Grimme introduces a new generation of leaf defoliators with the innovative TOPPA series, available in various working widths. Low power requirements, modified defoliator housings, and increased suction capacity are just some of the highlights.
Wide Range of Variants
The TOPPA series offers a variety of options, enabling defoliation in 2, 4, 6, or 8 rows, both in front and rear-mounted setups or alternatively as a front-rear combination. Grimme provides all internationally common row spacings and track widths, considering different defoliator contours for ridge and bed cultivation.
2- and 4-Row Solo Modes
The TOPPA 200 and TOPPA 400 are 2 and 4-row leaf defoliators respectively, suitable for both front and rear mounting on a tractor.
By optimizing the drive position, the angle of the PTO shaft to the tractor is significantly flattened, reducing PTO shaft wear, especially when lifting the defoliator at the headland.
Another innovation is that the 4-row machine with a 90 cm row spacing now features a continuous defoliator shaft without a center bearing. Large maintenance hatches across the entire width simplify cleaning and blade replacement.
6- and 8-Row Front-Rear Combinations
The 6-row front-rear combination consists of the TOPPA 200 mounted on the front of the tractor and a rear-mounted TOPPA 600 Combi. The TOPPA 600 Combi can be hydraulically folded, allowing two rows on each side of the tractor to be folded. For quick field changes, the machine can be folded to a 3 m transport width.
In the 8-row front-rear combination, the TOPPA 400 is mounted on the front and a TOPPA 800 on the rear. Here, both defoliators are also hydraulically unfolded to fold two rows on each side. The transport width for the TOPPA 400 with a 75 cm row spacing is 3.29 m.
8-Row Solo Mode
With the TOPPA 800, Grimme offers an 8-row leaf defoliator for rear mounting, which can be hydraulically folded for road transport to a 3 m width. The machine is especially suitable for farms planting 8 rows and for tractors without a front PTO shaft.
Perfection in Detail
The TOPPA series is equipped with typical Grimme blades, adapted to the ridge contour, ensuring uniformly and cleanly folded ridges. With an optimized blade contour, it follows the trend of ever-increasing ridges. In addition to multiple blade types, counter knives can be installed for optimal leaf shredding. These are completely enclosed and can be adjusted closer to the defoliator shaft to ensure consistent results even with blade wear.
RidgeRunner for Green Tubers
For each row, optional double-bearing ridge pressure wheels (“RidgeRunner”) can be chosen, which roll over the ridge crown after leaf defoliation. The separate suspension per wheel ensures optimal adaptation to each row. The extremely low tire pressure allows the wheels to work flexibly, closing cracks in the ridge. This protects the potatoes from direct sunlight, reducing the incidence of green tubers.
Optimal Working Height
The depth adjustment of the leaf defoliator is done via the tractor hydraulics and the support wheels in size 175R14. The height of the support wheels is mechanically adjusted via a spindle or hydraulically from the cab. The set working height can be easily read from a scale.
Length Support System for the TOPPA 400
For road transport with a width of less than 3 m, a new length support system has been developed for the 4-row leaf defoliator. The TOPPA 400 now features an additional three-point hitch on the left side of the machine. This allows the machine to be picked up in the transport position in minutes, enabling unlimited speed during transport.
