K-Line specialist models now play a vital role in handling heavy stubble or as the best method to control weeds with the TrashCutter® and Speedtiller®
As harvest draws to a close, growers are already turning their attention to the next phase: managing crop residue and preparing paddocks for the season ahead.
With tight turnaround times and increasingly variable conditions, the machinery used in this window can have a lasting impact on soil health and productivity.
The approach to post-harvest ground prep varies depending on conditions, but for those dealing with dry stubble, a residue cutter is often the first implement out of the shed.
In wetter paddocks or where mulch is heavier, disc tillage becomes the preferred option.
Wade Smith, Product & Portfolio Manager – Crop Production – CNH Australia New Zealand, said the shift toward more strategic residue management is being driven by both seasonal variability and a growing focus on soil health.
“We’re seeing more growers thinking about what their paddocks need, not just in terms of clearing residue but in setting up the soil for the next crop,” Wade explains.
“That might mean cutting and spreading dry stubble to preserve structure or incorporating heavier material to improve nutrient cycling.”
Developed by K-Line Ag, TrashCutter® is one such tool designed for dry conditions. It uses a high-speed rotating drum to slice through tough residue like wheat and corn stalks, helping to break down organic matter without disturbing the soil profile.
For growers working within no-till or minimum-till systems, it’s a way to manage surface trash while maintaining the benefits of reduced soil disturbance.
The TrashCutter® is also designed to improve the uniformity of residue distribution across the paddock, which can help reduce blockages during sowing and support more even germination.
“Residue left unmanaged can create issues with pests, disease, and even sowing efficiency. But overworking the soil isn’t the answer either. That’s where tools like the TrashCutter® come in to strike a balance,” Wade adds.
In contrast, when conditions are wetter or the residue load is heavier, incorporation becomes the priority. The Speedtiller Powerflex® is a disc tillage machine designed to handle those scenarios.
It chops and mixes residue into the soil, lifts and aerates the ground, and leaves a level finish – all in a single-pass.
Wade said the Speedtiller® is particularly useful in seasons where headers have struggled with bulky crops or where uneven residue spread has created patchy ground cover.
“Using a header to manage residue can slow down harvest and increase yield loss,” Wade continues.
“Tillage gives growers a way to reset the paddock, reduce compaction, improve water infiltration, and get nutrients back into the soil where they’re needed.”
The Speedtiller® is engineered with a heavy-duty frame and high-clearance design, allowing it to handle large volumes of residue without clogging.
Its independently mounted discs provide consistent penetration and mixing, even in challenging soils, while the adjustable working depth and pressure controls give operators the ability to fine-tune performance on the move.
It also allows operators to adjust disc and roller pressure dynamically, which is useful when working across variable soil types. That flexibility extends to incorporating soil amendments like lime or gypsum, which can be evenly distributed during the same pass.
“Being able to do multiple jobs at once is a big advantage,” Wade adds. “It’s not just about efficiency, it’s about making sure the soil is in the best possible shape for the next crop.”
K-Line Ag machinery is manufactured in Australia and built with local conditions in mind. Their design reflects the reality that no two paddocks – or seasons – are the same. For growers, that means having options that can be tailored to the job at hand.
As the post-harvest window opens, the focus is on making the most of the time available. Whether that means slicing through dry stubble or incorporating heavy mulch, the right tool can help set the tone for the season ahead.
“Ground prep isn’t just a box to tick,” Wade concludes. “It’s a chance to improve soil structure, manage risk, and give the next crop the best possible start.”
Catch up with the K-Line Ag breakthrough in trash and stubble management by scanning the QR code on your mobile.
See more about the K-Line Ag TrashCutter® and Speedtiller® on this link.
K-Line Ag TrashCutter® specifications
K-line Ag Speedtiller® specifications
Please note that specifications can change at any time without notification
