'Contact 2000' is the first contact weed wiping system to use a brush as the means of applying chemical to the target plant, which is very significant. The nature of the brush is fundamental to the success of the contact system. Its bristles are made of a special material that absorbs chemical yet holds its shape when 'combed' through even dense tough plants, achieving high levels of contact.

The total amount of liquid absorbed by the brush before dripping occurs is considerable, and allows a wide band of safety to be used in the guidelines for the operator to achieve excellent results. The use of low ground pressure wheels and tyres is important as they are very robust, are designed to work in very soft ground where other wiping systems could not operate and provide suspension for the unit in rough conditions.

Bracken, rush or general tall weed problems can be dealt with, only applying chemical to the target weed, resulting in tremendous cost savings as well as protecting vunerable plants such as clover.

Contact 2000 has a unique control system that allows the operator to match weed density and forward speed to application rate. The units of 2.5m used in single form or in multiples are very easy to use, can cover a lot of ground quickly and provide a safe environment for operator, farm animals and wildlife.

Chemical supply is provided by any suitable On Board Sprayer


CTF250 with Off-set Drawbar


CTF150
PATENT APPLIED FOR
Extract from 'Farming News' on the smaller Contact version - CTF150.

Logic ATV Equip have recently introduced a mini version of their very popular Contact 2000 weed wiping system.
The new, 1.5m wide model (CTF150) has been introduced to complement the range and satisfy new market demands.
CTF150 features the same build quality and control system as the larger models in the range. The only difference is slightly smaller wheels, which are still of the ultra low ground pressure type allowing use in soft areas typically found close to waterways, lakes and ponds etc., areas in which contact 2000 weed control has made major advances, thanks to the environmentally safe way it applies chemicals to plants.

One example of Contact 2000's use is in forestry. Modern growing practices of tree nurseries allow the movement of small vehicles between rows of saplings for various management tasks such as weed control. CTF150 fits this job perfectly and has proved to be amazingly cost effective using both selective chemicals and desiccants.
Equine establishments are also finding this model ideal for paddock weed control and general tidying up along driveways or gallops etc.
Extract from 'Farmers Weekly' on CTF250
These used behind more powerful ATV's can cover up to 4Ha (10 acres) per hour on flat going, or about 2.4Ha (6 acres) per hour on more difficult terrain, even in dense weed situations. The drawbar design features a swan neck mounting to remove any possibility of 'drag' in tall plants like bracken and thistles. It can be quickly moved to one side or the other to provide an offset position. The height adjustment is spring assisted and takes literally seconds to alter, helping to achieve the best performance in varying conditions.
Extract from 'The Scottish Farmer'

ATTACK BRACKEN SOONER
Recent developments in bracken clearing using 'Contact 2000' wiping with Roundup®, show that earlier treatment of this persistent plant is paying off.

Land Restore UK, a specialist contracting company based in S.W. Scotland, have treated thousands of hectares over the last few years using varied five year programmes to meet owners requirements.
In a bid to extend the traditional season of spraying or wiping, Land Restore UK trialed earlier plots where plants had fewer fronds erect, but enough for chemical wiping. Results have been so good from these sites that earlier treatment is now considered to be the optimum starting time.

As soon as an average of FOUR fully expanded fronds are present, which could be as early as mid June, wiping with 'Contact 2000' and Roundup® is started, providing several major advantages.

• Safety, the operator can see many of the usual obstacles on upland terrain, stones, ditches, holes and similar hazards that are hidden in a full stand of bracken. (This reason alone could be enough to change to this technique).
• Starting at this stage gives a wider window of opportunity to complete larger areas over the season.
• Less chemical, is used in a more effective way.
• Treating an actively growing plant achieves better translocation of chemical throughout its system.
• Speed of use and cost effectiveness supports follow-up treatment in the same season. As with all programmes of this nature, planning a campaign over five years is essential even if only two operations within that time are required.

HEATHER RESTORATION
Jim McCombe, Head Gamekeeper on the Muirkirk Estate in Ayrshire has worked closely with Robert Muir of Land Restore UK to control bracken and rushes with a view to improving the Game rearing potential of his ground.

Earlier traditional techniques of helicopter spraying and follow up with Contact 2000 wiping have proved very successful, though more recently Jim has used his own 'Contact 2000' unit to apply Roundup® earlier in the season.
This new system gives us much more time to do the planned acreage, with better control of Molinia grass as well. We've eradicated bracken quickly and cost effectively. Heather is growing back naturally, and on areas where the Molinia was killed off we've re-sown heather and controlled any volunteer grasses with 'Contact 2000'. The regenerating heather upland areas are suffering the same economic constraints as other agricultural land types, but if ways can be found to economically improve the value of sporting enterprises to extend livestock grazing then there is still a way forward.

Bracken will always be a determined adversary ready to take over if allowed. Control techniques of this nature with minimal use of chemicals and equipment, is one way of achieving an environmentally responsible result to this annual problem.