{"id":428,"date":"2026-05-21T05:41:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-21T05:41:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/?post_type=product&p=428"},"modified":"2026-05-21T05:49:44","modified_gmt":"2026-05-21T05:49:44","slug":"ep-awb-1600-potato-digger-2-row-75hp","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/product\/ep-awb-1600-potato-digger-2-row-75hp\/","title":{"rendered":"\u0908\u092a\u0940-\u090f\u0921\u092c\u094d\u0932\u094d\u092f\u0942\u092c\u0940-1600 \u0906\u0932\u0942 \u0916\u094b\u0926\u0928\u0947 \u0935\u093e\u0932\u0940 \u092e\u0936\u0940\u0928 \u2013 2-\u092a\u0902\u0915\u094d\u0924\u093f, \u0915\u0949\u092e\u094d\u092a\u0948\u0915\u094d\u091f \u0914\u0930 \u0915\u092e \u0928\u0941\u0915\u0938\u093e\u0928"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
Low
\nDamage<\/div>\n
Core Design Goal<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
2<\/div>\n
Rows per Pass<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
540<\/div>\n
RPM PTO<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
75 HP<\/div>\n
Min. Power (Standard)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n
4+3<\/div>\n
Variants + Kit Options<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

The Step That Closes the Season \u2014 Compact, Robust, Low Damage<\/h2>\n

Watanabe’s own description of the EP-AWB-1600 series potato digger is three words: “compact, robust and without damage to the potato.”<\/em> That is the design brief, and it reflects the most practical concern at harvest \u2014 a machine that can work in the tight, irregular fields of Korean highland potato production without bruising the crop that the entire season was built around producing.<\/p>\n

The EP-AWB-1600 range consists of four variants of a 2-row PTO-driven digger, all operating at 3\u20135 km\/h and at 540 RPM PTO input. They differ primarily in weight, minimum tractor power requirement, and whether they support the hydraulic kit options for different discharge configurations. Three optional kits (Kit A, Kit B, Kit C) adapt the machine’s output arrangement to different harvest workflow requirements, from simple side windrowing to full haulm separation before discharge.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\u25b6 EP-AWB-1600 \u2014 Standard<\/p>\n

800 Kg<\/strong>, 75 cv<\/strong> min., no hydraulic valves. The lightest entry point \u2014 suited to compact tractors and small to medium potato holdings. Kit A (centre discharge) compatible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u25b6 EP-AWB-1600 A<\/p>\n

1,000 Kg<\/strong>, 85 cv<\/strong> min., no hydraulic valves. Heavier and more robust than the standard \u2014 better suited to stony soils or higher-intensity use. Kit A compatible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u25b6 EP-AWB-1600 B<\/p>\n

1,200 Kg<\/strong>, 95 cv<\/strong> min., 2 hydraulic valves<\/strong> required. Supports Kit B (side discharge) or Kit C (side + deviner) for advanced harvest workflow options.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u25b6 EP-AWB-1600 C<\/p>\n

1,350 Kg<\/strong>, 95 cv<\/strong> min., 2 hydraulic valves<\/strong> required. The heaviest and most fully equipped variant \u2014 supports all three kit options and the most demanding seasonal workloads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

All four variants share the same working row count (2), the same PTO input speed (540 RPM), and the same working speed range (3\u20135 km\/h). The differences lie in weight, power demand, and hydraulic capability \u2014 factors that determine which optional discharge kit can be fitted and how robustly the machine performs over an extended harvest season on demanding Korean highland soil.<\/p>\n

\"Potato\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Technical Specifications \u2013 EP-AWB-1600 Series<\/h2>\n

