A lot has changed since the arrival of the first tractor-mounted hedgecutter made by McConnel in 1945. But hedgecutters remain the focus of the Shropshire firm’s offering, despite a whole host of other machines on offer.

Its latest machine has variable forward reach, meaning that flailheads can now be positioned directly alongside the operator and in his line of sight. Not only does this improve operator comfort, claims the company, but it’s safer, too.

Fitted to the PA600, it extends the operating range to 2.6m and is able to power the flail head up to 1.6m past the point it would usually be restricted to. Because the arm can swivel both forward and backward, it’s also possible to position the head directly behind the rear wheel, ideal for cutting on narrow lanes or busy roads.

The variable reach optionis also an option on the PA55, PA60, PA5600 and PA6400 power arms and will add around £3600 to the implement‘s cost.

Discaerator

Also launched on the European market this week, McConnel’s new one-pass Discaerator hopes to build on the success of the Shakaerator, which was introduced in 1975.

Two rows of 500cm discs follow the company’s low-draft subsoiler legs. They are positioned at 15deg to the 5 or 7-leg configuration and are followed by a packer roller.

Buyers can opt for either hydraulically or mechanically reset breakback legs, an option that the company says will also be available on the Shakaerator.

The 3m machine can be pulled by a tractor of 150hp at 8kph, according to McConnel, and aims to give good seedbeds for broadcasting OSR. A ridged packer is also an option and prices start at around £20,000.

2m flailhead

For operators who want extra cutting capability, McConnel now offers what it reckons is the world’s largest flailhead, extending to 2m.

A conventional flail head usually extends to 1.2m, meaning typical hedges need several passes. But the 2m head will giveoperators one-pass, full–width hedge cutting, which could half the timetaken.

There is a choice of flails and the unit is powered by the company’s Quad-drive system, with 65, 77 and 85hp options.

It’s all been made possible by the use of high strength Docol steel, says the company, which gives a four–fold increase in strength, allowing for a lighter implement overall.Prices start at £8400.

Telesaw

McConnel reckons the market for attachments is strengthening, as operators try to find work year-round. So, they’ve launched a new telesaw attachment designed for loaders.

With four diamond–cut saw blades, the saw has a 2m cutting width and a 3.3m sidearm extension. It is able to cut branches up to 200mm in width and has a 45deg breakback feature. Price is £11,850.

Reverse-drive option

The company has also expanded its reverse-drive range. Until now, thiswas only available for models up to the 5.2m power arm, but now it’s an option on the PA6500T, a machine aimed at large-scale contractors.

Flex wing mowers

McConnel has overhauled its entire mower range and now offers four flex-wing rotary machines, a heavy-duty rotary mower and three flail models aimed at agriculture, amenity and industry markets.

Ranging from 4.2m to 8.2m, the four flex-wing SR range models are robust enough to handle heavy vegetation if needed, and models above 4.6m can come with walking axles. Meanwhile, the CY2000’s 2m rotary cutting unit is man enough to handle heavy scrubland.

Finally, the Merlin Xtreme range offers 2, 2.5 and 2.8m cutting widths and can be front- or rear-mounted.