castering wheels from the cab while on the go.

Low power lines and bridges can be a concern when transporting equipment. The 2230 Field Cultivator lineup includes regular- and low-transport configurations as a solution for transportation concerns.

The 12.95-m (42.5-ft) 2230FH folds like a five-section implement, but operates like a three-section implement. A small wing is added to these implements. This allows them to have an extra fold to achieve the tight and narrow transport dimensions. When the implement is unfolded for operation, the small, outer-wings lock rigid to allow for three-section operation.

Another advantage of the low-transport models is operation in uneven terrain. The low-transport models allow for the rigid wing to follow the contour of the ground.

The regular-transport model features an 18.44-m (60.5-ft) working width on a 4.6-m (15-ft) mainframe that allows for a lower transport height compared to the other 18.44-m (60.5-ft) configuration.