All four variants cover 2 rows per pass at the same PTO speed and working speed. The key differences are weight, minimum tractor power, and hydraulic valve requirement. Note that the hydraulic control valve requirement (rows B and C) determines which optional kit can be fitted to the machine \u2014 a critical factor when choosing a variant.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u0924\u0915\u0928\u0940\u0915\u0940 \u0921\u093e\u091f\u093e<\/th>\nEP-AWB-1600<\/th>\nEP-AWB-1600 A<\/th>\nEP-AWB-1600 B<\/th>\nEP-AWB-1600 C<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Weight & Configuration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0935\u091c\u093c\u0928<\/strong><\/td>\n800 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n1,000 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n1,200 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n1,350 Kg<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rows<\/strong><\/td>\n2<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tractor Requirements<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Engine Power (min.)<\/strong><\/td>\n75 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n85 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n95 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n95 cv<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
PTO Input Speed<\/strong><\/td>\n540 RPM<\/td>\n540 RPM<\/td>\n540 RPM<\/td>\n540 RPM<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Required Control Valves<\/strong><\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n\u2014<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u0915\u093e\u0930\u094d\u092f \u0917\u0924\u093f<\/strong><\/td>\n3\u20135 Km\/h<\/td>\n3\u20135 Km\/h<\/td>\n3\u20135 Km\/h<\/td>\n3\u20135 Km\/h<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Optional Kit Configurations<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Kit Option<\/th>\nWhat It Adds<\/th>\nCompatible Variants<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Kit A<\/td>\n2nd Web \u2014 Centre Discharge<\/td>\nStandard, A, B, C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kit B<\/td>\n2nd Web \u2014 Side Discharge<\/td>\nB and C only (2 valves)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Kit C<\/td>\nSide Discharge + Deviner Web (haulm separation)<\/td>\nB and C only (2 valves)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

\u24d8 cv = metric horsepower. Kit B and Kit C require 2 hydraulic control valves on the tractor \u2014 only compatible with variants B and C. Kit A (passive centre discharge) is compatible with all four variants. All data sourced from the Watanabe official product brochure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

How the EP-AWB-1600 Potato Digger Works<\/h2>\n

Digging Blade and Soil-Potato Separation<\/h3>\n

The digging process begins with a flat share blade that slides under the potato ridge at the set working depth \u2014 typically 15\u201320 cm below the ridge surface, below the deepest tubers in the root zone. As the tractor advances, the blade lifts the entire ridge soil mass \u2014 tubers and soil together \u2014 and carries it upward onto the first web conveyor. The blade angle and working depth are set before the harvest run based on the expected tuber depth, which is directly linked to the hill-up height established during the growing season by the EP-ERA rotary cultivator<\/a> passes.<\/p>\n

The critical design constraint at this stage is avoiding tuber contact with the blade edge. A correctly set working depth that lifts the full ridge profile rather than cutting through the deepest tuber zone is the primary mechanical way of preventing blade-cut damage. This is one of the reasons consistent hill-up height throughout the season matters \u2014 a variable ridge height that puts some tubers higher in the profile than expected means a fixed blade depth cuts some of them. The EP-AWB-1600 series is designed to operate at the correct depth once set, maintaining consistent engagement across the full row length.<\/p>\n

Web Conveyor \u2014 Gentle Separation from Soil to Surface<\/h3>\n

The primary web conveyor is a steel bar chain screen that carries the lifted ridge material upward and rearward as the tractor moves forward. Soil, stones below a certain size, and other fine material fall through the gaps between the web bars as the material tumbles across the moving screen. Tubers, being larger and less fragmented than most soil clods at harvest, stay on the web surface and travel to the rear discharge point.<\/p>\n

The web bar spacing, web angle, and conveyor speed are all tuned to the balance between soil removal (fine gaps, steep angle, fast speed) and tuber gentleness (wider gaps, shallower angle, slower speed). Watanabe’s design brief \u2014 “without damage to the potato” \u2014 is primarily delivered at this stage. The web conveyor is the main point of tuber-machine contact duration, and the surface hardness, bar edge radius, and conveyor dynamics all contribute to the skin-intact tubers that emerge at the discharge point.<\/p>\n

