Products | Tractors | Weed Badger Model 4200

Till or mow in the row…it’s your choice.

The Model 4200 is available as a:

• Cultivator (tiller) machine package – no mower
• Mower-only machine package – no tillage components, motor, teeth, or cleanup tools
• Tiller/mower combo - Add the 3875 Mower Attachment to a new Model 4000 tillage machine package – Includes tillage rotor, motor, teeth, and 3875 Mower w/motor. OR you can also easily add the 3875 Mower attachment later.

You have a choice of four different Rotor sizes on tillage models. Choose Rotors that will produce a 20”(51 cm), 16”(41 cm), 14”(36 cm), or 10”(25 cm) tilled swath. Rotors are interchangeable. We help you to determine which Rotor or Rotor sizes are best for your needs.

Adjust the 4200 frame to fit your tractor and your row spacing

The telescopic, wrap-around frame of the Model 4200 will adjust longer and wider or shorter and narrower. Adjust the industrial-strength frame quickly and easily to accommodate your tractor size and row spacing requirements.

The rugged frame on the Model 4200 holds the Forward Arm parallel to the tractor but in a stationary position as the working head swings in and out between plants in the row. When retracted, it swings between the front and back tractor wheels. This allows you to fit down the narrowest of rows. Adjust to add as few as nine inches (23 cm) to the width of your tractor. Feel free to ask us for details and dimensions.

The Model 4200 Weed Badger frame features an exclusive design. This gives the operator precise responsive control of retract and extend movement in and out of the row.

Please ask us for help determining if the 4200 model fits your tractor and your row spacing. Ask us about custom frame configurations and other special requests. Be sure to click on the photos to view adjustment details.

Complete control is always at your fingertips.

The R/E-Tilt Control (Retract/Extend-Tilt Control) is an exclusive Weed Badger®. feature. The R/E-Tilt Control operates two basic functions: 1) retract/extend movement of the working head in and out of the row and 2) on the go, side-to-side tilt angle. This gives you complete control of the working head that feels like an extension of your arm and hand. The R/E-Tilt Control is standard on Models 4000 and 4200.

How do I operate the R/E-Tilt Control on my Weed Badger?

The fingertip R/E Control Lever is located on the left side of the R/E-Tilt Control. Mount the control in a location that is convenient for the operator. (Ask about optional mounting kits.)

How do I operate my Weed Badger without a sensor?

A basic Model 4000 or 4200 machine package does not include an automatic sensor. Sensors are optional for two reasons. 1) Not all crops and field conditions require use of the sensor 2) There is more than one sensor package to choose from. The retract/extend motion is easily controlled using the fingertip R/E Control Lever. The lever is spring loaded and returns to a neutral position when you let go.

So how does it work? You’ll find a toggle switch on the left side, near the R/E Control Lever, next to the Automatic/Manual label. (See photo below.)This control switch allows for two modes of operation.

• Manual mode – When the toggle switch is on Manual position the working head extends or retracts as you move it. Push the lever forward to extend into the row. Pull the fingertip lever back to retract the tiller or mower out of the row. Release the spring-loaded lever the working head remains wherever last positioned. It does not move into the row or toward the tractor until you move the lever again. This allows you to control or modulate the stroke or distance of retract and extend. Remember, Weed Badger is tough on weeds, not on the operator. R/E Control Lever operation is simpler than using the turn signal of your automobile.
• Semi-automatic mode – Flip the switch to Automatic. (Note: Automatic setting is also used when a sensor is installed.) This setting gives you the choice of making your no sensor operation semi-automated. Pull back the R/E control lever and the Weed Badger retracts out of the row. Let go of the lever and the machine returns or extends toward the row on its own. This mode only requires one-half the operator input.

This is called No Sensor Operation and it works great in multi-stem shrubs, blueberries, newly planted vines or trees. No Sensor Operation is also used in large out of control weed conditions.

How is the R/E-Tilt Control used when an optional automatic sensor is installed?
Can I override an automatic sensor?

The R/E Control Lever gives you immediate sensor override. The operator always has the final say. As soon as you move the R/E Control Lever corresponding retract/extend motion results. Extend and hold the working head in toward the row OR retract and hold it out of (away from) the row. Let go of the lever and immediately return to fully automatic sensor operation, and thus extend toward the row.

When is sensor override required?

There are times when override retraction or extension is required. No field operated in-row sensor can make the decisions that only humans can make. For example the following may require a extend or retract decision by the operator: big weed conditions, around sprinkler risers, volunteer trees and plants, multi-stemmed plants, or crooked trunks. This unique feature sets Weed Badger® apart from all the rest. It is what makes Weed Badger far-more effective in the real-world conditions you face every day.

How does on-the-go tilt work with R/E-Tilt Control?

