New left-hand version of offset flail mower makes road work safer

OPICO has introduced a left-hand version of Maschio’s heavy duty offset flail mower – the Giraffona. Designed for medium sized agricultural tractors, the Giraffona has already proven popular as a right-hand offset machine. The new left-hand version will enable drivers to work safely whilst moving in the same direction as the traffic.

OPICO’s James Woolway explains: “The left-hand version of Giraffona joins the existing left-hand Giraffa and provides a safer working environment for the operator by travelling with the flow of the traffic. Both are ideal for grass-cutting, and for roadside and hedgerow maintenance.”

The Giraffona mower is available in three working widths: 2.1m, 2.3m and 2.6m and is suitable for tractors from 120 to 180hp. All sizes have a floating head system and double skin frame which reinforces the main structure of the machine. Hammer flails come as standard, with the option of fishtail flails.

Mr Woolway adds: “All Maschio offset flail mowers utilise a hydraulic system allowing the machine to work either directly behind the tractor or to the side. This enables the operator to reach far beyond the tractor profile and also work on vertical or steeply sloping surfaces. We are confident that the new left-hand Giraffona flail mower will prove an attractive version of an already popular model.”

Prices range from £10,530 + VAT for a 2.1m model, up to £11,190 + VAT for a 2.6m model. Farmers can phone 01778 421111 for details of their local Maschio dealer or visit www.maschio.co.uk.

4m wide hydraulic folding Maschio power harrow launched at Cereals

OPICO has launched the new 4m wide, hydraulic folding Maschio Aquila power harrow at Cereals. Designed to suit farmers looking for a wide working width and ease of transport on the road, the Aquila is suitable for tractors up to 330hp.

OPICO’s David Day explains: “The new 4m Aquila was developed in response to customer demand. Previously the only folding 4m power harrow available was the Gabbiano, which is a very popular model but is only suitable for tractors up to 240hp.  The new Aquila allows farmers to run a bigger tractor on the front.

“The new Aquila follows the same design principles as the existing machines within the range. It’s equipped as standard with Rapido QuickFit tines, QuickPlus stone protectors and a rear levelling board. It’s available with the choice of a cage roller or a toothed packer roller.

“With its robust design and large multispeed gearbox, the Aquila power harrow is designed to suit the requirements of medium to large scale farmers and contractors. We’re confident it will prove to be another popular machine.”

Maschio’s 4m hydraulic folding Aquila power harrow with 500mm packer roller retails at £31,075 + VAT

Farmers can phone 01778 421111 for details of their local Maschio dealer or visit www.maschio.co.uk.

Pantera Rotary Cultivator with wheels

New rotary cultivator with wheels for mulching vegetable crop residues

OPICO is launching a new version of the 4.78m wide Maschio Pantera rotary cultivator, modified specifically for vegetable growers. The new model is fitted with wheels instead of a packer roller, giving more above-ground clearance for the mulching of bulky crop residues, e.g. cabbages.

The wheels are lighter than a packer roller, so this machine can be used on a smaller tractor, and still has the width to maximise work rates.

The Pantera’s blades can work down to a 29cm depth. The wheel settings are adjustable so allowing better control of working depth when rotavating row and bed crops. The Pantera also includes hydraulic depth control so the operator can adjust the rotavator’s working height from the cab in work.

The Pantera has a heavy duty frame, and the wheel frame itself is removable, giving flexibility of use. It is suitable for 300hp tractors, and folds down to a 2.5m transport width. Other features include Duo-cone waterproof bearings, tested and proven in paddy fields, which enable it to be used successfully in very wet conditions.

The 4.78m Maschio Pantera with wheels weighs 2,900kg and retails at £31,629+VAT.

For more information and details of their nearest Maschio dealer, vegetable growers can contact OPICO on 01778 421111, or visit www.maschio.co.uk

The NEW range of MASCHIO Hedge Cutters

New range of hedge cutters includes model for use in narrow lanes

 



Carla 500

At LAMMA, a range of Maschio hedge cutters will be launched into the UK for the first time by OPICO. All three models in the range - Camilla, Katia and Carla - have a double-sided flail and dual direction rotor to achieve a cleaner cut, plus a large cutting head angle (246°) for working down deep banks or under tree branches. On display will be the Maschio Carla 500 Hedge Cutter, with a working design which makes it ideal for use in narrow lanes.

   

Camilla 450

The Carla 500 Hedge Cutter has a reach of 5m and a high in-board pivot point which allows the flail to work alongside or tuck in tightly behind the tractor. It is suitable for tractors over 2800kg in weight with at least 60hp.

  

Katia 550

The Camilla Hedge Cutter will be popular for general multi-purpose use e.g. trimming annual hedge growth and maintaining grass verges. It includes a large oil tank reserve to ensure oil keeps cool during long working periods. A range of arm lengths give it reaches from 450cm to 600cm in the top model which has a telescopic arm. It is suitable for use with tractors from 2300kg and 60hp.



For more heavy-duty/professional use, the Katia Hedge Cutter is capable of cutting hedges left for three years in stewardship schemes, and has a reach of up to 625cm. It requires a tractor weight of 3000kg and at least 80hp.

Maschio product specialist David Day explains: “Over the past few months we’ve really put these Maschio hedge cutters to the test in the UK. The feedback from farmers and contractors is that the controls are very user-friendly, and the equipment well-designed and robustly built.

“In addition, operators have especially appreciated the benefits of the ‘Avant forward reach’ technology on the Carla and Katia models. It allows the cutting head to be positioned alongside the tractor cab, or just in front, where it can be easily viewed by the operator.”

The Maschio hedge cutters also include: a CFS – ‘contour following system’ for high speed verge cutting; a hydraulic slew for good transport positioning; and two safety devices - a mechanical shock absorber and a nitrogen accumulator – give double protection against damage.

Mr Day adds: “Last year’s sales of Maschio flail mowers were tremendous, their well-balanced design and robust construction proved a hit with users. The Maschio hedge-cutters utilise much of the same design and build technology, so although it’s a very competitive market, we believe they will make an attractive choice for farmers and contractors – both in terms of price and performance.”

Ex-VAT prices for the Maschio hedge cutters are: £16,762 for the Camilla 450, and £20,425 for the Katia 550, and £17,915 for the Carla 500.

For more information and details of their nearest Maschio dealer, farmers and contractors can contact OPICO on 01778 421111, or visit www.maschio.co.uk