Wet, heavy clay soil \u2014 common in Korean highland zones after autumn rainfall \u2014 loads the web more aggressively and can reduce separation efficiency. Most experienced Korean potato digger operators run slower in these conditions (closer to 3 km\/h) and may make a second light pass over particularly heavy windrows to complete the separation.<\/p>\n

Optional Kit A, Kit B, and Kit C \u2014 Discharge and Haulm Separation<\/h3>\n

Without any kit fitted, the EP-AWB-1600 deposits tubers at the rear of the primary web in a windrow on the ground \u2014 ready for manual collection or loading by a front bucket. The three optional kits add different second-stage handling:<\/p>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

\n
\n
Kit A<\/div>\n
\n

2nd Web \u2014 Centre Discharge:<\/strong> A second web conveyor carries tubers from the primary web discharge point to a centre-positioned drop, forming a central windrow or feeding a central loading platform. Compatible with all four variants \u2014 no hydraulic valves needed. Best for operations with manual picking or where a central windrow is preferred for loading efficiency.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
Kit B<\/div>\n
\n

2nd Web \u2014 Side Discharge:<\/strong> Hydraulic actuation (requires 2 control valves) moves the second web to discharge at the side of the machine rather than the centre, forming a side windrow. This is the most common configuration for operations running a trailing collection trailer or for fields where a side windrow is easier to load. Compatible with variants B and C only.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
Kit C<\/div>\n
\n

Side Discharge + Deviner Web:<\/strong> Adds a “deviner” (de-viner) screen that separates potato haulm \u2014 the dried vines and stems \u2014 from the tubers before side discharge. Essential for harvesting varieties with persistent vine cover or when harvesting immediately after green vine death, where the vine mass would otherwise deposit with the tubers in the windrow and increase manual sorting work. Requires 2 control valves (variants B and C).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Why the EP-AWB-1600 Suits Korean Commercial Potato Production<\/h2>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\u25a0 Compact for Korean Field Conditions<\/p>\n

At 800\u20131,350 Kg depending on variant, the EP-AWB-1600 series is among the lightest 2-row potato diggers available. Korean highland potato fields \u2014 particularly in Gangwon-do \u2014 are often irregular, sloped, and accessed by narrow farm tracks. A compact digger that can maneuver in these conditions without creating excessive soil compaction is a practical necessity, not just a preference.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u25a0 Low Tuber Damage Design<\/p>\n

The web conveyor bar geometry, conveyor speed, and machine dynamics are tuned specifically to minimize mechanical damage at the point of highest tuber-machine contact. For Atlantic chip processing varieties, where bruise development reduces usable chip area and fresh-market varieties where skin peeling affects cosmetic grade, low harvest damage translates directly to a higher proportion of saleable yield from the same field.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u25a0 Three Kit Options for Any Workflow<\/p>\n

Kit A (centre discharge), Kit B (side discharge), and Kit C (side + deviner haulm separation) cover the three main harvest discharge requirements found across Korean potato operations. Selecting the right kit at ordering time means the machine arrives configured for your specific harvest workflow \u2014 no field modifications needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u25a0 Starts from 75 HP<\/p>\n

The 75 cv minimum for the standard EP-AWB-1600 means the harvest machine is within reach of the same compact tractors that can already run other EP potato implements in the lineup. A farm that has invested in the EP-R-380 furrower and EP-PAI-2100 planter does not need to upgrade its tractor to add mechanical harvest capability.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u25a0 Consistent with Full System Row Matching<\/p>\n

The EP-AWB-1600 digs 2 rows per pass. For farms that planted with the 2-row EP-PAI-2100 or EP-PANTHER 2-Row planter, the digger covers exactly the same row count per pass as the planter \u2014 every planted row is lifted in one digger pass, maintaining the systematic row-matched approach built into the full Watanabe potato system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Application Scenarios \u2014 Where the EP-AWB-1600 Gets Used<\/h2>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf3f Spring Potato Harvest \u2014 Gangwon-do Highland Conditions<\/h3>\n