Weed Badger offers another exclusive adjustment feature. A fingertip controlled Tilt Switch is located on the forward side of the R/E Tilt Control station.

Move the switch and this hydraulic cylinder strokes up or down, causing the Forward Arm, parallel to the tractor, to tilt side-to-side, adjusting perfectly to match the in-row terrain. On-the-go tilt is accomplished with the touch of a finger, from the tractor seat.

The full range of tilt on the Models 4000 and 4200 is illustrated below. Ask us how to achieve an even wider range of custom tilt adjustments beyond the range than is illustrated below.

Match the angle of variable field terrain and your in-row strip on the go. It enables you to shape strips, build berms, hillup, do spring cleanup, and keep your valuable soil where you want it. Mow alongside ditches, pond edges, and terraces.

Precise depth control with the Posi-Depth Control System.

Till shallow rooted crops worry-free with the Posi-Depth system. The Posi-Depth feature continuously maintains accurate depth control while you cultivate. This Weed Badger standard feature prevents the root damage caused by other tillers. Weed Badgers come equipped with an exclusive Posi-Depth Control System.

The adjustable tillage depth system also allows you to adjust for wear on the teeth (digging tines). Confidently cultivate and aerate one to four inches (2.5 to 10 cm) deep or just skim the soil surface.

Ground tracking regardless of terrain.

Mechanical ground tracking is another exclusive feature found only on Weed Badger precision in-row tillers and mowers. Design elements built into the 3-point frame allow the working head to float freely over the soil surface, following ever-changing terrain independent from tractor pitch and roll.

Maintain positive contact with the soil surface and consistent tillage depth on uneven and changing terrain. Yet the exclusive frame design enables you to lift the working head off the ground with the three-point hitch to make the turn at the end of the row or transport the machine to and from the field.

This unique feature also allows the operator to maintain a slight upward pitch of the Forward Arm to keep the Posi-Depth Plate gliding smoothly and consistently over the soil surface. Helpful hint: Lower three-point slightly so the leading edge of rotating tines are slightly higher than the trailing edge. Adjust on-the-go if needed.

The Weed Badger Model 4200 is equipped with a self-contained hydraulic system

We've configured a perfectly balanced, self-contained, PTO-driven, hydraulic package that operates the machine with power to spare even in the toughest conditions. The Model 4200 includes, as standard equipment, an industrial quality PTO hydraulic pump, oil reservoir, oil filter, and hoses. It also features a no-chatter pump drive system to ensure smooth operation at any 3-point position.

Our hydraulic system uses high-grade motor oil, not hydraulic oil for a few simple reasons. The first is that our hydraulic motor manufacturer recommends it. Secondly, motor oil stands up longer and contains more anti-wear additives. Lastly, motor oil is usually less expensive and more readily available…which is great news for you.

Consider adding the optional Active Oil Cooler if you regularly operate your machine long hours on hot days. Add the optional Active Oil Cooler upgrade to new machines or purchase later if you determine it is needed. Feel free to ask us if you need help with this decision. Click here for more about the Active Oil Cooler.

Automate your weed control.

You may easily add the Ultra-Lite Sensor at any time to the Model 4200, upgrading to automatic operation in minutes. The Ultra-Lite Sensor guides the machine into and out of the row, around plants, with a feather-light touch.

Remember, every Model 4200 machine package comes equipped with the R/E-Tilt Control station as standard equipment. With the Ultra-Lite Sensor installed, you still retain the ability to override the sensor at any second with the R/E Control Lever. The R/E Control Lever instantly responds to a fingertip push or pull, overriding the sensor and returns to automatic sensor operation as you let go. You always have the final say. (See more details on the previous R/E Control Lever page.)

Click on photos to see close-ups of the Ultra-Lite Sensor on the Model 4200. Click on this link to learn more about automatic sensors.

Weed control and so much more…

Think of the work you can get done beyond weed control! Kill weeds, mow, till, sweep, rake, shape rows, hill-up, hill-down, manage middle cover, manage permanent or seasonal cover on the in-row strips, aerate, incorporate soil amendments, sanitize to prevent soil borne diseases, destroy over-wintering insect habitat, remove rodent cover, clean or mow around buildings or under fence lines…and much more. You can do it all with one remarkable machine!

Growers that raise a combination of different crops often use the same Weed Badger for multiple applications. Switch rotors, optional teeth, tools, or attachments. Make adjustments to adapt to your crop and conditions. Then go on to the next task. When you request pricing on a Weed Badger we also provide pricing on interchangeable tools, attachments, and upgrades that match your unique conditions.

Equip your new Weed Badger to do weed control and so much more. You can purchase a base Model 4200 now and then add options, a sensor, attachments, or even the 3875 Mower, to your machine as your needs change.

Be sure to check out the Optional Equipment pages.