Carrier XL at Gals Agro: How One Pass Solves Several Tasks
September 17, 2025
Proper soil preparation is the foundation of the future harvest. This stage begins the agricultural cycle, and its quality affects not only crop germination but also overall production efficiency. Especially under current conditions — economic instability, climate change, and growing competition — farmers pay increasing attention to choosing reliable and efficient equipment. Priority is given to machines that can operate stably and efficiently even on challenging plots.
This approach is followed in the Kyiv region, in the fields of PJSC “Horodyshche-Pustovarivsky Sugar Beet Farm,” which is part of the Hals Agro company. For several seasons now, the Väderstad Carrier XL 625 disc cultivator has been operating successfully here. The enterprise cultivates about 1,300 hectares and is distinguished by a diverse production structure that combines both main and niche crops.
How the Carrier XL has proven itself in Ukrainian fields, what advantages agronomists and operators note, and why a single pass of this machine can perform several operations at once — Traktorist.ua was told by chief agronomist of PJSC “Horodyshche-Pustovarivsky Sugar Beet Farm” Volodymyr Kodynskyi, machine operators Vitalii Kaulko and Viacheslav Bilyk, and Väderstad company manager Ihor Lobatenko.
Within the Hals Agro division, a rich crop rotation is maintained: sugar beet, winter wheat, corn (for grain and silage), sunflower, soybean, and spring barley. Some fields are used for mustard — as both a niche and green manure crop.
After harvesting any crop, discing is performed to chop residues — using both disc harrows and the Carrier XL implement.
“In some fields we perform deep loosening to prevent the formation of a plow pan and to allow moisture to move closer to the surface.”
Next, fertilizers are applied and the fields are prepared for the following crops. “The main fertilizers — NPK — are applied before plowing. In autumn we prepare areas for winter crops, in spring we cultivate for spring crops. It’s very important to retain moisture immediately after winter: first with harrows, then with compactors for leveling, and right before sowing, the compactor works again followed by the seeder,” explains the agronomist.
The Carrier XL plays a special role on the farm: it is used immediately after harvesting grain crops — for moisture retention, shredding and mixing corn and sunflower residues, and for leveling the field before precision sowing of crops sensitive to sowing depth, particularly beet and soybean.
“Under favorable conditions we work according to the scheme: Carrier XL – compactor – seeder.”
Different crops require different approaches. The chief agronomist noted that when growing mustard, tactics are crucial: moisture retention and volunteer stimulation after the first pass, followed by seedbed preparation and leveling.
For this, the enterprise uses a semi-mounted Carrier XL 625 disc cultivator combined with a BioDrill 360 mini-seeder, which allows simultaneous soil cultivation and cover crop sowing.
“We worked at a depth of 10 cm and a speed of 14 km/h. In a single pass, the Carrier XL 625 performed stubble cultivation, seedbed preparation, consolidation, distribution, and chopping of crop residues. At the same time, mustard was sown at a rate of 18 kg/ha. This greatly saves time and resources.”
Special attention at the enterprise is paid to soybeans and sugar beet. According to Volodymyr Kodynskyi, soybeans require a seed sowing depth of about 2 cm. If sown at 4–5 cm, there is a risk of poor emergence in a dry spring.
“Sugar beet requires uniform seeding at a consistent depth, followed by inter-row cultivation without section ‘jumps’. In addition, root harvesting is crucial: uniform root size and spacing reduce losses and damage. For sunflower, we use a different approach: first, we roll the stalks with ring-spike rollers, and then run the Carrier XL diagonally to ensure even shredding.”
This is why field leveling plays a key role on the farm. “The surface must be as flat as a rail. If there’s a dip, the seed sits higher; if there’s a bump, it goes deeper. Carrier XL helps create a level bed for precision sowing,” summarizes the chief agronomist.
“In recent years, we switched to using the Väderstad Carrier XL. Previously, we mainly used disc harrows, but now they are considered outdated — they wear out quickly, especially on our black soils and heavy fields with stones.”
The Carrier XL’s working elements are mounted on rubber dampers, so when they hit an obstacle, they flex instead of breaking. This is important for the farm, as the fields often contain stones, old bricks, or even building debris. According to the chief agronomist, these dampers save the machine from damage.
PJSC “Horodyshche-Pustovarivsky Sugar Beet Farm” operates three Carrier XL units with different configurations. They are used for disking wheat, corn, or sunflower stubble. For sunflower, ring-spike rollers are used beforehand to flatten the stalks.
