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Working the soil

Stone picker

A tractor pulls a stone picker across a stony field; the surface stones are brought towards the hopper, in the centre of the machine.
The hopper is emptied at the end of the field or into a trailer.
Synthetic image.

A set of rakes, a hopper, and the field is cleared.
It brings surface stones back towards the centre
and stores them until the end of the field.

Other names for this tool: pebble picker, hopper destoner, stone gatherer.

The essentials
Family
Working the soil
Hitch
Tractor, towed
Drive
Power take-off, or the tractor's hydraulic circuit depending on the model
Carrier machine
A farm tractor, not an excavator

See the whole family →

01 Use

What it is for

On the left, the rakes draw the stones in, the comb lifts them into the hopper. On the right, at the end of the field, the full hopper empties into a trailer. Computer-generated image.
the rakes draw the stones in, the comb lifts them into the hopper at the end of the field, the full hopper empties into a trailer
Left: the rakes draw the stones in, the comb lifts them into the hopper.
Right: at the end of the field, the full hopper empties into a trailer.
What sets it apart:
it carries the stones away instead of moving them.
Computer-generated image.
The rakes gather the stones, the comb lifts them into the hopper.
The field is cleared before the tools break on it.
Synthetic video.

Depending on the model, rakes or rotors bring the surface stones towards the centre.
A comb lifts them and drops them into a hopper.
Rams tip the full hopper, at the end of the field or over a trailer.

It is the tool for reclaiming a stony field, for preparing ground before sowing, for looking after a pasture where stones come back up from one season to the next.
It is towed by a tractor: it does not need an excavator.

Picking up is not breaking. A stone that is too big does not go into the machine: it stays in the field, to be removed some other way.
What the machine picks up depends on the model and the ground, not on the catalogue.

02 What we check with you

On which machine?

It fits on a farm tractor, not on an excavator.
It works hitched to the tractor, towed.
The tractor power and the three-point linkage category: we calculate them with you for your machine.

What the tool does

It picks up stones, for working the soil.
The working width and its weight: we calculate them with you for your machine.

What is needed on the hydraulic side

Depending on the model, it is driven by the power take-off or by the tractor's hydraulic circuit.
The power take-off speed (540 or 1000 rpm) and the spool valves: we calculate them with you for your machine.

Figures taken from our models on the market.
Your study sets the exact value for your machine.

Don't have these figures?
A photo of the machine is enough to start.

03 Your study

Have your equipment checked.

Describe the ground, the size of the stones and the tractor that will pull the machine.
Also say where the stones are to go.

What we need to answer you
  • Your tractor Its power, in hp.
  • The power take-off Its speed: 540 or 1000 rpm.
  • The hitch The three-point linkage category.
  • The hydraulics The spool valves available.

Without these details, the study still begins: we will ask you for them.

Send my photos

or describe your need

Book an appointment with the specialist

Or call 01 84 16 55 49 · our lines are open 7 days a week, from 7h to 22h.

Written study within 3 working days, once the file is complete.

04 Choice

What determines the choice

  • 01 — The ground and the size of the stones Surface stones, buried cobbles, stones that roll:
    it is not the same job.
    The ground decides, not the catalogue.
  • 02 — The tractor available Power, linkage, power take-off, hydraulic flow:
    the machine is chosen with the tractor that pulls it, not without it.
  • 03 — The state of the soil and the time of year A waterlogged, frozen or very dry soil is not worked in the same way.
    The window for a pass is judged on the spot.
  • 04 — Emptying End of field, trailer, chaser bin:
    where the stones go is part of the job.
05 Check

What is checked before ordering

  • What becomes of the stones A stone that has been picked up still has to be carted away, stored or reused.
    Who takes them, and where, is settled before the first pass.
  • The wear parts Tines, comb, rakes: they work in contact with the stones.
    Their condition and replacement are checked before choosing.
  • Compatibility with the tractor Hitch, linkage, power take-off or hydraulics:
    we check that the tractor carries and drives the machine.
  • Safety around the machine A set of rakes, a hopper that tips:
    area kept clear, machine stopped before any intervention.
In the same family
On the excavator, for stones
Screening and crushing on the excavator
To go further
Carrier machine
Agricultural tractor
A question about an attachment? 01 84 16 55 49 Send my photos