Turning forage quality into profit with the Kverneland 85156 C

In any farming operation where forage quality makes the difference between a good season and a great one, the ability to process and preserve feed at its nutritional peak is critical.

That’s why machinery that works with both precision and reliability is not just a convenience, it’s an investment in productivity and profitability. The Kverneland 85156 C tedder is built with this in mind—delivering high-capacity crop handling with engineering that reduces downtime and maximises efficiency in the paddock. Distributed in New Zealand by Power Farming, it combines proven European design with the local dealer support farmers and contractors rely on.

At 15.6 metres working width, the 85156 C is designed for those who want to move serious volumes of forage quickly and cleanly. Its carrier frame construction means it is purpose-built for heavy-duty use, yet it remains compatible with smaller tractors thanks to the fact that the lifting capacity of the tractor is not a limiting factor. The weight is carried on its own running gear, giving stability in road transport and taking the strain off the tractor’s rear axle. This is a machine designed for long days and varied terrain, with the confidence that it will stay steady on the road and sure-footed in the field.

One of the standout features is the innovative TerraFlow ground following system. This is not just a tweak to suspension geometry; it’s a redesign of how the tedder interacts with the ground. The frame connection between the carrier and the tedder unit is highly adaptive, allowing each of the 14 small-diameter rotors to move independently and follow the contours of the land. The tine distance to the ground remains constant across all terrain, which means the crop is turned efficiently without soil contamination. This results in a cleaner forage and a faster, more uniform dry-down—essential for maintaining feed quality.

The rotors themselves are a key part of the equation. Small-diameter units provide a generous overlap, ensuring complete pick-up and even distribution of the crop. This overlap, combined with Kverneland’s Super-C tine design, gives excellent crop turning in almost any condition. The Super-C tines are made from 10mm shot-peened spring steel with a coil diameter 20% larger than conventional designs. The result is a tine that is both flexible and durable, with a longer service life even in heavy silage work. Their symmetric design means the load is spread evenly, reducing wear and ensuring a consistent spread pattern.

In practice, the machine’s design makes life easier for the operator. The clever folding sequence—hydraulically controlled—is safe and quick, even on hilly ground, and a sequence control system prevents damage during folding or unfolding. The machine’s transport width is under 3 metres, making it straightforward to move between fields without the need for an escort or complex logistics. Optional extras, like 500mm wide tyres for additional ground protection or a hydraulic foldable swath board for border tedding, give the flexibility to tailor the machine to specific operating conditions.

Another major advantage is the low maintenance requirement. In-season upkeep is limited to the PTO and carrier—the driveline, gearboxes and most joints are maintenance-free. The ProLine gearbox is fully enclosed in an oil bath and does not carry frame load, which greatly reduces wear. Strong universal joints on the inside rotors and Kverneland’s HexaLink finger clutch on the outer rotors provide smooth and efficient power transfer while allowing for compact folding. The hinges use large-diameter, maintenance-free bearings for longevity and reliability—meaning less time in the workshop and more time in the field.

In use, the 85156 C is about efficiency at every stage. Hydraulic height adjustment is available as an option, controlled from the cab with a clear scale for precise settings. Switching to headland position is simple—a single-acting valve lifts the tedder for generous clearance, allowing you to turn without disturbing already spread crop. The machine’s stability in this position is excellent, aided by wide-track running gear and generous tyres that protect both the machine and the sward.

All of these features come together to support what is ultimately the goal: processing the crop efficiently to boost grass management. By ensuring the correct dry matter content and preserving nutritional value, the 85156 C plays a direct role in producing quality feed. In today’s farming climate, where time windows for cutting, tedding and baling can be tight and weather conditions unpredictable, having a tedder that can cover ground quickly and deliver consistent results is a real advantage.

It’s also a machine that reflects a broader philosophy about farming. Success in modern agriculture depends on strong management decisions, the right strategy and investments in equipment that deliver measurable returns. The 85156 C embodies this approach—high output, low downtime, operator-friendly design and the durability to handle demanding workloads year after year. Whether working in heavy silage, lighter hay crops, or challenging field conditions, it is engineered to make tough jobs less complicated.

For contractors and farmers, the numbers speak for themselves: 14 rotors, 15.6 metres of working width, a theoretical capacity of up to 12.5 hectares per hour and a design that allows operation with a lower-horsepower tractor. But beyond the numbers, it’s the attention to detail—from the TerraFlow system to the Super-C tines, from the smooth folding mechanism to the minimal maintenance—that makes the difference in daily operation.

In the end, the Kverneland 85156 C is more than just a big tedder. It’s a machine built with an understanding of how important timeliness, forage quality and reliability are to a profitable farming business. Backed by the nationwide Power Farming dealer network, buyers also have the reassurance of local expertise, parts availability and after-sales support to keep them running through the busiest seasons. It turns the often challenging task of tedding large areas into a process that is fast, precise and efficient, ensuring that when the weather is right the work gets done and gets done well.