Degelman’s Strawmaster lineup spans four prairie-market heavy harrows โ from the moderate-horsepower 7000 Series a mid-size tractor can pull to the flagship Strawmaster Pro running up to 120 feet wide and demanding 620-plus horsepower. Choosing the right machine isn’t about finding “the best Strawmaster” โ it’s about matching the right model, width, and configuration to your residue load, your tractor’s horsepower, and whether you need a harrow, a light-tillage tool, or a disc.
This guide walks through every Strawmaster model, decodes the naming, explains the meaningful engineering differences between them, and delivers the decision frameworks Canadian prairie buyers need to choose confidently. Whether you’re spreading residue behind the combine on a tight horsepower budget or chasing earlier spring germination across thousands of acres, the right Strawmaster exists โ but finding it requires understanding where each model fits. There’s also a fifth, European-market Strawmaster Euro, covered briefly at the end.
Quick Decision Framework
If you only read one section, this is it. The Strawmaster decision turns on three primary questions:
- What’s the job?
- Spread and shatter residue only -> Strawmaster 7000 Series
- Residue plus light tillage / spring soil warm-up -> Strawmaster Pro
- Heavy, variable residue needing cutting -> Strawmaster X
- Want to tune aggressiveness at purchase -> Strawmaster +
- How much horsepower do you have?
- Under 300 hp -> Strawmaster 7000 Series (5-bar, smaller widths)
- 400+ hp -> full range opens up (Pro, X, +, larger 7000s)
- Do you need discs?
- Tines will size your residue -> tine-only (Pro, +, 7000)
- Residue too heavy for tines alone -> Strawmaster X (disc-on-command)
The Quick Decision Framework above resolves the majority of Strawmaster buying decisions. The detail below covers the rest โ and the specific configuration within each model.
The Four Models โ Strawmaster Range Structure
Degelman’s prairie Strawmaster lineup is organized into four distinct machines, each engineered for specific residue loads, horsepower ranges, and tillage philosophies.
Strawmaster 7000 Series โ Residue Specialist
The 7000 Series is the original and most accessible Strawmaster, designed for prairie operations whose priority is spreading and shattering crop residue. It’s tine-only and runs at far lower horsepower than the rest of the family. Available in two tine configurations across four widths:
- 5-bar, 30 ft (SM30) โ 100 hp min, the one Strawmaster a mid-size tractor can run
- 5-bar / 7-bar, 50 ft (SM50) โ 150-285 hp min
- 5-bar / 7-bar, 70 ft (SM70) โ 200-400 hp min
- 5-bar / 7-bar, 82 ft (SM82) โ 300-475 hp min
All 7000 models share patented torsion spring-bar control (0-1,900 lbs down-pressure per section), carbide Endura-Tip tines, drop-out tine bars, and 12 mph working speed. The 7000 Series targets residue management on a realistic horsepower and budget โ the value pick of the family. See the full Strawmaster 7000 Series specs.
Strawmaster Pro โ Heavy Light-Tillage Machine
The Pro is the aggressive end of the tine-only range, engineered for high-acre operations fighting cold, heavy, residue-covered seedbeds. Its Hydralink frame sinks 30-inch carbide tines into the soil to move dirt, blacken the field, and warm the seedbed for earlier spring germination. Three widths:
- SMP80 โ 80 ft, 37,300 lbs, 400 hp min
- SMP100 โ 100 ft, 45,900 lbs, 450 hp min
- SMP120 โ 120 ft, 48,300 lbs, 560 hp min
All Pro models share 4 rows of 5/8 in x 30 in carbide tines, hydraulic adjustable down-pressure, maintenance-free sealed bushings, and an 18 ft transport width. The Pro is appropriate for operations already running high-horsepower 4WD tractors. Full detail on the Strawmaster Pro page.
