Hi-Spec will display a pre-series production model of its AutoCut triple mower at LAMMA 2017.
With a maximum cutting width of 10.5m, it will be one of the widest tractor-powered triple mowers on the market.
Initially, it is planned that the AutoCut will be available with mowing widths of 9.8m (RH980) and 10.5m (RH1050), either as a straight mower or with a conditioner.
Both models use a semi-mounted design and incorporate a novel hydraulic suspension system. This, says Hi-Spec, means that virtually all of the weight of the mower is carried on the frame.
As a result, says Hi-Spec, the AutoCut can be used with smaller tractors than would normally be required for a mower this size. Typically most 9-10m-wide triple mower-conditioners require around 8.5hp/metre to carry and drive them.
However, even on the widest 10.5m-wide mower conditioner model, the AutoCut is claimed to require just over 7hp/m. The straight mower version, says Hi-Spec, only needs 4.5hp/m.
Hi-Spec is not only aiming the AutoCut at contractors. The company is also eyeing up stock farmers, who are looking to maximise mower output from existing tractors.
The AutoCut uses Comer 3.2m-wide, 8-disc rear beds for the RH980 and 3.7m-wide, 9-disc units for the larger RH1050. Each mower unit is mounted using a central pivot and incorporates a hydraulic suspension system, whereby bed pressure can be altered from the cab.
The suspension is designed so that it can be moved through a range of 500mm. This, says Hi-Spec, helps to reduce stubble damage, resulting in faster regrowth.
The rear mowers are carried on a trailed frame.
The carrier frame also incorporates an active steering axle that is mechanically linked to the headstock. This should prove useful, both when manoeuvring at the headland and when turning in through narrow gateways.
Unlike most mowers that fold upwards, the rear mower units of the AutoCut fold backwards and the front guards are hydraulically lifted automatically. This results in a transport width of just 2.3m for the straight mower or 2.6m for the mower-conditioner version.
It also means that the mower bed is easily accessed for maintenance, says the company. It also avoids problems with transport height restrictions.
Following a limited pre-series production run for final testing during the 2017 season, it is anticipated that the Hi-Spec AutoCut will be fully available for 2018.
Maximum mowing width is up to 10.5m.