A range of Maschio hedge cutters have been launched 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.
The Maschio Carla 500 Hedge Cutter, has a working design which makes it ideal for use in narrow lanes.
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.
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 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 groundsmen 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.
