Rotary Tiller and Moldboard Plow Performance

The relative performance of a moldboard plow, vertical shaft rotary tiller (Civello plow), and a rotary spading machine (Rotaspa) were measured in three soil types at a range of speeds. In one soil type the degree of soil breakup was measured and the input energy to the implement compared to the energy required to break up the soil by a drop shatter method. This enabled determining an “efficiency” of each tillage tool.

The comparative energy input, work done, and the mean-weight diameter of soil created by the three tillage tools at a range of speeds is reported.