Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We Have Answers

Click on the questions below to read the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

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At Bute Discs, we are passionate about ensuring innovation meets practicality in agricultural solutions. We understand the challenges farm businesses face, and we want to ensure that you are aware of the Australian Government’s Farm Business Support initiative through the $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off.

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Yes, farmers around the world have been fitting Bute Discs to Kelly Diamond Harrow models dated from 2010 onwards for many years. They connect directly to the existing bearing assembles, the chains are tightened the same and the folding procedure remains the same.

Yes, farmers are purchasing new Bute Cutting Discs typically running on the front of the diamond machine and leaving the manufacture original chains on the rear. This combination saves the farmer money and will transform the machine into a better tool.

Bute 625 ( 6.25’’ Disc spacing )
Variable in 14 kg per meter increments, beginning at 68, 82, 96, & 110 kg
10 lbs per foot increments, beginning at 45, 55, 65, & 75 lbs

Bute 850 ( 8.50’’ Disc spacing )
Variable in 10 kg per meter increments, beginning at 77, 87, 97, 107 kg
7 lbs per foot increments, beginning at 51, 58, 65, 73 lbs

Yes, you can choose either disc. Different discs are designed for different soil types and residue.

Depending on soil types the Cutting Disc can last up to 27,000 hectares and beyond. The 1/4’’ Standard Disc have lasted up to 70,000 acres.

Bute has made changing discs very easy to do simply by using a battery operated rattle gun. This makes the changeover very efficient as many farmers would already own this tool in their work shop.

Yes, the Hook & Eye castings get used over and over again. By replacing the disc only you can save around 55%- 60% of the original chain cost.

Yes, farmers have been fitting Bute Discs to Humdinger Diamonds since 2012. They connect directly to the existing bearing assemblies, the chains are tightened the same, and the folding procedure remains the same.

Yes, since 2012 Brookfield’s have been fitting Bute Disc Chains to their new machines and we continue to do so. The castings are painted orange and the discs painted black to complement their branding.

  1. Can control your working depth, by using bolt on weights.
  2. Disc chain remains connected when adding or removing weights.
  3. One, two or three weights can be added to each casting.
  4. Weight per meter/ ft ranges from 68kg-110kg ( 45lbs – 75lbs ).
  5. Disc spacing’s available in 6.25’’ & 8.50’’.
  6. Very high quality boron cutting discs HRC 48-50.
  7. Longer wear of cutting discs (some report up to 27,000 Hectares).
  8. Replacement chains for all diamond harrows and V machines.
  9. Both cutting & ¼’’ standard disc can be bolted to Bute 625 & 850 castings.
  10. Value for money.

Either option works fine – but if you buy direct from us then Kent Patterson (owner of Bute Discs) will personally talk you through your farm’s needs. He’ll give you a recommendation on what disc chain and weights will be best suited to your soil while keeping your budget in mind as well.

The Hook & Eye castings are designed to have the hook connected to the front leading bearing of each length of chain.
The discs are designed to work with the concave side of the disc facing forwards.

The Dog Leg Harrow can work both ways. The more aggressive way is to have the prongs facing forward. If you want the chain not to clog then have the prongs facing backwards.

This is dependent on disc type, weight of chains and soil type more than machine size:

  • Dog Leg Harrow and prickle chain, up to 14 kph ( 8.7mph ).
  • Anchor chain welded discs, up to 12 kph ( 7.5 mph ).
  • Bute 625 Cutting Discs ( black ) & ¼” Standard Discs ( Blue ) 10-11 kph / 6.5 mph.
  • Bute 850 Cutting Discs ( black ) & ¼ “ Standard Discs ( Blue ) 8-10 kph / 6.2 mph.

Yes. The two sets of discs from the diamond harrow does a great job of leveling the soil and filling ruts.

You have a choice of either bolting on the sharpened cutting disc for the best chance of cutting the reside or the 1/4’’ standard disc which has a blunt edge intended to bruise and split the stubble.

At speeds higher than the optimum for the conditions you will experience:

  • Poor performance as the discs loop or skim over the ground.
  • Machine bounce. This will leave a corrugation the surface that will diminish planter performance and operator comfort in operations following the disc chain.
  • As soon as corrugations are detected behind the machine a new, slower operating speed must be adopted. Slow down.

Correct tension is very important

  • The chains should not sag back more than 12″ or 30cm when working.
  • Decals show the correct tension spring setting on each chain.
  • Loose chains wear prematurely in the links.
  • Loose chains give uneven performance across the width of the machine.
  • Loose chains will not engage in their transport rests when folding and may cause damage to the machine when unfolding if they catch on framework.
  • Operators must operate! Watch and understand what the correct folding sequence looks like so you can recognise a fault.
  • As soon as you notice an irregularity in the folding or unfolding sequence, stop the hydraulic flow by releasing the control lever or switch.
  • Reverse the flow to set the machine back to the last “correct” stage.
  • Gently engage the lever to try again.
  • If the fault recurs get out of the tractor and inspect the machine for any excess mud in the chains or mechanical irregularities that might cause the problem.
  • If none are evident, adjustment of the sequence valve may be necessary.
  • Do not allow the outer wing tips to collide under any circumstances.

Every soil, every season is not just our tagline, it’s the core of our business. Our Bute Discs are sold in North America, Europe, Australia and South Africa across a wide variety of both frames and soil types. We partner with reputable distributors in each market to help farmers get the most out of their crop. View all our distributors here.

The seedbed created by Diamond Harrow has the following features and benefits:

  • A firm moist base in which to place the seed.
  • No change in soil density below the emerging roots; this promotes strong root growth downwards rather than sideways.
  • A shallow area of loose tilth to provide excellent seed soil contact.
  • A barrier to capillary action that dries the soil.
  • A layer of mulch residue on the surface.
  • Protecting the soil from droplet compaction.
  • Mulching and preserving moisture.
  • Reducing wind exposure and evaporation.
  • Smooth level surface that promotes superior planter performance.
  • Greater accuracy of seed placement.
  • Reduced planter wear.
  • Higher planting speeds means more acres per day and more crop planted at the optimum time.
  • Full cut weed control saving a herbicide.
  • Integrated weed management to control herbicide resistance.
  • Lowest cost seedbed preparation.
  • Low fuel use per acre.
  • Low labour cost per acre.
  • Very low operating and wear costs per acre.

We strongly recommend watching the folding sequence to identify faults. If faults or irregularities are present, halt the hydraulic flow, reverse to the last correct stage, and gently engage the lever. If the issue persists, inspect the machine for mud or mechanical issues; adjust the sequence valve if needed. Avoid outer wing tip collision under all circumstances.

Discs may loop or skim over the ground at high speeds, lowering performance. Machine bounce can create grooves on the surface, impacting planter performance and operator comfort. To avoid these issues, we recommend a slower operating speed.