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OPICO Sward Lifter behind a New Holland tractor

SWARD LIFTER

Extended grazing period icon

Many farms suffer from poor quality swards even if they plough and re-seed regularly. Furthermore, farms are using ever larger machinery on their grassland which brings with it an increasing problem of compaction.

The Sward Lifter is designed to alleviate compacted layers in the soil, opening up the subsoil to improve drainage and air interchange without significant damage to the productive sward. Waterlogged ground prevents grass growth and spring operations such as slurry and muck spreading, harrowing, fertilising and overseeding.

It also means livestock cannot be put out to graze which in turn effects forage requirements and productivity. The Sward Lifter, with its rugged construction, is specifically designed to break up hard pans and surface compaction while lifting and opening up the subsoil creating improved aeration and drainage.

Sward Lifter working widths icon
GRANT ELIGIBILITY

As application deadlines have ended, now is the time to secure your purchase!

Grassland Sward Lifter

FETF 2024 Grant Eligible Banner

FETF112 - Grassland Sward Lifter.

Eligible Item: Sward Lifter

Item must:

  • be a grassland sward lifter
  • have 3 minimum legs
  • have adjustable depth control to a minimum 300mm
  • have a cutting disc in front of each leg that cuts to a minimum 50mm depth
  • have a packing roller behind each leg
  • have a shear bolt or mechanical reset on each leg

Percentage paid towards item: 50%

Percentage based on RPA expected average cost of item

Full details

If you're interested in this machine, the first step is to apply for the eligible machine before the 17th April 2024. Secondly, once you have your application approved, and you’ve accepted your offer, the next step is to purchase the item/machine.

If your application for the above machine is successful, then speak to your local OPICO dealer in good time, to ensure timely delivery before the end of the claim window which is midday on the 10th January, 2025. Find your local OPICO dealer here.

Subsoiler

Investment item: Subsoiler

Eligible Item: Sward Lifter

Specification:

  • minimum working width of 2.7m
  • minimum two legs
  • cutting disc preceding each subsoil leg
  • rear roller for consolidation
  • depth control

The grant will be a maximum 40% contribution against actual invoiced costs up to the maximum referenced costs as stated within Annex A.

Full details

If you're interested in this machine, the first step is to apply for the eligible machine before the 16th April 2024. Secondly, once you have your application approved, and you’ve accepted the contract within 30 calendar days of the offer date and adhered to all the requirements, the next step is to purchase the item/machine.

If your application for the above machine is successful, then speak to your local OPICO dealer in good time, to ensure timely delivery within 6 months of the submission of the claim. Find your local OPICO dealer here.

 


 

BEFORE AND AFTER SWARD LIFTING
Sward Lifting - before and after comparison images

The untreated area photo (before) shows the top layer of the soil is water logged. The compacted layer is preventing the water from passing though.

In the treated photo (after) you can clearly see the water has been able to penetrate through the top layer and down through the soil profile.

Sward Lifting prevents water logging in the winter and allows oxygen into the grass root zone. As the grass is not put under water logging stress through the winter it is able to take advantage of warmer days and starts to grow earlier in the spring.

 


 

FEATURES & BENEFITS

Shearbolt & Auto Reset

Leg Protection on OPICO Sward Lifter

Leg protection is provided by either shearbolts or a hydraulic reset system to prevent damage from large obstacles under ground.

Legs & Points

OPICO Sward lifter legs and points

The front of the leg has a replaceable, reversible shin.
Two cast steel point options consist of the 6cm standard and a 25cm winged point to suit all conditions and soil types.


 

Trailed Cutting Discs

Trailed Cutting Disc on OPICO Sward Lifter

The “opening” cutting disc is mounted on a spring-loaded trailing arm allowing it to trip out of the way of obstacles more easily. This cutting disc slices through the grass sward, preventing damage and soil burst on to the surface.

The cutting discs are bolted on to the frame allowing the operator to improve the alignment with the sward lifter leg. The bolted on trailed cutting disc can also be mounted in a high or low position to maintain maximum strength whatever the working depth, whilst the box section also allows space for a screw spindle depth adjuster which incorporates a depth marker scale for improved accuracy. 

Simple Depth Adjustment

Simple Depth Adjustment on OPICO Sward Lifter

All machines come as standard with a pin adjustment system to control the depth of the leg and the pressure on the rear spring-loaded press roller.


The depth adjustment system controls both the depth of the leg and the pressure of the spring-loaded press roller. Each roller is individually spring loaded to close the slot and level the surface.


 

Press Rollers

Press Rollers on OPICO Sward Lifter

Individual spring loaded depth rollers with a pin adjusted sliding depth sleeve follows each leg to close and level the surface leaving your field ready for use.

Bolt-on Headstock Connection

OPICO Sward Lifter bolt-on headstock

The three-point linkage frame allows for a bolt-on Cat lllL headstock connection (optional Cat ll bushes).

Anti-rotation design linkage pins are also included.

 


 

SWARD LIFTER MODELS

OPICO Sward Lifter Shearbolt model

OPICO Sward Lifters are offered in three working widths. The 2.7m and 3m working width models are non-folding, rigid, whilst the 4.5m working width model is hydraulic-folding, allowing it to have a transport width of 3m.

The shearbolt protected leg prevents damage to the machine. OPICO Sward Lifter are available with either shearbolt leg protection or hydraulic reset leg protection (seen below).

 

Non-folding - Shearbolt 

Model No. Working Width Transport Width No. of Legs Weight HP
13WBG-3 2.7m 2.7m 3 900kg 100+
13WBG-5 3.0m 3.0m 5 1190kg 120+

 

Hydraulic Folding - Shearbolt 

Model No. Working Width Transport Width No. of Legs Weight HP
13WBGH-5 4.5m 3.0m 5 1815kg 140+

 

Options & Accessories

Part No. Description
63990267 Wing point
63990266 6cm Chisel point

 

OPICO Sward Lifter Hydraulic Reset model

OPICO Sward Lifters are offered in three working widths. The 2.7m and 3m working width models are non-folding, rigid, whilst the 4.5m working width model is hydraulic-folding, allowing it to have a transport width of 3m.

The hydraulic reset protected leg prevents damage to the machine and automatically resets the leg to its working position, on the move. OPICO Sward Lifter are available with either shearbolt leg protection (seen above) or hydraulic reset leg protection.

 

 

Non-folding - Hydraulic Reset

Model No. Working Width Transport Width No. of Legs Weight HP
13WBG-3H 2.7m 2.7m 3 1245kg 100+
13WBG-5H 3.0m 3.0m 5 1670kg 120+

 

Hydraulic Folding - Hydraulic Reset

Model No. Working Width Transport Width No. of Legs Weight HP
13WBGH-5H 4.5m 3.0m 5 2460g 180+

 

Options & Accessories

Part No. Description
63990267 Wing point
63990266 6cm Chisel point

 

SWARD LIFTER BROCHURE

Check out our latest brochure by clicking the image below, download is available. 

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