The Farming Express | Page 7

Wipe Out for Weeds Consider the alternative to spraying weeds and you could be looking at a fast and far more cost-effective method of wiping them out. The concept of weedwiping was developed in New Zealand in the 1970’s and it offers a controlled method of targeting weeds. A weedkiller chemical is coated onto a carpet roller which is wiped across the weeds, applying chemical to the underside of the leaf. It’s an ideal method for paddock, pasture and turfcare, using much less chemical than spraying and, as it targets the vulnerable undersidepart of the weed leaf, it hits it where it hurts without killing grass or clover. The Wessex Weedwiper attaches to a standard ball hitch on an ATV, UTV or 4 x 4 and comprises a unique roller carpet mounted on a sturdy mainframe. There’s a large wheel at each end, one of which drives the roller rotation and the roller runs in the opposite direction to the travel of the Rotowiper to allow thorough coating of the underside of the leaf. The machine is height adjustable to ensure all weed types and growth stages are catered for. A reliable pump transfers chemical from the tank to the carpet, coating it evenly and thoroughly to ensure the weed receives the right amount of lethal chemical. To see the flow of chemical being applied to the carpet roller Wessex recommend adding a small amount of foam, such as Deva foam, to the chemical tank, allowing the operator a visual aid to regulate the amount of chemical being applied. More chemical is added by a simple switch controlled by the operator from the seat of the towing vehicle. The Wessex Rotowiper is available in a 2.4m width and can be used on any vehicle with a tow hitch. Wessex International 01264 345870 www.wessexintl.com