Strawmaster X โ Disc-and-Tine Hybrid
The X is the most tillage-capable harrow in the family without becoming a high-speed disc. A front row of 20-inch discs โ adjustable 0 to 15 degrees, what Degelman calls disc-on-command โ cuts and sizes heavy trash ahead of Pro-spec 30-inch tines. Two widths:
- SMX50 โ 50 ft, 27,300 lbs, 400 hp min
- SMX70 โ 70 ft, 35,640 lbs, 500 hp min
Discs down, the X sizes residue and blackens soil while leaving stubble standing to catch snow; discs up, it works as a four-bar harrow. Built on the Strawmaster + frame with four disc-blade options. The X is appropriate for heavy, variable residue across wet and dry years. More on the Strawmaster X page.
Strawmaster + โ Configurable Field Conditioner
The + is the “spec it to your finish” machine, ordered in 4, 5, or 7 rows to tune aggressiveness at purchase. Two widths with a modern narrow 12-foot-6 transport:
- SM+70 โ 70 ft, 18,720-20,850 lbs, 400 hp min
- SM+90 โ 90 ft, 21,380-23,770 lbs, 500 hp min
The 4-row runs 30-inch tines for near-Pro aggressiveness; the 7-row offers the finest finish. All + models share 10×10 wing beams, maintenance-free bushings, and three setting indicators. The + is appropriate for buyers unsure how aggressive a setup they need. Full breakdown on the Strawmaster + page.
Model Name Decoder
Strawmaster names pack the key information into the prefix and a width or configuration number.
Family Name
- Strawmaster = Degelman heavy harrow / field conditioner
Model Designation
- 7000 Series (SM##) โ residue specialist; number = working width in feet (SM30 = 30 ft)
- Pro (SMP###) โ heavy light-tillage; number = width in feet (SMP120 = 120 ft)
- X (SMX##) โ disc-and-tine hybrid; number = width in feet (SMX70 = 70 ft)
- (SM+##) โ configurable; number = width in feet (SM+90 = 90 ft)
Configuration Suffix (7000 and +)
- 5-bar / 5-row โ fewer, often longer tines; lighter, lower horsepower
- 7-bar / 7-row โ more tines, tighter spacing; finer finish, higher horsepower
Example: SMX70 Decoded
- SM = Strawmaster
- X = disc-and-tine hybrid
- 70 = 70 ft working width
Once the pattern clicks, every Strawmaster name is self-explanatory: the letter tells you the machine type, the number tells you the working width in feet.
Tine Technology Across the Lineup
Every Strawmaster runs the same core wear technology, which makes the tine a constant rather than a differentiator between models โ get the model right on width and horsepower, not on tine quality.
Carbide Endura-Tip Tines
All four models use tungsten carbide Endura-Tip tines. The carbide tip is the single most important wear component on any heavy harrow, because a tine that wears short loses both reach and aggressiveness. Degelman’s square carbide tips hold their length and shape far longer than standard round steel tips โ roughly four times the life of standard tines โ and the company reports Pro tines near full length after 100,000-plus acres. Across the lineup, tine bars drop out with a few bolts for fast replacement.
Tine Size by Model
- Strawmaster Pro โ 5/8 in x 30 in (longest, most aggressive)
- Strawmaster X โ 5/8 in x 30 in (Pro-spec) behind discs
- Strawmaster + โ 5/8 x 30 in (4-row), 5/8 x 26 in (5-row), 1/2 x 26 in (7-row)
- Strawmaster 7000 โ 5/8 x 26 in (5-bar), 1/2 x 26 in (7-bar)
The longer 30-inch tines (Pro, X, and 4-row +) reach deeper and move more soil; the 26-inch tines (7000, 5/7-row +) focus on residue and finish.
Frame and Pressure Control Across the Lineup
How each machine applies and distributes pressure is what separates a residue harrow from a light-tillage tool.
Torsion Spring-Bar Control (7000 Series)
The 7000 uses Degelman’s patented twin torsional spring-bar system, applying in-cab hydraulic down-pressure from zero to 1,900 pounds per harrow section, or float when no pressure is needed. The sections flex independently to follow contour โ rising over hills, settling into hollows โ so tine engagement stays even across rolling ground.
