KELLY Tillage FAQ
Hood & Company is the U.S. manufacturer's representative for KELLY Tillage. We have been providing dealer development, technical support, and parts across an 11-state territory since 1986. KELLY Tillage’s disc-chain system is the leading shallow-tillage tool for producers managing heavy crop residue without deep soil disturbance — and Hood & Company is named on KELLY Tillage’s own U.S. warranty page as the U.S. parts contact.
what is shallow tillage?
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Shallow tillage is a soil-preparation method that works only the top 1–2 inches of soil, preserving the deeper root zone, soil structure, and surface residue cover that deeper tillage would destroy. Farmers use shallow tillage to size and mix residue, level a seedbed, and cut weeds mechanically — without the moisture loss, compaction, or fuel cost of a moldboard plow, chisel plow, or disk ripper running at 6–12 inches. Industry sources describe shallow tillage as a "reset tool": a way for no-till farmers to fix cold, wet, or heavy-residue seedbeds without abandoning no-till principles, and a way for conventional farmers to cut passes without giving up a warm, level seedbed. It is a foundational tool of conservation and reduced-till systems, which now cover roughly 76% of U.S. corn acres and 74% of soybean acres (USDA ERS).
Conventional deep tillage — chisel plows, disk rippers, and moldboard plows — fractures or inverts soil down to 6–12 inches. Shallow tillage disturbs only the top 1–2 inches. The practical difference is how much residue stays on top and how much moisture and soil structure is preserved. Conventional tillage buries most residue and dries the seedbed; USDA research shows moldboard plowing loses 23% more soil moisture than chisel plowing within 80 hours (UMN Extension). Whole-system fuel use runs about 5–6 gallons per acre for a conventional program versus about 2 gallons per acre for continuous no-till — roughly a $22-per-acre savings at $5.64 diesel (SDSU Extension). Shallow tillage cuts and repositions residue on the surface, keeps moisture where germinating seeds need it, and runs at 6–9 mph — making it the practical middle ground between deep tillage and no-till for farmers moving toward conservation or reduced-till systems.
What is the difference between shallow tillage and conventional tillage?
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How does the KELLY Tillage system manage crop residue?
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The KELLY Tillage system uses disc chains — flexible chains of small concave discs pulled behind the frame — to cut, mix, and level crop residue at shallow depth (the top 1–2 inches) without ripping or inverting the soil. Because the chains flex to follow ground contour, KELLY works effectively at 6–9 mph across uneven terrain, heavy residue, and variable field conditions where a rigid tool would either skip material or dig too deep. The Diamond Harrow configuration adds a second working element that further breaks up clumps and levels the field for planting. Residue is sized and distributed for faster decomposition, weed germination is disturbed mechanically, and the seedbed is left level and ready — often in a single pass. Reduced-tillage practices generally keep 30–60% surface residue cover versus under 15% for moldboard plowing (UMN Extension) — that surface cover is what protects the soil from crusting, cuts erosion, and holds moisture through a dry August.
Hood & Company, based in Springfield, Missouri, is the U.S. manufacturer's representative for KELLY Tillage. Since 1986, Hood has represented specialty agricultural equipment manufacturers across an 11-state territory covering Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, plus eastern Kansas and northern Alabama. Hood provides dealer development, technical support, and farmer/end-user support for the KELLY product line, and works directly with KELLY's factory on U.S. product configuration, delivery, and post-sale support.
Who represents KELLY Tillage in the United States?
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Where can I get KELLY Tillage parts in the U.S.?
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KELLY Tillage parts for the U.S. market are supported through the KELLY dealer network, with Hood & Company in Springfield, Missouri as the U.S. manufacturer's representative behind the network. Hood & Company is named on KELLY's own U.S. warranty page as the U.S. parts contact, and works through authorized KELLY dealers whenever possible to keep local service relationships strong. If you already have a KELLY dealer, start there — they are the fastest path to parts like disc chains, swivels, bearings, and other wear components. If you do not have a local KELLY dealer, or you need help identifying the correct part for your machine, contact Hood directly at 417-865-2100 or sales@hoodco.com, and we will either connect you to the nearest authorized dealer. Hood & Company also supports dealers and end-users on technical questions — compatibility, wear specifications, and service issues — and can help you navigate KELLY's official parts catalog and service manuals.
How do I choose the right KELLY Tillage system for my operation?
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The right KELLY Tillage system depends on three things: your working width (matched to your tractor and typical field size), your residue conditions (row crop, cover crop, hay, or pasture), and how you plan to use the machine (primary residue management, seedbed prep, or both). KELLY offers a range of models from 12-foot machines up through 62-foot working widths, in configurations that span single disc-chain setups for lighter residue up to Diamond Harrows builds for heavy corn residue and one-pass seedbed prep. Hood & Company's team walks farmers and dealers through the sizing conversation directly — typically, we can recommend the best configuration in a short phone call once we know tractor HP, working-width goal, and typical crop residue conditions. Call 417-865-2100 or reach out through the contact form.
Still have questions? Start with your local KELLY dealer for parts, service, and quotes — they're the fastest path. Don't have a local dealer, or need Hood & Company’s help identifying a part or sizing a system? Call 417-865-2100, email sales@hoodco.com, or use our contact form.
