Blu-Jet Strip Till system

1. S TRIP T ILL S YSTEMS
Informational
Sales Guide

2. Agronomic Overview
 Definitions (Iowa NRCS EQUIP Web Page)
http//:www.ia.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/stateequip.html
NoTill StripTill (ZoneTill) MulchTill
This practice leaves the soil and Coulters and/or row cleaners till up Chisel plow or secondary tillage
crop residue undisturbed except for to 30% of the row width leaving the equipment such as field cultivator
crop row where the seed and remaining 70% between the rows or
fertilizer is placed in the ground. No undisturbed. The STIR value in a disks are used to till prior to
Till planters disturb less than 25% StripTill System does not exceed a planting.
of the row width. Weeds are value of 15 in any year of the
controlled primarily with herbicides. rotation. May involve making strips While some residue remains on the
Row cultivation is not done except in fall or spring prior to planting. soil surface, disturbance occurs to
in emergency situations. The STIR more than 30% of the soil surface
value in a NT system does not on the field. STIR value exceeds
exceed a value of 10 in any year of 15. Aerways, rotary harrows and
the rotation. Full benefits from a NT turbo tills are examples of full width
system are accomplished after five tillage.
continuous years of this practice.

3. Agronomic Overview
 Advantages
NoTill StripTill (ZoneTill) MulchTill
Advantages: Advantages: Advantages:
Maximum erosion control, Excellent erosion control, Allows incorporation,
conserves soil moisture, conserves soil moisture, moderate erosion control,
improve organic matter, allows soil warming in the conserves some soil
lowest fuel and labor input row, allows in row moisture when residue levels
costs incorporation, low fuel and are high.
labor costs, and allows
banding of P and K.
Management Challenges: Management Challenges:
Limited incorporation potential, may Moderate erosion control especially
increase dependence on Management Challenges: if contour planting is not used,
herbicides, soil warming may be May increase dependence moderate soil moisture loss,
slower in the spring especially on on herbicides medium labor and fuel costs
poorly drained soils with heavy
residue levels.

4. Agronomic Overview
 Benefits Over NoTill
Faster Spring Warm Up Better Root Development Better Crop Stand
As far south as Larned Kansas, In soils where young plants By clearing residue away from the
Kansas State University encounter less compaction, the area where the germinating plant
Researchers report an average of root system will venture deeper is growing, seedlings have much
six degrees difference into June in earlier. less interference when
soil temperatures within the strip establishing their horizontal root
over a five year period. The use of the shank directly systems and vertical stem growth.
below where the seed is to be
The warmer soil allows plants a planted allows for any compaction The clearing away of residue thus
better environment in which to above the 10” line to be fractured. produces much less competition
mature. StripTill warm up This gives the younger plants for space between the new plants
advantages become more better access to moisture and and old residue. A stronger root
important further north, where nutrients within the soil profile. ball and better stand is the result.
farmers have reported having
challenges with germination and
early plant development due to
cold soil in NoTill environments.

5. Agronomic Overview
 Benefits Over MulchTill
Lower Application Rates Time and Fuel Savings Erosion Control
In comparison with a production By Using StripTill, some producers By leaving 70% of the residue
strategy that uses the are down to four passes during a within a field undisturbed, a
incorporation of broadcast corn production cycle: StripTill, StripTilled field is less likely to
fertilizer, producers report similar Plant, Spray, Harvest. This suffer the effects of wind and
yield results in StripTill while dramatically cuts fuel costs within water erosion.
cutting their fertilizer inputs by up the production equation allowing
to 25%. for additional funds to be added to Moisture loss within a field that
the bottom line. has been StripTilled is also less
Although the application of than one that has been mulch
Anhydrous Ammonia or Liquid Consensus is split on whether an tilled. Furthermore, moisture
Nitrogen has not shown a rate additional nitrogen application in absorption within the strip has
reduction as dramatic as dry the form of side dress is needed. been shown to be similar to that of
fertilizer, it has shown some. Soil type, climate, and nutrients a mulch tilled field.
remaining in the soil are the key
considerations on whether an
additional application is needed.

6. Practical Overview
 Operational Goals
1. Do as Much as Possible in One Pass
• Depending on soil type and climate, some operators will put down dry or liquid P & K
along with Anhydrous or Liquid Nitrogen in a dual placement operation.
• Some have tried planting in the same pass with mixed success.
2. Produce More with Less
• Producers have reported fewer input costs primarily in fertilizer and fuel
• The time savings allows for various other activities including more acres, livestock, or
specialty crop production.
3. Make it Pay
• In addition to StripTilling their own land, Farmers who own StripTill applicators report
custom applying, renting applicators to neighbors, and contracting with fertilizer
dealers for custom application work.
• This helps offset the higher costs associated with equipment and maintenance.

