Types of agricultural rollers and their applications
Cultivation rollers are available in various forms to address specific soil preparation requirements. Discussing all the types offered by Rolmako is impractical. Here are four examples of rollers:
- Ring roller (angle bar / V-ring) It is characterized by effective soil crumbling and consolidation. Scrapers between the rings prevent blockages. The optional EasyClean cleaning drag ensures field surface leveling and cleanliness between roller rings. It is ideal for dry and heavy soils and universal use.

- Crosskill roller It features toothed rings designed to break up clods, compact the soil, and minimize moisture loss. Each ring operates independently to prevent the working elements from becoming obstructed during use. Ideal for heavy and compact soils, it is not suitable for wet conditions.

- Rubber roller Equipped with rubber rings, it is typically a universal roller. It performs effectively on heavy and dry soils, as well as in no-plough sowing. The rubber roller enhances seed adhesion to the soil and, due to its large contact surface, it maintains stability during operation.

- Roller of steel rings 48-52 HRC Consists of a series of discs placed on a common axis, enabling effective crushing of soil clods and uniform surface compaction. The DD roller is particularly popular among farmers practicing conservation tillage and minimum tillage.

The importance of proper selection of the tillage roller
A well-selected roller enhances crop quality and boosts work efficiency and effectiveness. A proper cultivation roller retains soil moisture, preventing excessive drying. Selecting the right roller significantly impacts soil preparation for emergence. Evenly compacted layers promote faster germination and better plant development. Using the right roller reduces fuel consumption in agricultural machinery, lowering operating costs. Additionally, effective cultivation improves soil resource management, leading to savings in fertilization.

Selection of the cultivation roller for different types of soil
Light soils
Light soils are characterized by low molecular weight, abundant air spaces, and good water flow. They are rich in sand and have a loose, friable structure, preventing the formation of a compact, clayey mass.
In soils with low clay content, pipe and tire rollers are highly effective. These rollers gently press the soil, enhancing its structure and minimizing compaction.

Medium soils
Medium soils possess a balanced mix of sand, clay, and humus. Consequently, they retain water and nutrients while allowing water and air to pass through. For soils of moderate density, investing in a U-ring tandem or V-ring tandem is advisable. Their design achieves a balance between compaction and penetration, helping maintain soil structure.

Heavy soils
Heavy soils rich in clay components are characterized by high density and viscosity, complicating both cultivation and water permeability. These soils have a high clay content, contributing to their compact consistency. They are less permeable to water and air compared to light and medium soils. They can be sticky when wet and hard when dry. Steel ring, Packer, V-ring, U-ring, T-ring, and rubber rollers help enhance the structure of this type of soil.

Applications of cultivation rollers
The variety and specialization of cultivation rollers enable them to fulfill multiple tasks and purposes. Certain rollers, due to their construction and the characteristics of the materials used, are designed for specific cultivation purposes.

Pre-sowing cultivation
When selecting a rear cultivation roller for a machine used before sowing, it is essential to match it to the type of soil, crop, and the machine's specific requirements. The roller positioned at the rear of the machine before sowing plays a crucial role in preparing the optimal soil structure for emergence. Pre-sowing cultivation units are typically equipped with tire rollers for use on both light and heavy soils. Rubber rollers, Crosskill, and ORION perform well on fields with more compact soils.

Post-harvest cultivation
The roller used after harvest aims to prepare the soil for the next sowing, integrate plant residues into the soil and make the best use of their properties, and destroy weeds and certain pests. The roller that will best support the main tools of the cultivation machine will be a roller of steel rings 48-52 HRC. Its aggressive design will enhance the tillage effect during shallow plowing. Stubbling operations will be effectively carried out by all ring rollers with various ring shapes: V-ring, U-ring, and T-ring.

Additional tips regarding cultivation rollers
Stones – the presence of stones in the field can significantly influence the selection of an appropriate cultivation roller. Stones can cause damage, increase wear, or affect the quality of the roller's performance, making their consideration crucial when choosing cultivation tools. Rollers made of rubber and cast iron are unsuitable. A roller of steel rings 48-52 HRC is the most resistant option for stony cultivation fields.

Machine weight
Rollers vary in weight based on their design, materials, and diameter. For long-frame mounted machines, particular attention must be given to the tractor lift requirements and the front axle load of the tractor. Heavy cultivation rollers can exceed 200 kg per meter and, crucially, for certain types of cultivation machines, they can be positioned up to 4 meters away from the tractor lift.

Light soil
When configuring a tillage machine for light soils, the machine's weight must be considered, as it directly affects the pressure on the tilled soil. For large machines with a drawbar and their own chassis, the load-bearing capacity of the roller must be evaluated. Rollers with high load-bearing capacity are ideal; solid rollers, such as large-diameter tire rollers, are the best choice. Rollers with less contact with the tilled soil may sink in light soil, hindering tillage tasks.

Roller diameter
The roller's diameter correlates with its weight, which increases as the diameter enlarges. Rollers with diameters of 600 mm and above are less prone to blockages and offer a wider range of cultivation options on various soil types. For instance, the Packer roller from Rolmako is available in three different diameters: 470 mm, 550 mm, and 650 mm.

Summary
It is worth noting that there are various types of tillage rollers, such as ring rollers, string rollers, cast iron rollers, or rubber rollers, each tailored to specific soil conditions and crop types. The choice of the appropriate roller depends on the particular needs of the farm. Rollers can significantly enhance soil quality, increase yields, and improve overall crop management. Rolmako offers the largest range of rollers for tillage machines, available in various diameters, constructions, weights, and field properties.

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