Mechanical weed control in-crop is usually reserved for row crops, but Bourgault Tillage Tools wants to change that with the company’s introduction of the BTT Weed Clipper.
Designed to drive in to any growing crop, at any stage, the weed clipper is essentially a suspended mower that clips and mulches weeds growing above the crop canopy, from as low as 4″ high, to as high up as 46″.
As Joseph Bourgault of Bourgault Tillage Tools explains in this video below, the weed clipper targets those tall weeds that tower above the crop canopy, such as wild oats, thistles, and wild mustard (hello velvetleaf out east!), to help eliminate seed heads that show up before you can get in to harvest the crop.
Bourgault says that the unit — a great fit for organic systems — works well in lentils, flax, and peas, where the crop is much less competitive, but the height range of the machine makes it useful in cereal crops, as well.
At 50 feet wide, Bourgault says the PTO-driven machine is quick and efficient. It was also built using common parts so it’s easy to service and maintain.
Bourgault says the BTT Weed Clipper is in its sixth year of prototype testing, with three commercial units currently in the field. The company hopes to double that for next year.
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