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A new mower from Irish manufacturer Malone will be of interest as a no-nonsense, heavy duty machine for use in hay or silage production.
It has undergone two years of testing in Europe and NZ.
The new ProCut 3000 MP has a centre pivot layout and uses hydraulic suspension to ensure it floats over the ground, maintaining a consistent cut and ‘treading lightly’ over the sward to encourage rapid regrowth.
Offered in a 3.0m cutting width (2.6m and 3.4m units are in the pipeline) the 3000 MP has seven discs each carrying two 4mm heavy cranked, quick fit blades to deal with heavy crops, forming a swath with the help of swath wheels.
Heavy duty transmission components are supplied by industry specialists Comer.
The mower bed, carried from a large section support beam, has drive hubs protected by shear bolts that will break if the machine hits buried junk. This prevents shock loading in the driveline and the rear of the tractor and allows easy replacement in the event of an impact.
Following Malone’s mantra of ‘easy to set up and maintain machines’, the new models have easy access to drive shafts, slip clutches and greasing points, with a full width flip-up outer cover.
In the transport position the mower folds beyond vertical to 115 degrees, so pulling the machine within the extremities of the tractor for safe travel at high speed.
Building on an increasing reputation for robust, productive machinery for grassland conservation, Malone has a duo of machines on display at Mystery Creek that should be ideal for the New Zealand market.
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