Kverneland Helios

High quality with long lasting components

Double H-frame

The double H frame increases the penetration force by transferring the load to the ground-driven star wheels. Its sturdy concept provides safe transport on roads. The HELIOS is equipped with a standard Cat. II linkage.

Tandem star wheel bogie

Each star wheel with arm segment is protected by a spring or by hydraulics as an auto-reset system. The special shaped arm and the tandem bogie which is especially wear-resistant allows the lifting of the arm in case of obstacles. Due to the exclusively slim profile and curved shape, they carry out weed control with consolidation of the subsoil and aeration of the surface horizon. They pass cleanly in all conditions and even in mulch and stones. The angle of the stars always stay in the same position.

For each row, two star wheels are mounted individually as a bogie to perfectly follow the ground contour. The arm is fixed by the conical polymer ringed axle, no play or deformation of the axle possible, only a periodic tightening. It is wear-resistant and ensuring smooth and stable operation. The bearing has been designed for intensive use. Guides ensure perfect alignment of the stars in the driving direction, even with lateral stresses. At the same time, the short distance of the star wheels allow a combined work of both wheels and a stronger action onto the ground.

The Kverneland Helios offers extended options and benefits for cereals and row crops

The rotary driven star-wheel design of the rotary hoe, HELIOS, adapts to individual farming concepts and will be a good partner for a wide range of applications in spring and autumn. For successful weeding, the correct timing is of utmost importance and needs to be adapted to the soil conditions, the weed pressure and the machinery of the farm.

For all field conditions

... whatever the soil’s textures if stony or mulch condition

... in draught or after rain falls

... as aggressive as needed at lower but also higher speeds (6 to 15km/h)

... 3 to 6.4m working width with constant working depth

Weeding in wide range of crop establishment

... before emergence on bare ground as blind weeding,

... to 4 leaves-stage maize, cereals, beans etc.

... to 6-leaves stage sunflowers, Faba beans

Stimulating physico-chemical reactions and soil life

... supporting soil aeration and mineralisation

... protecting soil moisture

... loosening and crumbling again after rain falls and sun

... consolidation of the subsoil

... destroying of eggs and larvae e.g. of slugs as pest control

The cast-iron steel, ground-driven star wheels excel by the special back-of spoon design. Curved upwards, they work without digging by gravity. They lift the weeds particularly well whilst being gentle to the crop with no splashes or projections.

The special back of spoon design allows efficient penetration even in difficult soils without any blockages. For extremely crusted soil, there is the option of reversing the stars in the opposite direction.

In addition to the weed control, by tackling and disrupting the soil surface, the star wheels crack the upper topsoil. The stars and bearings are maintenance-free. The special shape of the stars makes them self-sharpening for intensive use.

The HELIOS can be equipped either with spring or hydraulic “Soft control” overload protection to ensure a constant working depth over the entire width.

With the hydraulic “soft control” system, the star wheel elements are provided with the same oil pressure for an even depth control over the entire working width independent of the surface. The Hydraulic linkage is positioned between the cylinders of each star wheel. Each element maintains the same ground pressure. Additional pressure can be applied on the star wheels.

With the mechanical version each arm is independent equipped with an infinitely adjustable mechanical spring system. The ground pressure setting (penetration force) is adjustable by tightening a nut on each element.

In addition to the two standard gauge wheels positioned in front of the middle frame bar, two optional gauge wheels can be fitted at the outer extensions. This will optimize the following of ground contour and ensure stability and a constant depth control, especially with larger working widths.

Depth setting is done mechanically via a scale for precise depth adjustment.

Parking legs

Original parking legs are delivered as standard for storage of the machine. The parking legs allow an easy and safe coupling and uncoupling to the tractor.

In order to ensure perfect levelling and to create an even weatherproof surface, Kverneland offers a single row following finger harrow in the final working zone. The rear-harrow operates over the entire working width of the HELIOS. The following harrow finishes the job and preserves the seedbed. It restores the fluids, water, air and stimulates physico-chemical reactions and soil life.

The following harrow supports the weed control as it uncovers and pulls out the uprooted weeds of the soil, leaving them on the surface to dry out in the sun. As the weeds are lighter than the soil particles thrown up, they fall more slowly and lie on top surface after passing over. They dry out quickly - regrowth is practically impossible. This is particularly important with rhizome and other weeds that could start growing again.

Moreover, the following harrow completes the cracking of the surface by the star wheels. By disrupting the topsoil’s upper layer the harrow restores the vertical flows, stimulates physico-chemical reactions and soil life.

The fingers bent at the end allow a progressive soil flow without the need of higher power requirement. The fingers are overload protected to avoid damage in stony or other difficult conditions. Individual springs ensure the releasing of the tines and keep levelling quality even in stony conditions.

The intensity of the harrow can be adjusted via two parameter for a perfect result:

• The angle of aggressiveness in three positions: smooth, medium and strong.
• The weight on the harrow, by a compressing spring for variable additional weight or a floating position.