Hydralink Frame (Strawmaster Pro)
The Pro’s Hydralink frame goes further, transferring machine weight onto each individual tine and sinking them into the ground for genuine light tillage. This is the mechanism behind the Pro’s spring soil-warming capability, and the contouring frame is what lets it run light-tillage down-pressure without gouging on uneven terrain.
10×10 Wing-Beam Frame (X and +)
The X and + are built on a robust 10×10 wing-beam frame that delivers consistent beam torque and tine pressure across the machine, with three setting indicators (cart height, beam torsion, tine angle) so operators can dial in a repeatable field finish.
Disc Technology โ The Strawmaster X
The X is the only Strawmaster with discs, and disc-on-command is its defining feature. One row of 20-inch discs at 10-inch spacing runs ahead of the tines, adjustable hydraulically from 0 to 15 degrees.
Reading the Disc Angle
- 0 to 4 degrees โ opens ground and cuts trash with minimal soil disruption (vertical-tillage style)
- 5 to 7 degrees โ mixes some soil with residue while leaving stubble standing to catch snow (everyday prairie setting)
- 8 to 10 degrees โ aggressive setting for working wet, high-trash low spots and drying them out
Four Disc-Blade Options
- Wave Samurai โ most aggressive; cuts heavy trash, mixes soil, turns in heavy residue
- 5 Wave Notched โ maximum coverage, shallow mixing; notches aid penetration
- Curved Wave VT โ opens ground with minimal disruption (vertical-tillage blade)
- Flattened Double V โ cuts and sizes trash, incorporates; smoother furrow
In a dry year the discs lift out entirely and the X runs as a four-bar harrow. Matching the disc blade to your residue load is worth a dealer conversation before ordering.
Buying Decision Framework โ By Job Type
The most practical Strawmaster decision starts with the job you need done.
Residue Spreading Only
If your job is shattering and spreading straw evenly behind the combine โ improving emergence, moisture management, and erosion control without moving soil โ you’re in 7000 Series territory. Choose 5-bar for straightforward spreading on tighter horsepower, or 7-bar for a finer finish and better clod breakup. This is where most prairie residue work lives, and the 7000 does it well at the lowest horsepower and cost.
Residue Plus Spring Soil Warm-Up
If cold, residue-covered seedbeds are delaying your germination and you want to blacken and warm the soil for an earlier start, you need tine down-pressure that moves dirt โ the Strawmaster Pro. Its Hydralink frame turns a harrow pass into light tillage, exposing darker soil that warms and dries faster in a short prairie spring. This is the Pro’s signature capability and the reason high-acre operations buy it.
Heavy Residue Needing Cutting
If your residue is heavy enough that tines alone won’t size it โ tough straw from peas, sunflowers, corn, or heavy cereal stubble โ the Strawmaster X’s disc row is the answer. It cuts and sizes trash the tines would otherwise drag, while still leaving stubble for snow capture. It’s the most tillage-capable harrow short of a high-speed disc.
Undecided Between Aggressive and Fine
If you want a Degelman harrow but aren’t sure whether you need soil movement or fine finishing, the Strawmaster + settles it with the row spec rather than the model choice โ 4-row for near-Pro aggressiveness, 7-row for the finest finish. That flexibility is exactly why the + exists.
Buying Decision Framework โ By Horsepower
For many operations, available horsepower is the hard constraint that decides the purchase. A machine run below its minimum won’t carry tines at depth at field speed, which means the Pro and X simply won’t deliver the light-tillage benefit you bought them for.
Under 200 HP
Only the smaller 5-bar 7000 models fit. The SM30 (100 hp min) and SM50 5-bar (150 hp min) bring Degelman heavy-harrow quality within reach of a mid-size tractor. The SM30 in particular is the most attainable entry into the family.