The spring potato harvest in Korean highland zones \u2014 primarily Gangwon-do, running from late June through July for typical March\u2013April plantings \u2014 is the most time-sensitive harvest window in the Korean potato calendar. Summer weather builds rapidly after mid-July, and potatoes left in the ground too long lose skin set and develop disease susceptibility. The EP-AWB-1600’s compact dimensions and 75\u201395 cv power requirement make it compatible with the tractor fleet available on most Gangwon-do family and medium commercial farms, where tractors in the 80\u2013100 HP range are the most common working machines.<\/p>\n

Gangwon highland soil tends toward loamy-to-clay textures with significant granite stone content in many subzones. The heavier AWB-1600 B and C variants are typically better suited to this soil type \u2014 the additional weight helps maintain consistent blade depth in stony, irregular terrain, and the hydraulic kit options on B and C allow side discharge, which is more practical for fields harvested by a following trailer on mountain farm tracks.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf3b Autumn Potato Harvest \u2014 South Gyeongsang and Gyeonggi Regions<\/h3>\n

Korea’s autumn potato crop (\ucd94\uc791) \u2014 planted in August and harvested in October through November \u2014 is grown primarily in South Gyeongsang (\uacbd\ub0a8), parts of Gyeonggi, and North Chungnam. Autumn soil conditions are typically drier than the spring highland harvest, which improves web separation efficiency and reduces the tendency for soil to clump around tubers during the digger pass. The standard EP-AWB-1600 (800 Kg, 75 cv) performs well in these autumn lowland conditions, and Kit A centre discharge works cleanly in the drier soil environment.<\/p>\n

For farms that grow both spring and autumn crops in different regions \u2014 a common commercial strategy to extend the marketing season \u2014 having one compact digger that can work across both seasonal environments is a practical asset. The EP-AWB-1600 series’ weight range (800\u20131,350 Kg) covers both the lighter soils of autumn lowland production and the heavier conditions of spring highland harvest within the same product family.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf4b Compact Operation for Terraced and Hillside Fields<\/h3>\n

A significant proportion of Korean potato production occurs on hillside terraced fields \u2014 particularly in Gangwon-do \u2014 where the working space is limited, headland turns are tight, and tractor stability on steep slopes requires keeping implement weight low. The EP-AWB-1600 standard (800 Kg) is the most practical choice for these conditions. Its compact frame dimensions allow headland turns at the end of short terraced rows where a heavier, wider machine would require backing maneuvers that slow the harvest operation.<\/p>\n

On hillside fields, working up-and-down slope rather than across the face is standard safe practice, and the EP-AWB-1600 is designed with the operating weight and blade geometry to maintain consistent digging depth on moderate slopes typical of Korean potato terrace cultivation. For slopes above approximately 20%, discuss your specific field conditions with us at the pre-sale stage to confirm suitability and any recommended ballasting adjustments.<\/p>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Choosing Your Variant and Kit Configuration<\/h2>\n

Two questions determine most of the selection decision: What tractor power do you have?<\/strong> and How do you want to handle the discharged potatoes?<\/strong> The variant determines which kit options are available \u2014 so the kit preference should inform the variant choice, not the other way around.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Selection Need<\/th>\nBest Variant<\/th>\nCompatible Kit(s)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Compact tractor (75\u201380 cv), light soil, small farm<\/td>\nStandard<\/td>\nKit A only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mid-range tractor (85\u201390 cv), moderate stone, more robust use<\/td>\nA<\/td>\nKit A only<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
95 cv+ tractor, trailer loading, side windrow needed<\/td>\nB<\/td>\nKit A, B, or C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
95 cv+, dense vine cover, haulm separation required<\/td>\nC<\/td>\nKit A, B, or C (Kit C recommended)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\n

