APV Hoeing Technology for Mechanical Weed Control

Hoeing with precision.

PROTECT CROPS TARGETED.

With APV Precision Hoes (HS / HM), you cultivate your row and inter-row areas precisely and efficiently. Whether camera-controlled or mechanically guided, you benefit from precise hoeing, high area performance, and effective weed control without chemical crop protection agents.

Precise Hoeing

shallow, water-saving, and crop-friendly with APV's camera-controlled or mechanical row crop cultivatiors.

The APV Precision Hoe (HS | HM) was developed for exact mechanical weed control between and close to crop rows. Thanks to its simple, compact, and robust design, the row crop cultivator can be optimally adapted to the individual conditions of your operation.

The specially developed angled sweeps work away from the crop plant. This reliably cuts weeds without unnecessarily pushing soil towards the crop. This supports shallow, water-saving cultivation and protects the crop plants in the stand.

The row crop cultivator (HM) stands for mechanically guided hoeing. The row crop cultivator (HS) extends the machine with precise camera control and a linear sliding frame. The Claas Culticam recognizes the crop rows and guides the machine precisely in the row. This allows weeds between the rows to be reliably controlled, while the crop plants remain strong and healthy.

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APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin

Work very shallow and water-efficiently

The angled sweeps cut, lift, and drop the soil again. This means less soil is pushed in front of the machine, preserving the soil's water balance.

APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative angled sweeps for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin

Hoe precisely close to the crop row

The hoeing band can be infinitely variably adjusted via the angled sweeps. This allows working as close as possible to the crop row without unnecessarily damaging the crop.

APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin

Fan hoe instead of finger weeder

The fan hoe works horizontally in the top approx. 2 cm of soil, moving the surface and damaging young weeds directly in the crop row area.

Advantages of the APV Row Crop Cultivator

The Principle

The howing sweeps work between the crop rows. The soil is cultivated very shallowly, weeds are cut, and the soil surface is loosened. This shallow working method reduces evaporation and better preserves soil moisture.

Angled Sweeps

The angled sweeps cut the soil, lift it slightly, and drop it behind them. They do not push the soil heavily in front of them and do not work towards the crop plant, but away from it. This means that additional cover discs or protective plates can be dispensed with, depending on equipment and application.

The central sweep cultivates the area between the angled sweeps. Together, angled sweeps and central sweep ensure clean cultivation between the rows.

Fan Hoe

The fan hoe works in the area of the crop row. It runs at driving speed and moves the top approx. 2 cm of soil horizontally. This damages or dislodges young, sensitive weeds. The crop plant is briefly moved but remains standing.

Camera Guidance

For the row crop cultivator (HS), the Claas Culticam detects the crop rows and controls the linear sliding frame. This automatically guides the machine precisely in the row.

APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin

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The Advantages of the APV Precision Hoe

The howing sweeps work between the crop rows. The soil is cultivated very shallowly, weeds are cut, and the soil surface is loosened. This shallow working method reduces evaporation and better preserves soil moisture.

  • Precise mechanical weed control between the rows
  • Mechanical weed control close to the crop row with a fan hoe
  • Very shallow and water-saving working method
  • Angled sweeps work away from the crop plant
  • Less soil movement and mixing compared to classic goosefoot sweeps
  • Hoeing band infinitely variable and tool-free adjustable
  • Very good penetration due to howing sweeps located under the parallelogram
  • Fan hoe works horizontally in the top approx. 2 cm
  • Multi-sprung parallelogram for good ground adaptation
  • Front and rear hoeing wheel sprung
  • Left and right sides independently foldable
  • Machine center of gravity close to the tractor
  • Contact pressure of the parallelograms easily adjustable via springs
  • Low-wear sweeps made of Hardox steel
  • Combinable with APV Pneumatic Seeders

Front Row Crop Cultivator

Upon request, we also configure the APV Precision Hoe for front mounting.

APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin
APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin
APV Row Crop Cultivator as Front Row Crop Cultivator

Special Features of the Angled Sweeps

The angled sweeps are a central argument for the APV Precision Hoe (HS | HM). Unlike classic goosefoot sweeps, they work away from the crop plant. This means the soil is not pushed towards the plant but deposited laterally next to the row.

The working method is particularly water-saving: the angled sweeps cut the soil, lift it, and let it fall again. They do not unnecessarily push the soil in front of them. This results in less soil mixing, and evaporation can be reduced.

Another advantage is the flexible adjustment of the hoeing band. The angled sweeps can be quickly adjusted in width without tools. To do this, the lock is opened, and the sweep is rotated towards or away from the crop plant. This allows the hoeing band to be infinitely variably adapted to the crop, row spacing, and desired risk.

APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative angled sweeps for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin

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Special Features of the Fan Hoe

The fan hoe is the core component for mechanical weed control in the crop row area. It does not work ahead but at driving speed. It moves the top approx. 2 cm of soil horizontally, damaging young weeds, which are more sensitive at this stage than the crop plant.

The fan hoe can be guided very close to the crop row. It works into the row area from both sides, moves the soil, and supports weed control directly where classic sweeps can only have limited effect.

A particular advantage is the separate adjustment of aggressiveness. The fan hoe sits on its own parallelogram and can be adjusted in height separately. This allows its effect to be adapted independently of the hoeing depth of the other parallelograms.

Additionally, the fan hoe can be adjusted in its angle. Three positions are available. Depending on the setting, it can cover more, work neutrally, or work more away from the plant. This allows the machine to be very finely tuned to the crop, development stage, and application strategy.

APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin

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Camera-controlled or mechanical row crop cultivator at a glance

Row Crop Cultivator (HS)

The row crop cultivator (HS) is the camera-controlled version. The Claas Culticam detects the rows and controls the compact linear sliding frame. This guides the row crop cultivator precisely, quickly, and comfortably through the crop.

Row Crop Cultivator (HM)

The row crop cultivator (HM) is the mechanical version. It is suitable for farms looking for compact, robust, and precise hoeing technology without camera-controlled row guidance.

Decision Aid

The row crop cultivator (HM) is ideal when a mechanically guided, simple, and robust solution is sought. The row crop cultivator (HS) is recommended when high precision, comfortable row guidance, and working close to the crop row are particularly important.

Camera for APV Row Crop Cultivator

The Areas of Application for the APV Precision Hoe

The APV Precision Hoe (HS | HM) is developed for farms that want to use mechanical weed control precisely, crop-friendly, and adaptably. Thanks to its compact design, the machine's center of gravity remains close to the tractor. This supports comfortable handling, high stability, and reliable work in the field.

The parallelograms are play-free, ball bearing mounted, and made of high-quality materials. This ensures the machine works smoothly, precisely, and reliably. The howing sweeps are located under the parallelogram, ensuring very good penetration into the soil.

A particular advantage is the combination of angled sweeps, central sweeps, and fan hoe. The angled sweeps work away from the crop plant, the central sweep cultivates the area between the rows, and the fan hoe handles mechanical weed control in the crop row area. This creates a very effective overall system for mechanical crop care.

  • Mechanical weed control | Cutting or burying weeds
  • Mechanical weed control close to the crop row
  • Ideal for row crops such as maize, soybeans, sunflowers, beet, pumpkin, vegetable cultivation, special crops
  • Organic farming or conventional farming as a supplement or reduction of chemical measures
  • Combination with sowing or spreading via Pneumatic Seeders
Clean soybean stands after hoeing with the APV Row Crop Cultivator
APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin, including Pneumatic Seeder in front application

Modelle

The APV Precision Hoe (HS | HM) is available in several variants. The model designation provides information about working width and number of rows. This allows the machine to be adapted to the crop, row spacing, farm structure, and desired area performance.

Not an off-the-shelf product: Almost every row crop cultivator is custom-made for our farmers' applications, which is why we list the most common models below. We would be happy to discuss your personal configuration in a telephone or personal consultation.

​

Row Spacing and Number of Rows

The two most important criteria for your personal row crop cultivator are:

desired row spacing: 15 cm to 150 cm possible

number of rows: 2 to 39 rows possible

A recommendation for the ideal combination of central sweeps and angled sweeps or goosefoot sweeps can be found in the respective tabs for row spacings.

APV Row Crop Cultivator howing sweep set 60 - 80 cm row spacing for maize and sunflower
APV Row Crop Cultivator howing sweep set 15 cm row spacing for cereals

Cereal howing sweep set 15 cm

3 central sweeps of 80 mm per parallelogram

APV Row Crop Cultivator howing sweep set 25 cm row spacing for cereals

Cereal howing sweep set 25 cm

4 angled sweeps of 125 mm per parallelogram

APV Row Crop Cultivator howing sweep set 40 - 55 cm row spacing for sugar beet

Howing sweep set 40 - 55 cm

3-sweep hoe set
1-sweep hoe set for sugar beet

APV Row Crop Cultivator howing sweep set 60 - 80 cm row spacing for maize and sunflower

Howing sweep set 60 - 80 cm

5-sweep hoe set for maize, sunflower,...

