From challenge to solution – Tiger SL
#HORSCHtogether
A political decision presented two farmers with a challenge and made them realign their tillage method. Harald Schauer and Wolfgang Kammerer report how they found the solution: the Tiger SL.
The Innviertel region in Upper Austria is a traditional maize-growing region. Annual rainfall between 800 and 1,200 mm, small-scale farming, and stable yields characterize arable farming in the region. Wolfgang Kammerer runs an arable farm, including the breeding and fattening of pigs, while Harald Schauer runs a pure arable farm with contract combining. Their fields touch – this is how the two got into contact. In 2017, they decided to share machinery. "We virtually combined the two farms in spring and autumn. One of us is responsible for tillage, the other one for seeding. This saves setup times and increases productivity," Wolfgang Kammerer describes the concept. Both farms have a high share of grain maize (around 50 %) in their crop rotation which is very typical for the region. They also grow sugar beet, poppy, barley, rapeseed, pumpkins, and soybeans.
Alternative to the plough
For many years, the plough was an indispensable machine. "We basically ploughed everything because we didn't have the appropriate cultivator technology, and we repeatedly had problems with regard to incorporating crop residues properly - especially with grain maize," Wolfgang Kammerer says. A political regulation then made them rethink their strategy. Since 2023, the regulation has been in place: only 20 % of the land may lie fallow over the winter. This was a real challenge for the maize-growing Innviertel region. "We were forced to find solutions. We wanted to replace the plough, but we needed a cultivator that could handle our maize residue," Harald Schauer remembers. The solution was to be a machine that could reliably incorporate residues while being manoeuvrable on small fields.
Their sales partner, the Wölfleder company, introduced them to HORSCH, and the two farmers tested possible alternatives. "The Tiger MT worked very well. However, the trailed technology is less suitable for our small-scale fields. But we immediately liked the Tiger SL with 3-point linkage," Wolfgang Kammerer explains.
Compact and manoeuvrable
The compact design of the Tiger SL perfectly suited the requirements of both farms. "The cultivator is manoeuvrable – exactly what we need on our fields," Harald Schauer emphasises. The machine can also be used easily with the existing tractor powers of 200 to 250 hp. "The concept of the 2-bar frame is very good because the weight is well in the front. This means we can also drive with smaller tractors without any problems," Wolfgang Kammerer adds.
The Tiger is mainly used for primary soil cultivation - especially in grain maize residue or for deep loosening before greening. "We worked at depths of 30 cm and sometimes 34 cm to achieve intensive loosening to at least plough depth. We carry out stubble cultivation with the Cruiser, while the Tiger with its four bars intensively mixes the straw, thus replacing the plough," Wolfgang Kammerer adds. "We are currently using the LD points," Harald Schauer states. “They mix well, and the horsepower requirement is relatively low. Thus, they are the optimal solution for our soil conditions.”
Appropriate technology
A decisive factor on the path to the new Tiger SL was the close co-operation between sales partner, farmer, and manufacturer. "This triangle relationship is unique. We've never experienced anything like it before," Harald Schauer says. HORSCH's practical approach also created confidence: "The company has massive advantages because they farm their own fields and see exactly what works and what doesn't," he adds.
Wolfgang Kammerer and Harald Schauer had clear requirements on a new cultivator: It should reliably incorporate maize residue, be manoeuvrable on small fields, and be compatible with existing tractors. With the Tiger SL, they found exactly the desired solution – a compact, flexible, and reliable machine that largely replaces the plough.