“The main task is to retain moisture after wheat and to shred corn residues that otherwise take too long to decompose. For this, we also apply residue decomposers, but they only work when there’s enough moisture. Carrier XL allows us to prepare the field so that the seeder doesn’t clog and seeds are sown evenly.”
Farm tractor operator Vitalii Kaulko notes that the Carrier XL’s performance depends on the crop and soil condition.
“After wheat, it seals in moisture well and levels the soil. Corn is more challenging: the residues can be either dry or wet, so the discs need proper adjustment. Sunflower is easier. Moisture is a key factor — right now, for example, the conditions are optimal.”
On the farm, the cultivator works with a 310 hp John Deere tractor at a speed of 12–15 km/h. Fuel consumption is about 8 liters per hectare, which, according to Volodymyr Kodynskyi, is several times lower than when plowing. The average daily productivity is around 50 hectares, but under favorable conditions, the implement can process over 100 hectares.
“It pulls easily. In dry corn fields, we set a higher disc angle — it crushes better. If the field allows, we can process over 100 hectares per day.”
His colleague Viacheslav Bilyk adds that the Carrier XL’s double steel packer roller performs well in moist conditions. The field turns out dense but not smeared, and speed remains consistent.
Väderstad manager Ihor Lobatenko says that representatives of the enterprise first encountered the equipment at an exhibition, where they were interested in the Carrier XL 625 disc cultivator series.
“It was the first model they ordered. Later, the equipment was brought to the farm and demonstrated directly in the field. After that, they decided to purchase another unit. Some time later, at the ‘Battle of the Titans’ exhibition, the enterprise acquired a third machine — this time with a double roller. As a result, the farm now has three cultivators: two standard ones and one with reinforced equipment.”
The Carrier XL 625 cultivator is equipped with conical discs with a diameter of 610 mm, allowing it to work at depths of 6–16 cm. There is also a version with 510 mm discs that provide a working depth of 5–13 cm. Each tine is fitted with individual rubber dampers that increase durability and protect the structure from damage.
An important feature is the ability to adjust the disc angle (11°, 13°, or 17°). According to Ihor Lobatenko, the adjustment is done very quickly thanks to an eccentric mechanism. This allows the machine to adapt to various field conditions and even helps save fuel.
“Tractors with power from 200 to 600 hp are required to work with the cultivator, depending on the working width. For example, a 6.25 m model requires at least 300 hp. On the farm, the implement operates with a 310 hp John Deere tractor, leaving some power reserve. Available models include widths of 4.25 m, 5.25 m, 6.25 m, 7.25 m, 9.25 m, and 12.25 m.”
The Carrier XL can be fitted with various rollers depending on field conditions: the Single Steel Runner — standard single steel roller, the Double Steel Runner — dual steel roller for heavy conditions, and the Double Soil Runner — a lighter roller for sandy and light soils.
“The roller design includes rubber silent blocks that absorb shocks and protect the bearings. Thanks to this, the equipment lasts significantly longer: competitors face issues after 2–3 thousand hectares of operation, while on this farm, cultivators have been running for 6 years without serious breakdowns.”
The specialist notes that customers highlight several key advantages of the Carrier XL disc cultivator: versatility, reliability, high-quality performance even in wet conditions, fuel efficiency, and the ability to combine several operations at once — disking, seeding, and rolling.
“Since the first prototype appeared in 2012, the cultivator’s design has been improved many times. During testing on farms, adjustments were made: components were reinforced, materials were optimized, and only after that was the model put into series production. Today, no serious issues with the machines have been identified.”
Maintenance of the Carrier XL is carried out through official service centers. The farm’s chief agronomist notes that tractors under warranty are serviced only by authorized centers — including operating hours tracking, oil and filter replacements. Minor repairs such as bearings, rods, or wheels are done by operators, but major breakdowns are handled exclusively by the service team.
“Dealers undergo training directly with the manufacturer, but if necessary, the farm can also contact the company directly. The commissioning of new equipment often takes place jointly — with both dealers and factory representatives on site.”
The Carrier XL has proven its effectiveness in the fields of PJSC “Horodyshche-Pustovarivsky Sugar Beet Farm” as a tool for quick moisture retention, residue shredding, and soil leveling for precision seeding.
“For crops like sugar beet, soybean, or niche mustard, there is a big difference between simply ‘sowing’ and ‘sowing correctly’. We strive to minimize surprises. It’s important for us to complete each operation quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary fuel costs.”