APV Row Crop Cultivator howing sweep set 90 - 100 cm row spacing for pumpkin

Howing sweep set 90 - 100 cm

for pumpkin

APV Row Crop Cultivator howing sweep set 135-150 cm row spacing for pumpkin

Howing sweep set 135 - 150 cm

for pumpkin

Model Examples

HM | HS
3004, 3006

APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin
Compact for 4 or 6 rows

The row crop cultivator (HM/HS) models 3004 and 3006 offer 3.13 m working width and are designed for 4 or 6 rows respectively. They are particularly suitable for farms looking for a compact solution for mechanical weed control in row crops.

Ideal for

Farms with 4- or 6-row crops, compact tractor technology, and a desire for shallow, precise hoeing.

You can find all technical details and information on the scope of delivery in the brochure in the Downloads section, or click here.

HM | HS
4506, 4508

APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin, including Pneumatic Seeder in front application
Perfect for 6 or 8 rows

The row crop cultivator (HM/HS) models 4506 and 4508 offer 4.65 m working width and are designed for 6 or 8 rows respectively. They combine higher area performance with precise tool guidance.

Ideal for

Farms that want to achieve higher daily output with 6 or 8 rows and a larger working width.

You can find all technical details and information on the scope of delivery in the brochure in the Downloads section, or click here.

HM | HS
6008, 6012

APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe for mechanical weed control and crop care in row crops such as soybeans, maize, pumpkin
A versatile entry into foldable working widths

The row crop cultivator (HM/HS) models 6008 and 6012 offer 6.25 m working width and are designed for 8 or 12 rows respectively.

They are suitable for farms that want to combine high area performance with precise mechanical crop care.

Ideal for

Larger farms that want to work with 8 or 12 rows, higher working width, and reliable tool guidance.

You can find all technical details and information on the scope of delivery in the brochure in the Downloads section, or click here.

Which model fits?

The suitable variant depends on the crop, number of rows, row spacing, tractor power, desired area performance, and the desired degree of automation.

The row crop cultivator (HM) is suitable for farms looking for robust, mechanically guided hoeing technology. The row crop cultivator (HS) is the right solution if camera-controlled row guidance, high comfort, and precise work close to the crop row are priorities.

For 4- and 6-row applications, the 3.13 m models are interesting. For more area performance, 4.65 m and 6.25 m working widths are available. For narrower row spacings, the 6-, 8-, and 12-row variants are relevant.

Keep row crops like soybeans weed-free with the APV Row Crop Cultivator with innovative fan hoe

Accessories

Various Accessories

APV row crop cultivatiors accessories: Asymmetric arrangement of the parallelograms

Technical inspection by APV required!

Asymmetric arrangement of the parallelograms

APV row crop cultivatiors accessories: distribution head incl. hose system and dispersion plate on the row crop cultivator

Distribution head + hose system + dispersion plate
6–12 outlets | 7–13 dispersion plates
The two outer dispersion plates are split from 1 to 2 outlets using a Y-divider!

Distribution head for APV seeders

APV row crop cultivatiors accessories: linear sliding frame

Precision steering frame

Linear sliding frame

APV accessories for seeders and spreaders: Various cable sets, cable extensions and hose extensions

Cable sets, extension cables, 7-pin signal cable, hoses, hose extensions, ...

Miscellaneous cable and hose accessories

APV Row Crop Cultivator Accessories: Seat and Joystick Steering

For the HS-Standard version

Seat and Joystick Steering

APV accessories: warning signs and lighting for safe travel

For safe travel on public roads.
Symbol photo

Warning signs + lighting

APV row crop cultivator accessories: Work light for camera

Available for Precision Hoe HS / HM

Work Light for Camera

Sweeps Accessories

APV Row Crop Cultivator Accessories: Howing Sweep Set with Carbide Overlay

Longer Durability of the Sweeps

Howing Sweep Set with Carbide Overlay

APV row crop cultivator accessories: Quick adjustment for angled sweeps

Quick, convenient adjustment of the working width

Quick adjustment angled sweep

APV row crop cultivator accessories: sweep tips for a safe intake

For a safe intake of the implement - mount only when needed!

Sweep Tips

Trailing Tools Accessories

APV row crop cultivator accessories: fan weeder, optionally with stone guard disc

Optimal solution for row hoeing. No lead-ahead action and easy adjustment.

Fan weeders

APV row crop cultivator accessories: Hoeing sweeps for hoeing sugar beets

1 central sweep with 350 mm between the rows also works under the leaves of the sugar beet

Hoeing sweeps for sugar beets

APV row crop cultivator accessories: plastic finger weeders

The classic – an alternative to the new spider wheels

Plastic Finger Weeders

APV Row Crop Cultivator Accessories: Rear Tine Weeder

Combing out and shallow deposition of weeds.

Rear Tine Weeder

APV row crop cultivator accessories: Rotary Weeder element, rotating harrow unit

For effective rotary weeding within the row. Recommended for robust crops such as soybeans.

