What Farmers Ask About Lemken

Real questions we hear at the counter — answered straight.

“What tillage tool do I need for spring seedbed prep?”

It depends on your residue load and soil type. For high-speed shallow work (1–4″), the Heliodor 9 compact disc is hard to beat — it runs at 8.5–10 mph and creates a level seedbed in one pass. If you’re dealing with heavy corn stalks or compaction and need to go deeper (up to 6″), step up to the Rubin 10 or 12. For intensive primary tillage down to 14″, the Karat 9 cultivator is the tool of choice. Give us a call and we’ll walk through what matches your soil.

“How does Lemken compare to Great Plains or Case IH tillage?”

Lemken’s DuraMaxx disc technology delivers significantly longer wear life than standard discs. Farmers switching from Great Plains or Case IH report that Lemken compact disc harrows maintain better working depth, handle residue more cleanly, and run faster without needing more horsepower. Lemken has over 240 years of European engineering behind every implement — these tools are built for durability. Browse our current Lemken inventory to see what’s available.

“Can I do tillage and seeding in one pass?”

Yes — that’s exactly what the Compact-Solitair and Solitair DT combination drills are designed for. The Solitair DT integrates Lemken’s Heliodor disc section at the front to work stubble, then packers create a firm seedbed, and double-disc openers place seed all in one pass. It saves fuel, retains moisture, and reduces your trips across the field. Ask us about availability — contact Wakarusa Ag.

“What size tractor do I need to pull Lemken equipment?”

It varies by implement and working width. The Heliodor 9 requires about 9 HP per foot of working width — so a 23-foot unit needs roughly 200 HP. The Rubin 12 needs about 15 HP/ft for deeper work. Karat cultivators need 20+ HP/ft depending on depth. The good news: Lemken tools are engineered for efficiency, so you often need less power than you’d expect compared to competitors. Pair it with a DEUTZ-FAHR tractor from our lot and we’ll spec the right match.

“Are parts and service available locally?”

Absolutely. Wakarusa Ag is a full-service Lemken dealer. We stock common wear parts — blades, disc bearings, tine points — and have access to Lemken’s North American parts warehouse in Des Moines for everything else. Our shop handles all service, setup, and warranty work. Order parts or schedule service anytime.

“What warranty comes with Lemken equipment?”

New Lemken implements come with a 2-year factory warranty from date of sale, and any authorized Lemken dealer can perform warranty repairs. Lemken’s DuraMaxx discs are specifically designed for extended wear life, so you’ll spend less on replacements. Ask about our financing options to make a new Lemken implement fit your budget.

Find the Right Lemken for Your Operation

Organized by what you need to do — not model numbers.

Most Popular
High-Speed Seedbed Prep

Heliodor 9

Your go-to for fast, shallow seedbed preparation. Notched discs cut residue and create a level finish at speeds up to 10 mph. One pass and done — save time, fuel, and trips across the field.

Widths13′ · 23′ · 33′ · 40′
Depth1–4 inches
Speed8.5–10 mph
Starting ~$28,000
Intensive Stubble Cultivation

Rubin 10 / 12

When you need aggressive mixing and deeper penetration for heavy corn stalks and compacted soils. DuraMaxx serrated discs cut through anything and last significantly longer than standard discs.

Widths16′ · 23′ · 33′ · 40′
Depth1–6 inches
HP/ft~15 HP per foot
Starting ~$42,000
Primary Tillage / Deep Work

Karat 9 / 12

Lemken’s intensive cultivator for deep loosening and mixing. Adjustable tines, hydraulic depth control, and a heavy-duty frame handle the toughest Midwest soils. Think of it as a disc ripper that actually finishes the job.

Widths10′ · 16′ · 23′ · 33′
Depth3–14 inches
HP/ft~20 HP per foot
Starting ~$55,000
Tillage + Seeding
Combination Tillage + Seeding

Solitair / Compact-Solitair

Combine seedbed preparation and seeding in a single pass. The Solitair DT integrates disc tillage, packing, and double-disc seed placement — reducing passes, saving moisture, and speeding up your spring planting window.

Widths13′ · 20′ · 30′
Seed Depth0–4 inches
Tanks116–145 bu
Starting ~$75,000

Your Local Lemken Dealer

Wakarusa Ag serves farmers across the Midwest — with sales, service, parts, and rentals for every brand we carry.

Indiana
Michigan
Ohio
Illinois
Iowa
Pennsylvania

Wakarusa Ag LLC

905 Nelsons Parkway, Wakarusa, IN 46573

Phone: 574-862-1163

Hours: Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sat 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Family-owned by the Martin family since 2001. We also carry DEUTZ-FAHR, Lemken, TYM, Pöttinger, Honey Bee, Wacker Neuson, Penta, and more. Full service shop, parts counter, equipment rentals, and financing.

5 Things to Do Before the Season Starts

Don’t wait until the first good day to discover a problem. Get ahead of it now.

Inspect Your Disc Blades
Check DuraMaxx disc thickness and replace any that are worn past the indicator line. Order replacement blades now before the spring rush.
Set Working Depth
Adjust hydraulic depth control to match your target seedbed. Shallow (1–2″) for established no-till, deeper (4–6″) for heavy residue fields.
Check Bearings & Grease Points
Lemken’s maintenance-free disc bearings last, but verify tine pivot points and roller bearings. Schedule a spring inspection with our shop.
Calibrate Your Drill
If running a Solitair combination, calibrate seed metering to your target population. Verify disc coulter down-pressure matches your soil conditions.
Plan Your Field Sequence
Start with your heaviest-residue fields first while soil moisture is optimal. Save lighter-residue fields for last to maximize your planting window.

Additional Lemken FAQ

Can Lemken tillage tools work with my existing tractor brand?

Yes. All Lemken implements use standard Cat II or Cat III 3-point hitches and 1000 RPM PTO. They work with any tractor brand — John Deere, Case IH, DEUTZ-FAHR, Kubota, or anything else in your barn.

How wide can Lemken tools fold for road transport?

Most Lemken implements fold to under 10 feet for road transport. The Heliodor 9/700 (23′) folds to approximately 8.5 feet wide. Larger models fold hydraulically and include road lighting packages.

Does Lemken offer no-till drill options?

Yes. The new Solitair NT is Lemken’s first dedicated direct drill, designed for no-till and minimal-till seeding. It uses ProDisc single-disc coulters with up to 340 kg of downforce. Contact us about availability.

How long do DuraMaxx discs last compared to regular discs?

Lemken’s DuraMaxx disc technology uses hardened steel that delivers significantly longer service life than standard discs. Many operators report 2–3x the acre count before replacement is needed.

Can I rent Lemken equipment before buying?

Yes. Wakarusa Ag offers equipment rentals on select Lemken models. It’s a great way to test the tool on your own fields before committing. View our rental fleet.

Where is Lemken equipment manufactured?

Lemken manufactures at their headquarters in Alpen, Germany, along with facilities in the Netherlands and India. They produce approximately 15,000 machines per year. The company has been family-owned since 1780.

Lemken® is a registered trademark of its respective owner. Pricing shown is approximate and subject to change. All specifications are manufacturer-published and may vary by configuration. Financing subject to credit approval through participating lenders. Contact Wakarusa Ag for current pricing, availability, and promotion details. © 2026 Wakarusa Ag LLC. All rights reserved.