\u26a0 Decide on your kit option before choosing a variant<\/p>\n

If you need side discharge (Kit B) or haulm separation (Kit C), you must choose variant B or C \u2014 neither kit will retrofit onto the standard or A variant because they require 2 hydraulic control valves that these variants do not have. If you are uncertain about discharge requirements for your operation, discuss your harvest workflow with us before ordering. Specifying the wrong variant for your intended kit configuration is the most common pre-purchase misunderstanding on this product.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\ud83d\udccc For larger operations \u2014 Trailed Digger Series<\/p>\n

If your potato area is large enough that a 2-row mounted digger at 3\u20135 km\/h does not provide sufficient daily throughput, Watanabe also offers a trailed potato digger series \u2014 EP-AWB-1600 AAR\/BAR\/CAR (2-row trailed, up to 5\u201310 km\/h) and the EP-AWB-3200 CAR (4-row trailed, 140 cv). These provide higher-speed, higher-capacity harvest capability for commercial operations above approximately 20\u201330 hectares per season. A dedicated page for the trailed series is coming soon \u2014 contact us for details.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Step 7 \u2014 The Harvest That Closes the Full Watanabe Season<\/h2>\n

The EP-AWB-1600 operates at Step 7<\/strong> \u2014 the final stage of the complete Watanabe potato production sequence. Every prior step in the system was building toward this moment. Here is the full picture:<\/p>\n

\"Potato<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\u0938\u094d\u091f\u0947\u092a 1<\/div>\n
\n

Stone Clearance \u2014 \u0908\u092a\u0940-\u0908\u0921\u092c\u094d\u0932\u094d\u092f\u0942-4000 \u0930\u0949\u0915 \u0930\u0947\u0915<\/a><\/p>\n

Surface stones removed before tillage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\u091a\u0930\u0923 \u0926\u094b<\/div>\n
\n

Primary Tillage \u2014 PSW-3200 \u0930\u094b\u091f\u093e\u0935\u0947\u091f\u0930<\/a><\/p>\n

Seedbed preparation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\u091a\u0930\u0923 3<\/div>\n
\n

Furrow Opening \u2014 EP-R-380 \/ EP-R-580<\/a><\/p>\n

Ridge-and-furrow profile formed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
STEP 4<\/div>\n
\n

Base Fertilization \u2014 EP-ADB-380 \/ EP-ADB-480<\/p>\n

In-furrow base nutrients applied.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
STEP 5<\/div>\n
\n

Planting \u2014 EP-PAI-2100 \/ EP-PANTHER<\/a><\/p>\n

Seeds + fertilizer + insecticide placed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
STEP 6<\/div>\n
\n

Mid-Season \u2014 EP-ERA Rotary Cultivator<\/a><\/p>\n

Hill-up, fertilizer, weed control. Repeats 2\u20133\u00d7\/season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
STEP 7<\/div>\n
\n

Harvest \u2014 EP-AWB-1600 Potato Digger YOU ARE HERE<\/span><\/p>\n

2-row PTO digger, low-damage web conveyor, Kit A\/B\/C discharge. Closes the season.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Contact Korea Watanabe Rock Crusher Tractor Co., Ltd.<\/a> to discuss completing your potato machinery system with the EP-AWB-1600 \u2014 or to plan a full seven-step matched package covering the entire season from stone clearance through to harvest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Watanabe Reliability \u2014 Built to Last a Full Harvest Season<\/h2>\n
\n
\"Watanabe<\/div>\n
\n

The harvest machine is the last line in the full season investment. Mechanical failure during harvest \u2014 a snapped web bar, a broken blade mounting, a seized PTO shaft \u2014 has consequences that reach beyond the repair cost: crop left in the ground past optimal harvest timing deteriorates, and in the Korean highland zones where weather windows are tight, delay is not recoverable. Watanabe builds the EP-AWB-1600 series to the durability standard that makes extended harvest seasons practical without mid-season breakdowns.<\/p>\n

