Scotts Launch the Terra-Siv: The Ultimate in De-Soiling Technology

Scotts Precision Manufacturing Ltd, a leading designer and manufacturer of root crop and vegetable cleaning and harvesting systems for global markets, proudly announces the launch of its new pre-cleaner, the Terra-Siv. 

The self-cleaning Terra-Siv is specifically designed to rapidly extract large volumes of loose soil and debris over a very short distance. Designed to either bolt directly onto the intake of our second-generation Evolution Separators or used as a stand-alone pre-cleaner.

Derek Scott:

"The main driver for this design is to assist customers dealing with high soil percentages in their crops. Most growers of overwintered carrots and parsnips already use our highly successful Evolution Separator. "

"The Terra-Siv will turbocharge these separators by removing high levels of loose soil and smaller debris. By eliminating this debris beforehand, the separator can operate more efficiently, removing larger particles and leaf matter. The versatility of the system provides equal benefits for a wide variety of other crops, such as potatoes, onions, celeriac, and beets."

How It Works.

The crop is supported on the tips of the stars, allowing loose soil to immediately fall between the fingers, while larger particles are drawn down into the valley between the star shafts. We have found that by mismatching the star shaft speeds and adjusting the height of the second star shaft, we can effectively entrain irregular-shaped objects deeper into that valley without pulling the crop through.

The key is to eliminate any flex or movement within the shafts and supporting chassis while keeping the star fingers open in the heaviest of soils. This was achieved by stabilising the spacing between the stars. Having uniform star spacings allows us to maintain a very tight tolerance between the cleaning finger and adjacent stars.

The use of a square-edged steel finger ensures the gap is repeatedly cleaned. Twin roller bearings mounted on a camshaft consistently flex the soft fingers, completing the self-cleaning cycle. The design is focused on low maintenance and tool-free adjustment. Direct-drive electric motor/gearboxes, along with remote greasing, are fitted as standard. For operator ease, all adjustments are made via push-button or turnbuckles. 

The unit consists of six individually direct-driven shafts, providing the following functionalities;
 

• The first variable-speed “feed-on roller” (height adjustable by turnbuckle) offers a gentle landing for the crop and fixes the overall length of the separator.
• The following star shaft, adjustable for speed, can be adjusted rearward by an electric linear ram to create a gap of up to 65mm (the “feed-on shaft” moves vertically to allow this).
• The second star shaft is individually adjustable for speed and height.
• The final soft “feed-off roller” is adjustable for speed and direction.
• Below each star shaft is a highly efficient cleaning system, comprising of a slowly rotating cam shaft with single steel fingers passing between each pair of stars to constantly eliminate any buildup of soil. Between each steel finger, a double bearing mounted on a small hub rotates with each shaft, effortlessly flexing each finger to loosen compacted soil that builds up between the front and rear of each star finger.

See the Terra-Siv at Interpom 2024

Scotts Precision Manufacturing Ltd will be exhibiting at Interpom 2024. Visitors will be able to view the Terra-Siv and their Evolution Separator on display as part of the manufacturer's static machinery exhibit. Be sure to visit Scotts booth (R-74) to learn more about their latest root crop and vegetable cleaning technology innovations.