7. Practical Overview
 The Standard Strip
Although there are a multitude of ideas on what will create the perfect Strip,
most will agree that the Strip created should have the following attributes.
1. The tilled horizontal area of the Strip should be no more than 10” wide
• More than 10” will not conform with the 70% undisturbed residue standard
2. The tilled vertical area of the Strip should be 6-8” deep
• Fertilizer Placement should be at this depth as well
3. The Strip should be relatively residue free
• As low as 9% in the strip
4. The Strip Berm should be 2-4” high
• Enough to ensure that the strip will not become concave prior to planting
5. Soil in the Strip should have a finished look prior to planting
• This can be achieved with a basket, or through freeze/thaw

8. Practical Overview
 Standard Equipment Configuration
1. Coulter
• All major competitive brands employ a coulter to cut through the residue where the
strip is to be created.
• Most use a 20” fluted blade, some employing parallel linkage systems will use a
NoTill coulter with a depth band
2. ResidueManager
• It is debatable to some whether the ResidueManager is most effective before or after
the coulter, some even consider it optional equipment. Our experience shows less
residue within the strip when it is placed after the coulter, and it is effective enough to
be used in almost every residue situation.

9. Practical Overview
 •
•
Standard Equipment Configuration
A
A
• Shank & Knife
• A majority of StripTill Applicators on the market will employ a shank and a knife.
Shanks very from 4” depths to 18” depths. Most university researchers and
agronomists agree that a shank running 6-8” deep is most efficient.
• Knives will vary depending on soil type. The most common knife is a mole style with
a 1” to 11/2” foot at the front. This allows for more soil stirring within the Strip.
4. Disc Hillers
• Typically look like Anhydrous Ammonia sealing tools. Some are modified versions of
Disc Sealers, others have no modifications at all.
5. Basket
• Generally considered optional equipment, a finishing basket leaves the Strip with a
smoother look, ready for planting. If operating in the Spring, a finishing basket should
be considered a must.

10. Product Overview
 BLU-JET Design Advantages – Row Units
1. Super 1200 Coulter
• Delivers 1200 pounds of Residue Slicing Pressure to keep the blade in the ground
while protecting from in field obstructions.
• 20” Fluted Blade cuts through the residue while providing stirring action to loosen the
surrounding soil.
2. Spring Mount ResidueManager
1. Sweeps Residue cut by the coulter out of the Strip, creating a cleaner, blacker area.
2. Spring design provides superior obstruction protection while applying enough down
pressure to deliver a clean row, even in heavy residue. Two Setting Options Provide
the Adjustability Necessary for Varying Soil Types and Residue Situations.

11. Product Overview
BLU-JET Design Advantages – Row Units
• A
 • A
• MaxPac Spring Mounts
• Provides ~790 pounds of force at the tip of the knife to ensure accurate depth while
protecting against field obstructions.
• Can travel a full 10” to clear larger obstructions with less shearing of knife bolts.
4. Edgebent Shank
• Ensures accurate depth placement through simple rigidity.
• It carries a lifetime warranty against breakage.
5. SealPro II Disc Hiller
• Designed for high acre application, this low maintenance (less grease points, springs
optional) Hiller is free floating with independently moving arms. It allows any
remaining residue to pass through by simply floating over it.
6. Rubber Torsion Finishing Baskets
• Low Maintenance Design eliminates an additional spring.

12. Product Overview
 BLU-JET Design Advantages – Mainframes
1. StripTill 3-Point
• 3-Point mainframes available in 6R30 to 16R30 configurations.
• Economical for the smaller farmer, or for those in contour situations.
2. StripTill Systems (LandTracker 9400)
• A multipurpose carrier allowing for StripTill Systems bars to be placed under the
tongue or behind.
• The compact look with the bar up front (6R30 to 12R30 only) is appealing to those
wishing to carry a liquid tank or dry box aboard their Applicator.
3. Galaxy 3-Point
• This heavy duty 7”x7” frame can accommodate numerous StripTill row spacings
including 20”, 22”, 24” & 30”.
• Widths start at 15’ and can go as wide as 45’

13. Product Overview
 BLU-JET Design Advantages – Mainframes
1. LandRunner
• The economical design makes this mainframe highly price competitive in the 12R30
and 16R30 StripTill marketplace.
• Best employed as an implement pulled behind a pull between dry air cart, with
Anhydrous Ammonia placement, or with both in a dual placement application
2. Legacy
• With the option of 385 or 295 mainframe and wing truck tires, the Legacy offers
superior road transport and flotation capacities at the 16R30 StripTill width.
• The 6x6 Commercial Class Constant Level Mainframe can be used to tow liquid, dry,
or NH3 nurse tanks or be pulled between the dry cart with a nurse tank in the rear for
dual placement operations.

