With rising fuel, input and labor costs—and volatile crop markets—you are finding smarter ways to do more with less. Enter shallow tillage and several disc chains: low-depth, high-impact tools that can reduce inputs while building soil health. The KELLY Tillage System can deliver real cost savings – less fuel, less trips across the field, fewer inputs and fewer tillage tools.
Fuel Savings
By limiting tillage to just the top 2-3 inches of soil, shallow tillage uses less fuel and tractor hours. With lower horsepower needs than other tillage tools, the KELLY Diamond Harrow enables higher operating speeds and cuts the number of passes required to prepare an ideal seedbed.
Many farmers report they recoup their equipment investment within 1–2 years, thanks to savings on fuel, labor, chemicals and maintenance.
“I feel I’ve paid for my KELLY in chemical savings alone,” says Damien Korte, Kansas farmer. “Since 2017, I guarantee I’ve saved $100,000 if not $150,000 in chemicals by using my KELLY Diamond Harrow.”
Weed Control, Less Chemical
The KELLY Diamond Harrow delivers mechanical weed control by uprooting weeds and flipping them onto the soil surface, where they die naturally. Growers report up to 90% weed density reduction—with no herbicides used.
“I use my KELLY to get rid of annual weeds and warm up the soils,” Korte says. “One pass with a KELLY is so much cheaper than chemical, and a KELLY looks a whole lot better on my balance sheet than empty jugs.”
Residue Management and Soil Health
The K4 KELLY disc technology is finely tuned for residue breakdown: smoother disc faces reduce buildup, while overlapping blade patterns lift and flip residue to expose it to microbes for faster decomposition. This process conserves moisture, stabilizes temperature, and improves future seedbeds.
By pinning crop residue in the soil, shallow tillage preserves organic matter in the soil. The Knotched K4 disc chain sizes residue to keep it in place even more effectively
Better Seedbeds, Faster Spring Planting
Shallow tillage levels the soil and creates an ideal surface for uniform planter performance. This improves seeding accuracy and reduces the need for follow-up passes—especially helpful in tight spring planting windows.
The lower horsepower needs and faster operation save time and fuel costs for spring and fall tillage.
Versatility through Tool Design
Six disc options can be used in various combinations based on the operation and soil type.
· CL1 Disc Chains are the ideal tool for residue management, and work at a constant, shallow depth for weed control and creating a level seedbed, while preserving moisture and soil health to give farmers a perfect and precise seedbed.
· The K4 Disc Chain sits between the heavier CL2 chain and the lighter CL1 chain in weight and aggressiveness. With close disc spacing and bolt-on links, the K4 offers smooth operation even in wet residue, flexibility in setup, and fast maintenance when needed. Its lightweight design allows high-speed operation with minimal soil disturbance.
· The K4 Notched Disc Chain is engineered for superior cutting and mixing of crop residue.
· CL2 Disc Chain – A powerful disc for rough conditions and heavy soils.
The design of the CL2 Disc provides penetration into the toughest of soils while the weight and shape keeps the disc cutting and limits the working depth.
· The Spiked Disc Chain is very effective at removing weeds, making it an ideal tool for pre- or post-seeding clean up. The shallow working depth and combing action mean the Spiked Discs are light to pull and cover more acres more quickly.
· The W36 Disc Chain is the wet-weather specialist. Used alone or in combination, the shallow concave and smooth surface performs in wet and sticky soils like nothing else can.
Cost Savings Summary
Savings Area | Benefit with KELLY Ultra-Shallow Tillage + K4
———————|————————————————-
Fuel & Labor | Fewer passes, lower horsepower needs, faster operation
Herbicide & Inputs | Mechanical weed control, reduced seed bank, fewer chemicals
Maintenance | Durable bolt-on parts, minimal wear
Soil & Residue Health| Preserved structure, moisture retention, faster decomposition
Seedbed Performance | Level finish, accurate planting, reduced compaction
Visit https://kellytillage.com/us/savings-tool/ to calculate your potential savings.