The flexible tine harrow was introduced into American in 1947. Myron Fuerst, a U.S. cattle producer, discovered the harrow in England where it was harrowing pastures and aerating grasses. The harrow consisted of a drawbar and a mat of double tines, in 4-foot sections, that would contour to the soil, level, interseed, spread manure and fertilizers; and it would also allow roots more air and water. This type of harrow, over the years, has been called by many names — chain harrows, drag harrows, flexible harrows, pasture harrows, etc.

Turf producers have used the harrow for many years with beneficial results. However, the drawbar concept has created problems such as rolling residue in certain conditions, inability to easily transport the harrow, and not being able to mount it on other implements. That is where we come in.

Wingfields is a third-generation family business that has been selling high-quality equipment for over 50 years. We have sold the flexible harrow for over 30 years, and manufactured our own harrow for the last 15 years. We have designed frames (from 5’-50’ wide) which give the producer full control of the harrow. Whether you need a 3-point frame, a pull-type cart, or a mounted harrow, we have what you need.

We have introduced a new stretch frame which controls the harrow height above the ground or turf. We use 1-1/4" schedule 80 pipes on both front and rear. This allows the harrow to be stretched taut. We also place another bar across the center of the harrow to remove any sag in the mat. This will hold the tines at the top of the turf without disturbing the thatch. This is especially useful when you have piles of grass clippings during wet conditions. The harrow with the tines freely swinging will spread the clippings much faster than mowing will. The new design also improves the harrows’ performance in preparing seedbeds and incorporating seed by positioning all of the tines at a uniform angle and depth.

With the pipes installed front and rear, it is very easy to reverse the harrow tine angles if a smoother surface is desired.

Several producers in North Carolina have eliminated their seeders, and replaced them with 1000 lb. capacity pendulum spreaders and the Wingfield Flexible Harrow. The seedbed is prepared with the Wingfield harrow, which firms and levels the soil with little compaction, leaving the surface loose to receive seed. The pendulum spreader broadcasts the seeds in a uniform, rectangular pattern. The seed must then be incorporated at least twice with the Wingfield harrow. Some producers have cut their rate of seed up to 1/3!

The Wingfield harrow is mounted or pulled behind cultipackers, discs, chisels, or field cultivators to level, break up clods, and firm the soil. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (800) 637-6712.

Remember: When your harrow is mounted on a Wingfield frame you control the harrow - a harrow on a drawbar controls you!

 

-Dean Wingfield

©2006