200 to 400 HP
The mid-range 7000 models open up โ the SM70 and SM82 in 5-bar, and the smaller 7-bar configurations (SM50 7-bar at 285 hp min). This is still residue-focused territory; light-tillage machines remain out of reach.
400 HP and Above
The full range opens up. At 400-plus horsepower you can run the Strawmaster Pro (SMP80), the X (SMX50/70), the + (SM+70/90), and the largest 7-bar 7000s. At this point the decision shifts from constraint to capability โ job type and disc need take over from horsepower as the deciding factors.
560+ HP
Only the widest, heaviest machines need this much: the SMP100 (450 hp min) and SMP120 (560 hp min, 620+ ideal). These belong behind the high-horsepower 4WD or articulated tractors a large grain operation already runs for seeding and primary tillage.
Harrow vs Disc Decision Framework
One of the most important Strawmaster decisions for operations with heavy residue is whether to stay tine-only or step into the disc-equipped X.
When Discs Make Sense
- Residue is too heavy or tough for tines to size on their own
- You want soil blackening and seedbed warm-up beyond what tine down-pressure alone delivers
- You need one tool to handle both wet years (discs down, aggressive) and dry years (discs up, four-bar harrow)
- You value snow-catching stubble retention over a fully worked surface
When Tine-Only Makes Sense
- Your residue is manageable with tines (most cereal stubble at normal volumes)
- You want lower purchase cost and fewer wear components than a disc machine
- Your priority is residue spreading (7000) or light tillage via down-pressure (Pro) rather than cutting
- You don’t want the added horsepower draft that pulling discs through soil demands
The Honest Recommendation
For most prairie residue at normal volumes, a tine-only Strawmaster (7000 for spreading, Pro for light tillage) does the job at lower cost and horsepower. Step up to the X specifically when residue is heavy enough that tines drag rather than size it, or when you want a single machine to flex between aggressive cutting and simple harrowing across variable years. When even the X isn’t aggressive enough, that’s the signal to look at a high-speed disc like the Degelman Pro-Till instead.
Working Width Decision Framework
After choosing the model and configuration, working width is the final selection decision โ and it must be matched to horsepower, not just acreage.
30 to 50 Feet
The entry and mid widths, available in the 7000 Series. The SM30 (30 ft) suits smaller operations and mid-size tractors; the 50-foot models (7000 5-bar/7-bar, SMX50) suit moderate acreage with 150-400 hp. Best where horsepower is the limiting factor.
70 Feet
The productivity middle ground, and the most widely available width across the family โ offered in the 7000 (SM70), X (SMX70), and + (SM+70). At 400-500 hp minimum depending on model, the 70-foot machines balance coverage and horsepower for serious prairie acreage.
80 to 90 Feet
The high-capacity widths, available in the Pro (SMP80) and + (SM+90). These cover ground fast but demand 400-500 hp minimum and careful attention to transport โ the Pro’s transport width steps up to 18 feet at this size.
100 to 120 Feet
The maximum-coverage widths, available only in the Strawmaster Pro (SMP100, SMP120). These are for the largest grain operations running 450-620-plus horsepower, where covering thousands of acres per season justifies the size, weight, and 84-foot transport length.
Key Features Across the Lineup
Several features appear across multiple Strawmaster models, and understanding where each appears helps inform model selection.
Carbide Endura-Tip Tines
Standard across all four models. Roughly four times the life of standard tines, holding shape and length as they wear. The one feature that’s constant across the lineup โ a reason to buy Degelman, not a way to choose between Strawmasters.
Maintenance-Free Bushings
Sealed, self-lubricating bushings on oversized 2-inch nickel-plated pins appear on the Strawmaster Pro and + โ no daily greasing during the short spring and fall work windows. The 7000 uses the proven torsion spring-bar design with drop-out tine bars.
Hydraulic Down-Pressure
The 7000 Series applies 0-1,900 lbs per section via torsion spring bars; the Pro applies hydraulic down-pressure through its Hydralink frame for light tillage. Down-pressure is what separates a floating residue pass from genuine soil engagement.
