Rotary Spader Model Guide

Description of Imants Spader Models:

When choosing a spading machine the following are some things to keep in mind:

These machines are relatively heavy and all of the weight is extended out behind the hitch, so the lifting capacity of your tractor is usually the limiting factor for what model machine you can use.
The horsepower ratings listed below are “engine horsepower” not “PTO horsepower”.

STANDARD SPADERS:

32 L Series:

L or light duty model, works down to 12”, available only in 4 foot working width. This model is intended for tractors under 25 hp and for working greenhouse or garden-type soils (no rocks or heavy clay). Average working speed 0.5mph, operates on 540PTO, delivered with or without power harrow.

27 Series:

Designed for compact tractors in the 30-70 hp range, available in 4, 5, or 6 ft working widths. Comes standard with power harrow and operates on 540 PTO. These spaders have a working speed of up to 2kph (1.2mph) @ 10-12” and can work down to a maximum of 14”. They are most suited for operations such as CSA’s, small organic growers, orchards, vineyards, market gardens, etc.

33 Series:

Works down to 14”, available in 7ft & 8ft working widths. Comes standard with power harrow and operates on 540 PTO. Requires tractor in the 65-85hp range, with a working speed of up to 2.5 kph (1.5mph). These models are most suited for medium-sized growers.

40 Series:

Working depth down to 20”, two available working widths of 5 and 8 ft. These models are most suitable for tree farms, fruit & vegetable growers, and perennial crops where deeper soil tillage is desired. Requires an average of 12-15hp per working foot and 540 or 1000 PTO, depending on model. Creeper gear, hydrostatic, or vario transmission required unless working only to medium depths (10-12”) and/or in lighter soil. Working speed range 0.2mph to 1.6mph.

**HIGHER-SPEED “REVOLUTION” SPADERS:**

(Do not require slower gearing/ground speeds)

38 Series:

This model replaced the 37 series with a newer frame design and upgraded drive train. Designed for tractors in the 100-150 hp range, available in 10 ft working width only. Comes standard with power harrow and operates on 1000 PTO. These spaders have an average working speed of 2.5mph @ 10-12” and are intended for medium-sized growers. The 38 series model will work approximately 2.5 acres per hour.

48 Series:

Designed for tractors in the 130-250hp range and available in 10 and 12ft working widths. Comes standard with power harrow and operates on 1000 PTO. These spaders have an average working speed of 3.5mph @ 10-14” and are suited for medium to larger-sized operations. The 12-foot model will work approximately 5 acres per hour.

58 Series:

Similar to the 57 Series, the 58 Series comes with a ground driven prisma roller or cage roller instead of a chain driven harrow. This allows the machine to be operated at 5.6 Mph in the correct conditions. These machines are designed for large operations with light to medium clay soils. The 58 Series is available in 12 or 15 ft working widths, and works 10-14 Inches deep.

DEEP SPADERS:

65 Series:

Working depth down to 32”, available in either 7.6 or 9ft working width. These spaders require tractors in the 220-270hp range and a creeper, hydro, or vario transmission. These models are not available with a power harrow, are 3-point hitch mounted, and used primarily for soil remediation, mixing of fragipan layers, or anywhere that a deep blending and thorough decompaction of soil strata is needed.

135 Series:

Working depth down to 56”, working width of 10ft. This spader requires a tractor in the 350 hp range, with creeper, hydro, or vario transmission. This model is pulled on tractor drawbar with its own carrier/lift system, weighs 11 tons, and is not available with a power harrow.