Feed pad with rubber matting hailed as game changer
For Otago farmers Michelle and Rogan Borrie, a newly constructed feed pad on one of their three farms has been a game changer.
Following on from the NOVACAT V 10000, launched last year, the new Novacat V 8400 and 9200 machines offer maximum working widths of 8.40 and 9.2 metres respectively. They come with alternate mounting positions, allowing 8.12 to 8.36m on the smaller unit and 8.95 to 9.2m on the larger. Depending on the position selected, the clear passage width between the mowers is 2.03 to 2.28m.
Featuring a compact design, angled booms allow for an extremely short headstock, which brings the centre of gravity closer to the tractor. Lighter than existing models in the extensive range, the units can be supplied as a standalone mower, or with tine (ED) or roller (RC) conditioners. This results in tare weights of 1890 to 2420kg, making them suitable for pairing with the increasing number of high horsepower 4-cylinder tractors.
The heart of these mower combinations is the cutter bar. At just 4cm high, this guarantees optimum crop flow, while the 28cm deep profile helps deliver the optimised ground tracking. The centre pivot mounting on the mower units provides lateral oscillation of +20°/ -16° to ensure perfect ground tracking, with hydraulic weight alleviation providing uniform ground pressure over the whole working width.
The Non-Stop Lift hydraulic collision safety device provides protection of the cutter bar, avoiding obstacles by folding backwards and simultaneously raising the boom, preventing damage – particularly at higher speeds.
Control functions include the easy to operate, Basicline preselect system as standard or the option of the ISOBUScompatible Selectline preselect control system. Either system allows both mower units to be lifted separately using just one spool valve. This also actuates the transport safety interlock that hydraulically “locks out” the mowers at the headland, preventing them swaying and coming into contact with the ground.
The Selectline preselect system automates the individual lift system, making it easier to mow wedge-shaped or irregular paddocks. If the tractors are equipped with headland management functions, individual lifting can be accomplished using two separate spool valves.
During road transport, the mower is hydraulically folded vertically through 92° and then locked hydraulically in the transport position.
When attaching and detaching the mower combination, the retractable front guard provides plenty of space between the tractor tyres and the mower, allowing easier hitch and unhitch tasks.