Three Setting Indicators
The X and + carry visible indicators for cart height, beam torsion, and tine angle, letting operators set a repeatable configuration and return to it field after field โ useful when chasing a consistent finish across variable fields.
Disc-on-Command
Exclusive to the Strawmaster X. The hydraulically adjustable 0-15 degree disc row that lets one machine range from minimal-disturbance vertical-tillage work to aggressive cutting, or lift out to run as a four-bar harrow.
Narrow Transport
The X and + were redesigned with a narrow 12-foot-6 transport width and wing-wheel assemblies that follow the tractor closely into tight field approaches โ a meaningful day-to-day advantage over the 7000’s 14-foot-7 and the Pro’s 18-foot transport.
Specification Summary Across the Lineup
| Model | Widths | HP (min) | HP (ideal) | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawmaster 7000 (5-bar) | 30-82 ft | 100-300 hp | 150-350 hp | Residue harrow |
| Strawmaster 7000 (7-bar) | 50-82 ft | 285-475 hp | 325-525 hp | Residue harrow, finer finish |
| Strawmaster + | 70-90 ft | 400-500 hp | 450-550 hp | Configurable 4/5/7-row |
| Strawmaster X | 50-70 ft | 400-500 hp | 450-550 hp | Disc + tine hybrid |
| Strawmaster Pro | 80-120 ft | 400-560 hp | 440-620+ hp | Heavy light tillage |
| Model | Tine Size | Discs | Transport Width | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawmaster 7000 | 5/8 x 26 / 1/2 x 26 in | No | 14 ft 7 in | Torsion spring-bar, low HP entry |
| Strawmaster Pro | 5/8 x 30 in | No | 18 ft | Hydralink light tillage |
| Strawmaster X | 5/8 x 30 in + 20 in discs | Yes (0-15 deg) | 12 ft 6 in – 13 ft 4 in | Disc-on-command |
| Strawmaster + | 5/8 x 30 / 26, 1/2 x 26 in | No | 12 ft 6 in | 4/5/7-row configurable |
Specs reflect Degelman’s published 2026 figures. Confirm current specs with your local Degelman dealer or the owner’s manual before purchase.
The Strawmaster Euro โ European Market
There’s a fifth Strawmaster โ the Strawmaster Euro โ but it’s a European-market machine, not part of the prairie shortlist. It’s built around a double-tine design with metric working widths (Strawmaster 30, 54 NT, 62 NT, roughly 30 to 62 ft) and a narrow ~9-foot-10 transport sized for European road regulations. In role it’s closest to the classic 7000 Series โ a residue-focused straw harrow at moderate horsepower (175-350 hp) โ but its double-tine layout and metric configuration make it a distinct product for a different market. If you’re shopping in Western Canada, the four models above are the ones engineered, specced, and supported for local conditions. For the full picture see the Strawmaster Euro page.
Common Questions Across the Lineup
Should I cross-shop competitor brands?
For most Canadian buyers, yes โ Bourgault, Salford, Summers, and others make heavy harrows and field conditioners competitive with Degelman. The Strawmaster lineup offers specific advantages: a strong prairie dealer network (Degelman is built in Regina, Saskatchewan), the exclusive carbide Endura-Tip tines, patented torsion and Hydralink pressure systems, and strong resale value in Western Canada. Choice often comes down to local dealer relationships, residue strategy, and specific feature priorities rather than fundamental capability differences.
Are Degelman Strawmasters made in Canada?
Yes. Degelman Industries is headquartered and manufactures in Regina, Saskatchewan, with a US facility in Hillsboro, North Dakota. That prairie origin is part of why the Strawmaster range is engineered specifically for Western Canadian residue, soil, and cold-weather conditions.
What’s the difference between 5-bar and 7-bar?