Rotary Weeder element

APV row crop cultivator accessories: Stone protection disc for finger weeder

Improved effectiveness in particularly stony soils.

Stone protection disc for finger weeders

Downloads

Product Data / Brochures

Operating Manuals

Section Control (PDF)

Technical data are important – but the right configuration is decided in practical use.

Our team supports you in selecting the optimal product configuration for your desired work result.

APV group photo consulting team

We will be happy to advise you

personal | fast | straightforward

Do you still have unanswered questions or would you like individual advice from one of our APV product specialists? Please use the form below and we will get back to you promptly. We look forward to speaking with you. See you soon.

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FAQ

What is the APV Row Crop Cultivator used for?

The APV row crop cultivator is used for mechanical weed control between crop rows. The hoeing tools specifically cultivate the soil between the plant rows and dislodge weeds from the soil. This can reduce or – depending on the cultivation system – partially replace the use of chemical crop protection measures.

 

What is the difference between the APV HS and HM row crop cultivatiors?

The HS row crop cultivator works with camera-assisted row guidance and a hydraulic linear sliding frame. The HM row crop cultivator is mechanically guided. APV thus offers different solutions depending on the requirements for automation, precision, and operating conditions.

 

How does the camera control work on the APV HS row crop cultivator?

On the HS row crop cultivator, the CLAAS CULTI CAM detects the crop rows. Based on this information, the row crop cultivator is guided laterally to the plant row via the linear sliding frame. This allows the hoeing tools to work precisely between the rows, and the driver is relieved of steering tasks.

 

For which row spacings is the APV Row Crop Cultivator suitable?

The APV Row Crop Cultivator can be configured for various row crops. Depending on the version, row spacings from 45 to 150 cm are possible. This allows the machine to be adapted to different crops and cultivation systems.

 

How does the fan hoe of the APV Row Crop Cultivator work?

The fan hoe works horizontally at a depth of about 1 to 2 cm. Its movement dislodges young weeds from the soil and shakes them off, so that as little soil as possible remains on the roots. This allows the exposed weeds to dry out more easily on the soil surface.

 

Which howing sweeps are used on the APV Row Crop Cultivator?

APV uses angled sweeps instead of classic goosefoot sweeps. These specifically cut weeds between the crop rows. The howing sweeps used are made of wear-resistant Hardox steel.

 

How robust is the APV Row Crop Cultivator built?

High-strength Strenx 700 steel is used for the frame, while the howing sweeps are made of wear-resistant Hardox. This material combination is designed for the mechanical stresses of professional crop care.

 

For which farms is a camera-controlled row crop cultivator particularly suitable?

A camera-controlled row crop cultivator like the APV HS row crop cultivator is particularly interesting when larger areas and row crops need to be precisely mechanically cultivated. Automatic row guidance relieves the driver and supports accurate positioning of the hoeing tools between the crop rows.

Das Problem
  • Weeds compete with the crop plant for water, light, and nutrients.
  • Mechanical weed control between rows requires high precision.
  • Conventional goosefoot sweeps can push soil towards the crop plant.
  • Excessive soil movement can cost valuable soil moisture.
  • Inaccurate row guidance can damage crop plants.
  • Different crops and row spacings require flexible adjustment options.

In row crops, the exact guidance of the hoeing tools determines success. The machine must reliably cut or bury weeds, while protecting the crop row. The area directly next to and in the crop row is particularly demanding. This is precisely where classic hoeing solutions often reach their limits.

Additionally, a water-saving working method is crucial. The more soil is moved, rolled, or mixed, the greater the water loss through evaporation can be. Especially in dry regions, shallow, targeted, and controlled cultivation is therefore a clear advantage.

Die Lösung
  • Angled sweeps work away from the crop plant.
  • The soil is cut, slightly lifted, and then redeposited.
  • The hoeing band can be adjusted quickly, infinitely variably, and without tools.
  • The fan hoe cultivates the area of the crop row.
  • The aggressiveness of the fan hoe can be adjusted separately from the hoeing depth.
  • The row crop cultivator (HS) supports with Claas camera control and linear sliding frame.
  • Low-wear sweeps made of Hardox steel support a long service life.

The APV Precision Hoe (HS | HM) combines robust construction with precise tool guidance. The angled sweeps cut weeds shallowly and work away from the crop plant. This means the soil is not pushed towards the plant but cultivated in a controlled manner. The fan hoe complements this work directly in the crop row area, moving the top approx. 2 cm of soil horizontally. This damages young weeds while protecting the crop plant.

APV group photo consulting team

Technical data are important – but the right configuration is decided in practical use.

Our team supports you with all important questions regarding your personal needs and requirements for APV agricultural machinery.