Web bar specification is the critical quality parameter. Web bars must resist the bending loads from stony soil lifted at speed, the abrasion from continuous soil contact across the harvest season, and the impact of the occasional oversized stone that passes above the blade. Watanabe specifies bar steel hardness and cross-section dimensions to the requirements of extended production use in Korean highland soils \u2014 not to a minimum-cost benchmark.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\"Watanabe<\/p>\n

\n
\n

\u2713 Kit Configuration Confirmed at Order<\/p>\n

The kit option must be specified at the time of ordering \u2014 it is not an easy field retrofit. We confirm your variant and kit selection based on your tractor’s hydraulic valve count and your harvest workflow before the order is placed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u2713 Web Bars and Blades Stocked Locally<\/p>\n

Replacement web bars, share blades, and PTO shaft components for the EP-AWB-1600 series are stocked locally in Ansan-si. End-of-season inspection and pre-season replacement orders can be handled domestically.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u2713 Pre-Season Setup Support<\/p>\n

We provide blade depth setting guidance for your specific ridge height and target digging depth, along with PTO shaft engagement verification before the harvest season starts. The correct pre-season setup is the most impactful factor in first-season performance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Frequently Asked Questions \u2013 EP-AWB-1600 Potato Digger<\/h2>\n
\n
\n

What is the difference between the four AWB-1600 variants?<\/p>\n

All four variants dig 2 rows at 3\u20135 km\/h with 540 RPM PTO. They differ in weight and capability: Standard (800 Kg, 75 cv, no hydraulic valves), A (1,000 Kg, 85 cv, no valves), B (1,200 Kg, 95 cv, 2 valves), C (1,350 Kg, 95 cv, 2 valves). The hydraulic control valve requirement on variants B and C is what enables Kit B (side discharge) and Kit C (side + deviner web). If you need any discharge configuration beyond Kit A, you must choose variant B or C.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What exactly is a “Deviner Web” in Kit C?<\/p>\n

A deviner (or de-viner) web is a secondary separation screen specifically designed to pull potato haulm \u2014 the dried vines, stems, and leaves \u2014 away from the tubers before they reach the discharge point. Without a deviner, vine material mixed into the windrow must be sorted out manually during or after collection. With Kit C, the deviner web separates most of the vine before side discharge, producing a cleaner windrow that significantly reduces manual sorting time. Kit C is most useful for varieties with persistent vine cover or when harvesting immediately after vine kill rather than waiting for full natural vine death.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

How does the machine avoid damaging potatoes?<\/p>\n

The low-damage design operates at three stages. First, the blade depth is set to lift the complete ridge profile below the deepest tubers \u2014 no blade contact with tubers. Second, the web conveyor bar geometry and speed are tuned to allow soil to fall through while tubers ride gently on the moving bars without sharp impacts or pinch points. Third, the working speed (3\u20135 km\/h) keeps the material flow rate at a level where separation happens gradually rather than through violent agitation. Correct blade depth setting before harvest is the single most important operator action for low damage \u2014 too shallow and the blade cuts through the tuber zone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Does the digger require PTO?<\/p>\n

Yes. The EP-AWB-1600 series requires the tractor’s rear PTO running at 540 RPM standard. The PTO drives the web conveyor and \u2014 on variants fitted with hydraulic kits \u2014 actuates the kit mechanisms. Ensure your tractor PTO is functioning and can deliver 540 RPM standard at the required working load before the harvest season starts. Running on 540E (economy PTO) is not recommended \u2014 the lower power delivery is not suited to the load conditions of potato digging in stony soil.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

When is the right time to harvest \u2014 how do I know the potatoes are ready?<\/p>\n

