A new addition to the tractor-mounted mulcher range supplied throughout the UK and Ireland by Spaldings, the direct sales specialist, can produce a fine and firm tilth ready for woodland re-planting or sowing to other crops as part of a land regeneration project.
The TMC Cancela MPK-225 has a working width of 2.25m (a 2.50m version is also available), operates on the rear three-point linkage of a 220-300hp tractor, and has 58 rigidly-mounted hammers arranged in a helix pattern.
Each hammer has a single carbide tip that shreds residue against six rows of replaceable counter knives and incorporates the resulting mulched material into finely tilled topsoil.
Unlike other machines in the extensive range of tractor, skid-steer loader and excavator-mounted mulchers from TMC Cancela, the MPK has a two-speed gearbox, providing a slower rotor speed for shredding and incorporation, and a faster speed for grinding away tree stumps up to 450mm diameter.
Another feature unique of this model is a steel finishing roller equipped with six serrated traction rings and mounted on hydraulic cylinders to regulate the working depth and lift the roller out of work when not required.
The combination of an intensive-action mulching rotor, consistent working depth, the adjustable hood and rear-mounted roller leaves a fine, level and consolidated surface largely free of trash ready for replanting trees or sowing to a different crop.
Hefin Evans, forestry equipment sales specialist at Spaldings, explains how this machine, with its unique multi-purpose capabilities, came about.
“We had a potential customer who was impressed with the structure and engineering quality of TMC Cancela’s mulchers but who had particular requirements for the land regeneration contract work he carries out,” he says.
“It’s a measure of TMC Cancela’s willingness to respond to different requirements that after discussions with the company’s engineers, a prototype was built and extensively tested, which the contractor then purchased after it was stripped for inspection and rebuilt as new.”
Other features of the MPK mulcher include heavy-duty power transmission to both ends of the 632mm diameter rotor by Gates fibre-reinforced Poly Chain GT Carbon positive-drive belts.
It also has TMC Cancela’s patented mechanism for keeping the pto shaft at the correct angle at all times for reliable power delivery; it comprises a pivoting gearbox and a hydraulic top link with parallel linkage.
Like other models in the range, strategic use of Swedish Steel’s Strenx high-strength plate for structural components and hard-wearing Hardox steel for components subject to wear provides a combination of durability, structural integrity and easily replaced soil-engaging parts such as the side skids.
The new model can be ordered via Spaldings’ network of regional sales advisers, the company’s telesales team or on the website, with back-up provided by Spaldings technical specialists.