14. Product Overview
BLU-JET Design Advantages – Mainframes
• A
 • A
• a
• AT6020
• The king of the StripTill marketplace.
• This Commercial Class Fertilizer Applicator features one of the largest ranks in the
industry and is StripTill ready at 18R30, and 24R30 configurations.
• At the 60’ width, it is the only known applicator to feature full StripTill options including
ResidueManagers and Finishing Baskets. It employs dual mainframe tires and four
single hydraulic gauge wheels for superior floatation in the field.
• Nearly twelve vertical feet of wing flex assists in maintaining accurate depth
placement over uneven terrain.
• It meets the challenge of high application rates with available dual AutoLok nurse tank
hitches and the option of mounting two GDI’s on the rear of the bar.
• When compared to a 16 row applicator, the 24R30 AT6010 can apply 16.8 more
acres per hour at 7mph, meaning more time for additional acres and additional profits.

15. Competitive Sales Points
 The “Must Ask” Questions
No matter how the StripTill prospect approaches you, the following questions should be asked in
order to qualify the customer, ascertain his needs, and position yourself as an expert on the subject.
1. What size is your planter?
• Sell to match unless otherwise specified by the prospect
• Follow up: Do you plan on possibly switching to a larger planter in the near future?
2. Will you be using GPS and a Mapping System?
• Most who answer no to this question rarely understand the precision required for StripTill
Application. Those who do, and still think they can get by with row markers, think they
can drive straighter than they actually can.
• A no answer also gives you the opportunity to explain that BLU-JET does not even offer a
row marker with their applicators, as it is next to impossible to stay on the strip with the
planter. You can then point out that other manufacturers who do offer a row marker are
obviously lacking in experience within the StripTill marketplace.
• Follow Up: Your opportunity to include your guidance package with the StripTill

16. Competitive Sales Points

•
• The “Must Ask” Questions
A
A
• Will you be operating the applicator in the spring, the fall, or both
• Allows you an opportunity to discuss the basket option if the answer is in the spring, or
both in the fall and the spring.
• Allows the prospect to further elaborate on his intended uses of the applicator
• Follow up: Are you in a low freeze/thaw area or in bottom ground where you may need a
finishing basket in the fall?
4. In what residue situations do you anticipate operating the applicator?
• Gives you the opportunity to speak on the necessity of a ResidueManager in most
situations, discuss the various settings and high adjustability of all components, and gets
the customer to think about the options he will need on his BLU-JET StripTill Applicator
• Establishing the need for a ResidueManager takes some competitors out of the picture as
they either do not offer one or offer a model much more costly than ours.
• Follow up: Will you be operating in any corn on corn situations? If the answer is yes,
mentioning that he should split last years row will further establish you credibility.

17. Competitive Sales Points
• A
• A
The “Must Ask” Questions
• A

• A
• In what kind of soil will you be operating?
• Gives you the opportunity to speak on knife selection and strengthen the point on
versatile, adjustable components if he answers “all kinds”, which most do.
6. In what kind of terrain will you be operating?
• Allows you to speak on mainframe options, particularly on the wing flex of all applicators
should he answer anything other than flat. Wing flex is a big advantage over all
competitors that do not manufacture traditional fertilizer injection applicators
7. What type(s) of fertilizer will you be applying while StripTilling?
• From this you can ascertain the best type of mainframe for his operation, as well as
discuss the various distribution options available to him.
8. Do you plan on supplementing with an additional fertilizer pass?
• Opportunity for an additional sale of a side dress applicator if he dose not already have
one. Also allows you to discuss the versatility of the LandTracker carrier should he

18. Competitive Sales Points
 BLU-JET vs. Most StripTill Manufacturers
• The most effective argument made when selling against most StripTill manufacturers is one
of company history. If the argument that one should purchase a StripTill applicator made
by a company who builds fertilizer injection application equipment can be made, you have
narrowed the competitive field from 27 (including regional manufacturers) down to three
main brands.
• Items related to this topic include the following and may help solidify the point.
• BLU-JET has been building fertilizer injection application equipment for over 30 years.
Combined with the over 25 years experience in Conservation Tillage Equipment
manufacturing, our experience in the StripTill marketplace is superb.
• Adjustability of components for varying soil types and residue situations.
• Lower maintenance (less grease points and springs) for high acre application
• The ability to change knives, adjusting to seasonal soil and moisture conditions
• Widths ranging from 15’ to 60’ to fit most operations
• Choice of mainframes to fit price ranges, production strategies, and application needs