On the 7000 Series and +, the bar (row) count sets finish and horsepower. The 5-bar/5-row runs 5/8-inch tines on wider spacing for lighter, lower-horsepower residue spreading; the 7-bar/7-row runs 1/2-inch tines on tighter spacing for about 68% more ground engagement and a finer finish, at a notably higher horsepower cost.
Can a mid-size tractor pull a Strawmaster?
Only the smaller 5-bar 7000 models. The SM30 needs just 100 hp minimum, making it the one Strawmaster a typical mid-size tractor can run. Everything else โ the Pro, X, +, and larger or 7-bar 7000s โ assumes a high-horsepower 4WD or articulated tractor.
Which Strawmaster does light tillage?
The Strawmaster Pro (via Hydralink tine down-pressure) and the Strawmaster X (via its disc row plus 30-inch tines). The 7000 Series is residue-only and does not move significant soil; the + can approach light tillage in its 4-row configuration.
What working speed do they run at?
For most prairie practices, the Strawmaster machines run at speeds up to 12 mph, with high-frequency tine vibration providing the shattering action for clean residue distribution.
Do the carbide tines really last longer?
Yes. The carbide Endura-Tip tips deliver roughly four times the life of standard harrow tines and hold their shape and length as they wear, maintaining consistent field finish over the life of the machine โ Degelman reports Pro tines near full length after 100,000-plus acres.
When should I step up to a high-speed disc instead?
When even the Strawmaster X can’t size or work your residue and soil aggressively enough โ heavy compaction, deep ruts, breaking pasture, or full primary-tillage seedbed prep. That’s where the Degelman Pro-Till high-speed disc takes over, working soil far more aggressively than any harrow.
What’s the best-value Strawmaster?
For most prairie residue work, the 7000 Series 5-bar is the value pick โ Degelman quality at the lowest horsepower and cost. For high-acre light tillage, the Pro earns its premium. For buyers unsure of their needs, the + protects the decision by letting the row spec set the machine’s character.
The Bottom Line
Degelman’s Strawmaster lineup offers four distinct prairie heavy harrows, from the moderate-horsepower 7000 Series to the 120-foot flagship Pro. The right Strawmaster for your situation exists, but finding it requires understanding:
- Your job: residue spreading (7000), light tillage and soil warm-up (Pro), heavy residue cutting (X), or flexible/undecided (+)
- Your horsepower: under 300 hp points to the 7000 5-bar; 400-plus opens the full range
- Your disc need: tine-only for manageable residue, the X’s disc-on-command for residue too heavy to size with tines alone
- Your working width: matched to horsepower first, acreage second
For prairie residue management on a realistic horsepower budget, the Strawmaster 7000 Series is the workhorse. For high-acre operations chasing earlier germination on cold, heavy seedbeds, the Strawmaster Pro is the light-tillage flagship. For heavy, variable residue across wet and dry years, the Strawmaster X adds disc-on-command cutting. For buyers who want to tune aggressiveness at purchase, the Strawmaster + protects the decision.
For the specific model that fits your residue, horsepower, and tillage strategy, the dedicated model pages linked throughout this guide deliver the comprehensive specifications and real-world assessments needed for a confident decision. When residue and soil demand more than any harrow can deliver, see the Degelman Pro-Till high-speed disc range.
Complete Strawmaster Model Directory
Strawmaster 7000 Series (Residue Harrow)
- Strawmaster 7000 5-bar โ SM30, SM50, SM70, SM82
- Strawmaster 7000 7-bar โ SM50, SM70, SM82
Strawmaster Pro (Light Tillage)
- SMP80 โ 80 ft
- SMP100 โ 100 ft
- SMP120 โ 120 ft
Strawmaster X (Disc-and-Tine Hybrid)
- SMX50 โ 50 ft
- SMX70 โ 70 ft
Strawmaster + (Configurable)
- SM+70 โ 70 ft (4/5/7-row)
- SM+90 โ 90 ft (4/5/7-row)
Strawmaster Euro (European Market)
- Strawmaster 30, Strawmaster 54 NT, Strawmaster 62 NT
