A well-configured seedbed cultivator should have its working sections in the correct sequence: first to level the field, then to loosen and break up the topsoil, and finally to condition and consolidate the seedbed. In practice, what matters is the right combination of sections: the type of tines, a drag or another levelling tool, a roller, and additional equipment, e.g. tractor wheel track eradicators. The tines are primarily responsible for loosening the soil, while the drag and roller are for levelling, breaking up clods, and final seedbed preparation.

It is best to choose a seedbed cultivator based on whether the soil primarily requires levelling, shallow loosening, clod breaking, or more intensive conditioning before sowing.

• On light and even soils, a simpler configuration with a drag, spring tines, and a roller suitable for light soil is usually sufficient (e.g., the Rolmako Seedbed cultivator U382 with a front levelling drag instead of a front roller).
• For heavier, compact, or cloddy soils, a more advanced cultivator with a more robust tine section, a levelling drag, and a roller with greater clod-breaking capabilities will be more effective (e.g., the Compact seedbed cultivator U684).

It is best to start by considering the tractor's power when choosing a working width, but you should not rely solely on a simple metres-per-horsepower calculation. A lighter 3 m cultivator, for example, might only require around 80–90 HP, while a heavier agricultural machine of the same width could need a much larger power reserve. You must be particularly cautious with two-wheel-drive tractors, as problems can arise not only with traction but also with the lift capacity, lifting the agricultural machine, and handling the combination on headlands. The farm's size also matters: the larger the acreage and the shorter the weather windows, the more a wider working width makes sense. Sometimes it's better to choose a slightly narrower cultivator (e.g., 2.7 m instead of 3 m) and operate at the correct speed, rather than using a machine that is too wide and pushing the tractor to its limits.

For a pre-sowing cultivator, the roller should be chosen according to the soil type. On light soils, Pipe rollers or Tire transport rollers are often selected, as they guide the machine and provide moderate soil compaction. On heavier, dry, or cloddy soils, rollers with a stronger crumbling effect, such as the Crosskill, Packer, ring, or ORION prismatic roller, perform better.

• A mounted cultivator is a good choice for small and medium working widths, when the tractor has sufficient lift capacity and the farm requires a manoeuvrable combination, especially if the fields are highly fragmented into various plots.
• A semi-mounted cultivator is preferable for larger widths and heavier configurations, as it transfers part of its weight to its own running gear. This makes transport easier, reduces the load on the linkage, and improves the stability of a larger setup.

The difference lies in their scope of work. A pre-sowing cultivator prepares the soil before sowing: it levels the field, breaks up clods, loosens the topsoil, and prepares the seedbed. A seedbed cultivator combines soil preparation with the work of a seeder, allowing cultivation and sowing in a single pass. This can be done with, for instance, tine or disc cultivators featuring a coupler for a seeder, or with a compact seedbed combination like the Rolmako Air Seeder Machine OptiCrop (pneumatic seed drill with cultivator). The choice depends on whether you just want to prepare the field before sowing, or immediately combine that operation with seeding.

A seedbed cultivator should work shallowly, typically at a depth close to or slightly deeper than the planned sowing depth. The aim is not deep loosening but to prepare a level, finished layer in which the seeder can stably place the seeds. Working too deep can needlessly dry out the soil, increase draught, and result in poor field levelling.

The working speed should ensure the cultivator runs stable, provides good clod-breaking, and creates an even soil finish. Travelling too slowly can weaken the working effect, while going too fast can worsen agricultural machine handling and depth control. In practice, the best way to set the speed is to perform a short trial in the field and evaluate the result behind the cultivator.

A single pass will only be effective if the machine is well-suited to the soil type, field conditions, and prior cultivation. It is best to start by assessing the field: is the soil sufficiently moist, are there no large clods, and has previous tillage left a level surface? If the field is very uneven, wet, or extremely cloddy, one pass might not be enough to achieve a good result — in which case it is better to adjust the timing or settings.

The ideal conditions are moderately moist soil that has been prepared by prior cultivation. The soil should not smear or stick to the machine, but it should not be extremely dry and cloddy either. The field should be pre-levelled, with no deep ruts or significant unevenness. In such conditions, the cultivator will find it easier to break up clods, level the field, and prepare an even seedbed.

A properly adjusted seedbed cultivator should level the surface, break up clods, shallowly loosen the seedbed layer, and compact the soil beneath the seeds. If the field is level after a pass and the seedbed is stable, the cultivator has done its job. Such soil, characterised by optimal proportions of air and water spaces due to stable aggregates of mineral-organic particles, is called a crumb structure. This is the most desirable soil condition as it provides ideal conditions for root development and promotes the activity of beneficial microorganisms.

The problem usually stems from machine settings or variable conditions in the field. To start, check:

• the levelling of the cultivator,
• the top link setting,
• the depth adjustment,
• the operation of the roller or support wheels,
• the operating speed.

If the cultivator still works unevenly despite adjustments, the cause may be soil that is too hard, ruts, or large differences in soil moisture across the field.

The most common causes are the cultivator's operation not being intensive enough, or the soil being too dry and heavily cloddy. Start by checking:

• soil moisture,
• working depth,
• operating speed,
• the drag setting,
• the choice of roller.

The problem can stem from several factors. Usually, it's soil that is too wet, a large amount of crop residue, working too deep, or insufficient material flow through the machine. To start, check:

• soil moisture,
• the amount and shredding of residues,
• working depth,
• travel speed,
• the clearance between working sections.

If the problem persists, an agricultural machine with a more open design may be needed for such conditions.

A cultivator can dry out the soil if it works too deep, too intensively, or too far ahead of the sowing date. You should:

• limit the depth to the seed layer,
• avoid unnecessary passes,
• adjust the settings to prepare the soil without loosening it excessively.

The most common culprits are poorly adjusted or too shallowly working track eradicators. You need to check if the eradicators:

• are positioned directly behind the tractor wheels,
• are working at the correct depth,
• do not have worn working elements.

If the tracks remain or are very deep, the cause may be soil that is too wet or excessive pressure from the tractor on the ground.

The problem usually stems from the settings if it improves after changing the depth, speed, levelling, or adjusting the roller and drag. If the cultivator continues to work unevenly, clogs up, or fails to break up clods despite adjustments, it may be unsuitable for the soil type, moisture level, or amount of residue. In such a situation, it is worth consulting Rolmako advisors about the configuration.