| Pick-model | Plastic Mulch Layer (4 feet), Plastic Mulch Roll (2400 feet), Drip Tape Layer Kit, Drip Tape Roll 1000 feet |
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Plastic Mulch Layer
OVERVIEWFEATURES
The Plastic Mulch Layer is yet another useful and simple attachment for small-scale farmers or professional growers. The unit handles 4-foot wide plastic mulch and is perfect for laying plastic mulch over 30” raised garden beds, provided that the beds are consistent in shape and size, and are not over 3” tall.
Compatible with models 749 and up, the Plastic Mulch Layer lays plastic mulch and simultaneously buries the edges of the plastic on both sides to keep it anchored to the soil. If used on 28” to 30” wide raised beds, the plastic will fully cover the top and sides of the bed and bury the plastic at the bottom. If laid flat, 36″- 40″ of plastic can be exposed.
Like any plastic mulch layer, this attachment performs differently in differing soil types, and needs to be adjusted accordingly. The “openers” (opens the furrows), “press wheels” (presses the plastic down into the furrows), and “closers” (close up the furrows to bury the plastic) are all easily adjustable. These 3 items must be adjusted in line with each other for proper performance. See accompanying photos for a visual aide.
A prerequisite is that the soil needs to be well-worked, dry, and level. Even with perfect soil conditions, the Plastic Mulch Layer typically requires some experimental adjustments to obtain optimal results. The adjustments must be equal on both sides of the unit. We recommend measuring the shanks on the openers, closers, and press wheels to confirm the settings are all equal.
This Plastic Mulch Layer is designed for use with a 2400′ roll of plastic for best handling. It includes a set of “plow openers”, which are used for flat-beds, and a set if disc-openers for use on raised beds. It also has a “floating” mounting hitch at the PTO connection point, allowing the unit to be steered slightly for course corrections. A Quick Hitch bushing must be installed on the tractor, since the unit’s mounting hitch has an integrated Quick Hitch tang. Plastic Mulch sold by BCS America is non-toxic and PVC-free.
Installing plastic mulch almost certainly requires the use of drip tape to provide water to the plants. The Drip Tape Layer Kit is available to simultaneously lay one row of drip tape under the plastic as it is being installed. If multiple lines of drip tape are required, the tape should be laid manually before the mulch is installed. A 1000′ Drip Tape Roll is also available, which features 4” emitter spacing.
To avoid installing the plastic mulch over wheel tracks, the tractor’s wheels need to straddle the bed. To straddle 30” wide raised beds, the tractor needs to have a set of 16” Wheel Extensions installed. A 5×12 minimum tire size is recommended for adequate ground clearance. For models 732, an additional axle spacer is required due to its axle design.
Wheel Weights may also be required to provide additional traction.
