Proforge Invertamax - In-Depth Review by Rob Russell

When it comes to cultivating difficult soils and managing heavy residue, having the right machinery can make all the difference. Rob Russell, a seasoned farmer operating near Bourne in South Lincolnshire, recently put the Proforge Invertamax to the test on his farm, particularly focusing on its performance in Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) areas. His hands-on experience offers valuable insights into how this innovative cultivator handles tough conditions, maintains consistent depth, and effectively incorporates crop residue into the soil.

Why Choose the Proforge Invertamax?

One of the standout features that initially caught Rob’s attention was the Proforge Invertamax's 620mm cutting discs. This larger disc size was a crucial factor in the decision to trial the machine, especially given the challenges posed by the SFI areas on his farm, which were laden with significant amounts of crop residue or "trash." Rob noted that many machines struggle in such environments, often getting blocked or clogged by the leftover material, which compromises their performance and efficiency.

However, the Proforge Invertamax performed faultlessly throughout the day. Rob expressed his satisfaction, saying:

“The machine coped faultlessly all day with the trash. It didn’t block at all.”

This ability to operate without blockage is a critical advantage for farmers dealing with heavy residue, as it reduces downtime and improves overall productivity.

Consistent Cultivation Depth – A Key Strength

Another impressive aspect of the Proforge Invertamax was its ability to maintain a consistent depth of cultivation. The front discs managed to achieve uniform penetration throughout the day, regardless of the soil conditions or the presence of stony terrain. Rob highlighted this as a real standout feature, especially compared to other machines he had used previously, which often struggled to maintain depth, sometimes popping out of the soil.

He elaborated:

“The front discs achieved a consistent depth of cultivation throughout the whole day, not blocking up once... even on some of the stony land, the disc was still maintaining penetration. They were still cutting in very well.”

Maintaining a consistent depth is vital in ensuring that crop residues are properly incorporated into the soil, which improves soil health and prepares the seedbed more effectively.

Performance Across Different Soil Types

Rob tested the Proforge Inverta Max on two distinct soil types found on his farm: limestone brash and heavy clay areas. Each soil type presented unique challenges and required different approaches to cultivation.

Limestone Brash – Deep Cultivation to Incorporate Residue

The limestone brash areas were relatively dry, which allowed for deeper cultivation. Rob chose to run the machine at about 3 inches deep in these zones to maximize the incorporation of the crop residue left from the SFI practices. The larger cutting discs and robust design of the machine proved effective in slicing through the residue and mixing it into the soil, enhancing decomposition and soil structure.

Heavy Clay – Shallower Cultivation for Soil Protection

In contrast, the heavy clay areas were still quite wet beneath the surface, which called for a more cautious approach. Rob adjusted the machine to cultivate at a shallower depth in these zones to avoid disturbing the soil excessively. This approach helped maintain the integrity of the clay soil while still achieving good residue mixing.

Rob emphasized the importance of this flexibility:

“We shallowed the machine up slightly purely because we didn’t want to disturb too much of what was underneath, but obviously we needed to try and maintain a good mixing of all the residue that was left from the SFI.”

The Role of the Packer in Soil Consolidation

After the discs had done their work, the packer on the Proforge Inverta Max played a crucial role in consolidating the soil. Rob praised the packer for its effectiveness in firming up the soil surface, which is essential for creating a good seedbed and reducing moisture loss.

This consolidation also helps to improve seed-to-soil contact, which can lead to better germination rates and healthier crop establishment. Rob’s overall impression was highly positive:

“The packer did a fantastic job of consolidating after the discs had been through... we were really overall impressed with the machine.”

Handling Residue Without Blockages – A Game Changer

One of the biggest challenges in modern farming is managing the increasing amount of residue left on fields, especially under new agricultural schemes like the SFI that encourage residue retention for soil health. Many traditional cultivators struggle with this, leading to frequent blockages and downtime.

The Proforge Inverta Max’s design, featuring its large cutting discs and efficient trash flow, allowed it to operate smoothly all day without any blockages. This capability significantly reduces the need for constant stops and clears, allowing farmers to cover more ground faster and with less frustration.

Durability and Reliability in Tough Conditions

Rob’s experience also highlighted the durability of the Proforge Inverta Max. The machine’s ability to maintain consistent performance on stony land and in variable soil moisture conditions speaks to its robust construction and thoughtful engineering.

Many machines lose efficiency or require adjustments when moving between different soil types or when encountering stones, but the Inverta Max handled these challenges with ease. This versatility makes it an attractive option for mixed farms with diverse soil conditions.

Summary: Why the Proforge Inverta Max Stands Out

620mm cutting discs: Large discs that prevent clogging and allow for smooth operation through heavy residue. Consistent cultivation depth: Maintains uniform depth across varying soil types and conditions, ensuring effective residue incorporation. Versatility: Adjustable cultivation depth for different soil moisture levels and types, protecting sensitive soils while still mixing residues Effective soil consolidation: The packer efficiently firms the soil post-cultivation, improving seedbed quality. Durability: Handles stony and variable soils without loss of performance, reducing downtime.

For farmers looking to improve their cultivation practices, especially in areas with heavy residue and mixed soil types, the Proforge Inverta Max offers a compelling solution. Rob Russell’s hands-on review from his farm near Bourne in South Lincolnshire highlights the machine’s ability to deliver consistent, reliable results without the common headaches of blockage or uneven cultivation depth.

The combination of large cutting discs, adjustable depth settings, and effective soil consolidation makes it a versatile tool that can adapt to the evolving demands of modern farming, particularly under sustainability-driven schemes like the SFI.

To learn more about the Proforge Inverta Max and explore how it might fit into your operation, visit the official website at