New Pottinger Novacat comes with automated curve control
Triple 'butterfly' or dual mower combinations have become increasingly popular, offering increased output and better utilisation of tractors that keep gaining horsepower.
The rake offers a cost effective alternative to expensive 4-rotor machines, reports the NZ distributor Origin Agroup.
The TOP 962C, with working width adjustable from 8.9 to 9.6m, has 4.4m diameter rotors fitted with 15 tine arms. Its large diameter cam track with shallow inclines is said to ensure precise control and minimum stress on the control arm bearings. The cam track can be adjusted to suit crop volumes or harvesting conditions, and is encased to prevent ingress of crop or dust.
The rake attaches to the tractor via the three point linkage and has 73 degrees of turning angle for tight turns.
The driveline has a free-wheel system for run-down, and each rotor drive is individually protected from overload. Rotor drive gearboxes use gears submerged in semi-fluid grease for maximum lubrication and extensive sealing to exclude dust.
After folding for transport the rotors can be lowered hydraulically, using a double acting valve, and further removal of four tines results in a transport height of less than 4m.
In work the rotors can be lifted by up to 60cm to clear obstructions. Ground following is controlled by a 6-wheel undercarriage on tandem axles which can be optioned with the MultiTast jockey wheel for difficult conditions.
The 2.9m main chassis is said to be very stable on sloping ground and combines with a steering axle layout that ensures the machine 'tracks' the tractor accurately and makes it very manoeuvrable.
Tyres are 340-55 R16 with the option of oversize 380-55 R18 for softer ground.
In operation rotors are raised using a single acting hydraulic connection, with lifting clearance at headlands controlled by an adjustable valve.
A double acting connection is used to adjust overall raking width, adjusting final swath width from 1.3 to 2m dependant on the following machine requirements.
Options include individual rotor lifting which can be activated from the standard control terminal, which also combines to display information on working width and overall height setting.
