AIR A F ALP is SIP’s front pick-up rake for mountain farms and steep terrain. With its lightweight construction and centre of gravity close to the tractor, it is designed for clean forage, stable operation on slopes and gentle raking without driving over the crop.

The machine is suitable for mountain and lighter tractors. When picking up, the tractor wheels do not run over the forage and press it into the ground. At the same time, the risk of slipping on slopes is prevented.

Exceptional stability on steep terrain

The robust 3-point hitch design and 65 cm wide belt provide excellent stability on steep terrain. The lightweight yet compact machine design with a centre of gravity close to the tractor ensures safe working and precise operation on steep terrain.

Perfect ground adaptation

The segmented central axle of the pick-up unit allows excellent adaptation as it follows the ground along the curve and not in a straight line. The spring tines follow the terrain and gently lift the forage from the ground, lead it through the pick-up system, and onto the belts. This preserves the delicate plant leaves and prevents stones and soil from entering the swath.

High responsiveness of the system and protection of the pick-up unit are ensured by freely rotating skids mounted right next to the pick-up unit. The skids also ensure optimum clearance of the spring tines from the ground, thus preventing damage to the turf and wear on the spring tines. This flexible system ensures reliable and trouble-free forage collection, even on uneven terrain.

Continuous working efficiency

The chain-driven tandem of accelerator rollers ensures even material flow through the pick-up system onto the conveyor belts. This ensures continuous raking performance without any loss of dry matter. The rollers rotate in the direction of travel. This ensures smooth forage flow and prevents forage from being thrown forward when picking up short grass.

The pick-up technology ensures airy, clean and evenly shaped swaths, ideal for further baling, pick-up with a trailer or silage.

Efficient hydraulic drive with cooling system

The drive of the pick-up system and belt is hydraulic, which allows for optimal utilisation of the tractor’s power and flexible operation in all conditions.

Integrated oil cooling system prevents oil overheating during operation and ensures stable performance in all conditions. Thanks to effective cooling, the hydraulic system remains constant even during longer working intervals, enabling uninterrupted operation and extends the service life of the system.

Various hydraulic drive system options are available, which are mounted at the front and adapted to different types of mountain and classic tractors.

Easy operation of the machine

The AIR A F ALP front pick-up rake allows forage to be deposited on the left or right side of the machine. A mechanical side curtain on the right side is available as optional equipment. The curtain ensures an even swath shape, especially when working at high angles.

The electro-hydraulic control unit installed in the tractor cab allows the operator to control the machine easily. The operator can set the belt speed and select the swath direction (left/right) while driving. It is also possible to stop the belt and load forage onto it in hard-to-reach places and then transfer it to the swath.

Transparent side protection shields on both sides of the pick-up system ensure good visibility of the forage flow during operation. It facilitates work control and visibility of the terrain in front of the tractor.

Minimal maintenance and optional equipment

The front pick-up rake AIR A F ALP is designed with easy maintenance in mind. They are equipped with a simple transport belt tensioning system that facilitates preparation for work and ensures constant belt tension. A handy support leg for storing the machine ensures safety and stability during storage.

As already mentioned, a mechanical curtain and hydraulic lifting of the tandem accelerating rollers are available as optional equipment.

Contact us and find the right machine for you!

Take the advantage of SIP’s 3-year guarantee without any acreage limitations. Send us an enquiry or find your nearest dealer and we will be happy to advise you and find the best solution for your needs.

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More tips from SIP Lab – Grassland Harvesting Specialist

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the AIR A F ALP Pick-Up Rake

What is the AIR A F ALP front-mounted pick-up rake?

The AIR A F ALP is a front-mounted machine for picking up and raking forage, specifically designed for operation on steep, uneven and challenging terrain. Its lightweight construction and centre of gravity positioned close to the tractor make it suitable for use with mountain and lightweight tractors.

Why is the AIR A F ALP suitable for mountain farms?

The robust three-point linkage, compact design and 65-centimetre-wide conveyor belt provide stability and precise control on steep slopes. Because the machine is mounted in front of the tractor, the tractor wheels do not drive over the collected forage.

How does the pick-up rake adapt to uneven terrain?

The segmented central axle allows the pick-up unit to follow the contours of the ground. Curved spring tines gently collect the forage, while freely rotating skids maintain the ground clearance and reduce the risk of damage to the turf and wear on the tines.

How does the AIR A F ALP help keep forage clean and maintain its quality?

The spring tines gently lift the forage from the ground, helping to preserve delicate plant leaves. This pick-up method also reduces the amount of soil and stones entering the swath.

Which subsequent harvesting operations are the swaths suitable for?

The uniformly formed swaths are suitable for baling, collection with a loading wagon or ensiling. The accelerator rollers ensure an even flow of forage onto the conveyor belt and help reduce dry matter losses.

Is it possible to select the side on which the forage is discharged?

Using the electrohydraulic control unit in the cab, the operator can select whether the forage is discharged to the left or right and adjust the speed of the conveyor belt while driving. The belt can also be stopped so that forage can be loaded onto it in a difficult-to-access area and then transported to the windrow.

Key Takeaways

  • Front pick-up rake AIR A F ALP is designed for mountain farms, ensuring clean forage without pressing it into the ground.
  • It features a robust design for stability on slopes and perfect ground adaptation, preventing turf damage.
  • The hydraulic drive system optimally utilizes tractor power and includes a cooling system for continuous performance.
  • Easy operation with electro-hydraulic controls allows swath direction and speed adjustments on-the-go.
  • The machine requires minimal maintenance and offers optional equipment like a mechanical curtain for better swath shape.