Reach-arm hedgetrimmers have always doubled as verge mowers for the operators using them.
We break down the models best suited to trimming up the grass on that final pass.
See also: Massey Ferguson expands grassland portfolio with new rakes and mowers
Bomford Turner
The launch of the Hawk Evo 7.5P Power Plus reach arm mower is said to bring something new to the market. Based on the existing format of the popular Hawk Evo 7.0 arm mower, this extends the reach to 7.5m.
It is available with either three-point linkage with a four-point linkage stabiliser bracket, or as an axle-mounted option.
The stabiliser bracket connects the tractor hitch to the chassis of the machine, adding important additional torsional stability, and can also be retrofitted on older reach arm mowers.
Useful features such as electronic rotor reverse and electronic head and arm float are also included as standard.
The ICS4 (Intelligent Control System) is also part of the base specification and includes a fully proportional control joystick, programmable hydraulic ram cylinder speeds and driver aid functions such as grease and oil change reminders, which are all fed back to the operator through a large colour LCD screen display.
Alongside the 7.0 and 6.5 Hawk Power Plus models, Bomford Turner also offers the Hawk Evo variable forward-reach models, the Falcon Evo, with options for variable forward reach and telescopic arms, and the Buzzard range.
These additional models are said to be ideal for contractors and municipalities, with the possibility to run the cutting head alongside the tractor for verge mowing and work on narrow lanes.
Kuhn
Kuhn offers two product ranges for farmers and amenity contractors requiring versatile and robust offset verge mowers.
The TBE 102 verge shredders include the 222 and 242 models, while the increased offset range of TBES 102 shredders contain the 222, 242 and 262 models.
TBE 102 models have working widths between 2.14m and 2.3m, while the TBES units offer widths of 2.14m, 2.3m and 2.5m.
All models have three variable positions, including behind the tractor, offset or tilted, and angled – with -65deg for ditch work and up to +90deg for hedges.
A 180mm rear roller and Hardox skids are standard to help increase longevity, and all models are offered with three flail choices for the 450mm rotor.
There are five models in the Spring-Longer range, offering users both front- and rear- mounted options. Cutting widths start at 1.6m for the S 1680 RPL and front-mounted S 1680 RPFL.
Also available in front- and rear-mounted versions are the S 2080 RPFL/RPL models with a cutting width of 2m and a horizontal reach of 3.9m.
The biggest machine in the range is the rear-mounted S 2380 RPL with a 2.3m cutting width and 4.2m horizontal reach.
For increased stability and driver comfort, the Spring-Longer models can be fitted with Kuhn’s Stabi-Link frame, which takes just five minutes to remove the machine from the tractor.
A standard hydraulic breakback offers 1,300mm reset distance and automatically returns to the work, while a vertical offset can raise the mowing unit without adjusting the tractor’s lift height, for a maximum ditch angle of -70deg and a bank angle of 90deg.
McConnel
McConnel has introduced two new Power Arm ranges: the 72-series and the heavier-duty 77-series. Both ranges feature a 70hp hydraulic system with reach options from 5.5m to 7m, including telescopic and variable forward-reach options.
An optional integrated debris blower is located within the rear guard, which also enhances cooling by drawing in cool air over the pumps and tank.
Additional new features include LED road lighting, a redesigned hydraulic tank, a two-piece rear guard for easy service access and a sculpted polypropylene top cover to prevent debris and moisture ingress.
As standard, both series come with McConnel’s in-house-designed 70hp gear hydraulic system, featuring a 180-litre hydraulic tank, high-capacity oil cooler, electric rotor control, and Soft-Start rotor engagement.
The 77-series also includes larger-diameter pivot pins, allowing for added durability and longevity. An 85hp hydraulic system is available as an option for the 77-series for those seeking more power.
Both series are available with 5.5m and 6m straight arms, as well as 6.5m and 7m telescopic arms.
Additionally, a 5.5m and 6m variable forward-reach option is available for both series, providing improved visibility to the cutting head for greater operator comfort.
Standard equipment on both includes Hy-Reach arm geometry, parallel arm geometry, and 100deg of Power Slew.
Shelbourne Reynolds
Launched at Lamma, and now the winner of a silver medal at the Royal Highland Show, Shelbourne’s head memory system is available as an option on all 8000-series reach-arm mowers fitted with the S-Touch touchscreen control scheme.
The option enables operators to set, save and return to the working angle of the cutting head at the push of a button.
The system offers different operating modes. The 0deg button keeps the head horizontal, while the 90deg button flips the head vertical.
The third option allows the operator to set a working angle, which the machine will automatically maintain, while selecting variable automatically returns the cutting head to the last position used.
Standard features across the 8000-range include a 70hp hydraulic system, a 1.2m cutting head with belt drive, parallel arm geometry, automatic breakback and return to work, and hydraulic float across both the head and the arm.
Six models are available, offering reaches from 6m up to 8m, with two flagship telescopic variable forward-reach machines which provide a compact design that enables the cutting head to operate alongside the tractor wheel – ideal for verge mowing.
The S-Touch Compact joystick controls can be updated to the S-Touch Max, which is larger in size and adds seven programmable controls, and there is a choice of four cutting heads to suit different operations.
Spearhead Machinery
The Twiga range of reach-arm mowers from Spearhead tops out with the Pro-series, offering five different models for reaches from 6m up to 8m.
The Propilot control system is fitted as standard, and two models can be specified with variable forward reach for working up against the front axle of the tractor.
The four Flex models increase the possible working reach to 8.9m on the flagship, with options to front- or rear-mount the machine based on requirements and the ability to work in reverse thanks to the Rotorflex system.
Last year, the Propilot control system underwent a series of updates to boost productivity. These included Auto-Level, which maintains the cutting head angle automatically.
Operators can preset up to three fixed angles, as well as manually slide Auto-Level through degree changes too.
Another significant improvement is the electronic autopilot. This replaces the previous mechanical automatic verge float system with an electronic pressure monitoring method, enabling faster working speeds and reportedly prolonging the life of the machine.
Operators can switch on autopilot with one click from the joystick or touchscreen. Should they need to handle an obstacle, one click disengages it momentarily, before it seamlessly re-engages.
Offering further flexibility, autopilot can run at three levels, depending on ground conditions.
Operators will also suffer less downtime by accessing live diagnostics. The 2023 ProPilot can record activity on up to six jobs at once.