Kuhn unveils 14.5m mower for high HP harvesters
With most forage harvester manufacturers offering machines touching 1000hp, the logistics puzzle has always been ‘dropping” grass and pulling into a swath big enough to feed the “beast”.
The belt grouper system fitted to the rear unit can be used to form a swath of 1.8 to 3m width, making it ideal for cutting ahead of the largest forage harvesters or large square balers.
Sitting above the existing FC9330RA (9.3m), the machine tips the scales at the relatively light 7.5 tonnes, which the company suggests helps reduce the draught power requirement, reduces wear and, most importantly given the current price rises, reduces fuel use.
Featuring a substantial frame with rear wheel equipment, any machine adjustments can be controlled via the tractor’s ISOBUS system or by using Kuhn’s own CCI control units. In use, the frame suspension system exerts a constant pressure on the cutter-bars, allowing it to adapt quickly to ground undulations, while at the same time delivering an even cut across the full working width.
The telescopic axle also helps to increase clearance, making it easier to form a wider, more evenly formed swath, with benefits of increased drying times and easier pick up for the harvester.
Featuring Kuhn’s zero maintenance, Opti-Disc Elite cutter-bar, the unit incorporates the Fast-Fit knife change system, with each disc carrying triple 5-inch knives, said to be quick to change, and with an extended working life.
Requiring around 250hp for efficient operation, the FC13460 folds to a 3-metre transport width and a transport height of just under 4-metres.
Available from early 2023, the company suggests that the unit will be well suited to any 12-metre controlled traffic farming (CTF) operations.