Harvest timing for Korean commercial varieties is variety- and market-specific. For Atlantic (chip processing), skin set is the critical indicator \u2014 rubbing the skin of a test tuber should not peel it easily; if the skin slips, the tubers need more time. For fresh market varieties, size and skin set are the primary criteria. As a general guide, allow the vine to die naturally or apply vine kill 2\u20133 weeks before planned harvest to give time for skin set to complete. Consult your variety supplier and local agricultural extension service for specific harvest timing recommendations for your variety and growing region.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

How do I set the correct digging blade depth?<\/p>\n

Before the main harvest run, drive the digger into the edge of the field and stop. Reach into the windrow behind the machine and locate a tuber \u2014 check its condition and estimate the depth at which it was lifted. If you find cut tubers, the blade is running too shallow. Adjust the blade depth down and repeat until you are lifting the full tuber population without cuts. On fields where the hill-up height varied during the season (common on sloped terrain), you may need to revisit the depth setting after the first few passes on a new section of field.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Can the EP-AWB-1600 be used on hillside terraced fields?<\/p>\n

Yes \u2014 this is one of the design strengths of the EP-AWB-1600 series. The compact frame and 800\u20131,350 Kg weight range make it far more practical on Korean highland terraced fields than larger semi-mounted or trailed harvesters. Work up-and-down slope rather than across the face of the terrace. On slopes above approximately 20%, ballasting and stability should be discussed with us before operating. The standard 800 Kg variant is generally the most appropriate for the steepest hillside plots where ground clearance and turning radius in tight headlands are most important.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

What maintenance should I carry out at end of season?<\/p>\n

Post-harvest maintenance: clean all soil and organic material from the web, blade, and frame \u2014 damp soil left over winter accelerates corrosion on bare metal surfaces. Inspect every web bar for bending, wear, and cracks; replace any damaged bars before storage. Check the PTO shaft, U-joints, and shielding for wear. Inspect the blade for edge deformation or cracks. Grease all lubrication points. Store the machine under cover if possible. Order replacement wear parts in autumn so they are ready before the next spring harvest season \u2014 replacement bars and blades are available through our Korea local stock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

Is there a larger-capacity option for bigger farms?<\/p>\n

Yes. For operations where 2-row mounted harvest at 3\u20135 km\/h does not provide sufficient daily throughput, Watanabe offers the trailed potato digger series \u2014 EP-AWB-1600 AAR\/BAR\/CAR (2-row trailed, working speed 5\u201310 km\/h, from 95 cv) and the EP-AWB-3200 CAR (4-row trailed, 140 cv, 5\u201310 km\/h). These trailed models provide significantly higher daily output for large commercial operations and agricultural machinery contractors. A dedicated product page for the trailed digger series is coming soon \u2014 contact us to discuss requirements in the meantime.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What Our Customers Say<\/h2>\n
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Gang Cheol-min \u2014 Commercial Potato Farm (Atlantic, chip processing), Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do (summer 2024)<\/p>\n

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“Running the EP-AWB-1600 C with Kit C (side discharge + deviner) on 14 hectares of Atlantic. We harvest immediately after vine kill and the deviner web is essential \u2014 without it we’d be sorting vine material manually for hours. Bruise rate at the chip factory has been measurably lower since switching to this machine two seasons ago compared to the older digger we had before. The 1,350 Kg weight handles our stony Gangwon soil without the blade jumping out of depth on every stone. Pre-sale team confirmed Kit C was the right choice for our harvest timing and soil conditions \u2014 good advice.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Baek Soo-jin \u2014 Certified Seed Potato Farm, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (summer 2025)<\/p>\n

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“We harvest seed potato where skin damage and mechanical injury affect certification grade more directly than commercial production. The EP-AWB-1600 A (1,000 Kg, Kit A centre discharge) was the right choice \u2014 compact enough for our smaller plot sizes, heavy enough to maintain consistent depth in our loamy-stony highland soil. Centre discharge works well because we have a fixed collection platform setup. Two seasons with no tuber damage issues attributable to the machine. The Korea team had a replacement web bar to us in two days when I found a cracked one after the first season.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Moon Seong-woo \u2014 Agricultural Machinery Contractor, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (2024 and 2025 seasons)<\/p>\n

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“Running contract harvest on 8\u201310 farms per season using the EP-AWB-1600 B with Kit B (side discharge). Side discharge into a trailing collection trailer is the workflow that works for most of my clients \u2014 they back a trailer alongside and I fill it direct, no windrow stage. The 95 cv tractor requirement fits our John Deere 5090E without issue. Two full harvest seasons, about 40 hectares contracted. No unexpected breakdowns. The compact frame means I can get into the smaller terraced plots that larger machines can’t reach \u2014 that’s actually a competitive advantage for my contract work in the highland area.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Son Yeon-ji \u2014 Mixed Crop Farm, Boeun-gun, North Chungcheong (autumn 2024)<\/p>\n

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“We do autumn potato (\ucd94\uc791) on 3 hectares alongside other vegetable crops. The EP-AWB-1600 standard (800 Kg, 75 cv) is the right scale for our operation \u2014 compact, hooks up to our 78 HP LS without overloading it, and Kit A (centre discharge) is adequate for our harvest setup where we collect from the windrow with a front bucket. Dry autumn soil in our area gives clean separation on the first pass. In two seasons I have not had a tuber damage issue that I could attribute to the machine. Simple setup, simple operation.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Hwang Jae-hyeok \u2014 Large Commercial Potato Farm, Yeongdong-gun, North Chungcheong (spring 2025)<\/p>\n

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“We run the EP-AWB-1600 C as the backup digger to our larger trailed machine for smaller irregular sections that the big machine can’t access cleanly. Kit C with deviner is the right configuration for our spring Superior crop that still has significant vine at harvest time. Weight at 1,350 Kg means it handles the clay-heavy sections of our field without losing blade depth. The Korea service team was responsive when I had a question about blade angle adjustment for a particularly heavy clay section \u2014 they identified the issue and had the correct shim set dispatched the same day.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Ahn Hye-rim \u2014 Organic Potato Farm, Seogwipo, Jeju Island (spring 2025)<\/p>\n

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“Organic Haryoung (\ud558\ub839) on 2.5 hectares in Jeju. We harvest in April\u2013May when the basalt soil is still relatively moist, which makes separation harder than on the mainland. The EP-AWB-1600 A (1,000 Kg) gives enough blade stability in the volcanic soil to maintain consistent depth without the blade jumping. I run at 3 km\/h in the damper sections and 4 km\/h in the drier ridges \u2014 the web separation quality is noticeably better at the slower speed in wet conditions. For organic certification, mechanical damage at harvest is a grading concern; after two seasons I’m satisfied with the tuber quality coming off this machine.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Complete Your Potato Machinery System with the Right Digger<\/p>\n

Tell us your tractor model, annual potato area, soil type, and how you collect harvested potatoes \u2014 we will confirm the right variant, kit configuration, and delivery timeline within one business day.<\/p>\n

Already running EP potato machinery upstream? Ask about the complete 7-step matched system \u2014 every implement configured to the same row spacing from furrow opening through to harvest.<\/p>\n

\u0939\u092e\u0938\u0947 \u0905\u092d\u0940 \u0938\u0902\u092a\u0930\u094d\u0915 \u0915\u0930\u0947\u0902<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\n

Compact, robust, and without damage to the potato<\/strong> \u2014 the EP-AWB-1600 series digs 2 rows simultaneously at 3\u20135 km\/h with gentle web conveyor handling that keeps tuber skin intact from field to field edge.<\/p>\n

From 75 HP<\/strong>, PTO 540 RPM. Four variants for different farm scales, plus three optional discharge kits (Kit A, B, C) to match your harvest workflow.<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"featured_media":439,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[26],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-428","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-potato-machinery","first","instock","shipping-taxable","product-type-simple"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=428"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/439"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=428"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=428"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rock-crusher-tractor.com\/hi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}