A new ‘butterfly‘ mower (or, to be more precise, twin rear-mounted units on a purpose-built frame) looks set to make its official debut at next week’s National Ploughing Championships (just outside Tullamore, Co. Offaly).
The machine is the latest product from Keltec Engineering – a well-known manufacturer based in Kilmallock, Co. Limerick.
According to Keltec Engineering’s Mark O’Donnell, the new machine has been undergoing field-testing this year – mainly powered by a John Deere 6210R.
He explained: “This machine uses heavy-duty Comer beds and gearboxes, which are well-proven in many other mowers. It has steel, ‘semi-swing’ conditioner tines.
“A hydro-pneumatic flotation system will be part of the standard specification.
The machine will be available with or without groupers [swathers]. Where fitted, we’re using our existing auger-type system.
He added: “We’ve tested the machine in some very heavy crops; the minimum horsepower requirement is 200hp.”
Mark did concede that “all of the 6210R’s power was needed in tougher conditions”.
He explained: “The total working width is nominally 9m with, of course, a suitable front mower on your tractor. Realistically, taking overlaps into account, expect to knock 8.6m in each pass.
“All going well, the machine will be at next week’s National Ploughing Championships [Row 16; Stand 335].”
‘Chasing’ new deals
In other Keltec Engineering developments, the firm will showcase a bigger version of its recently-revamped (round) bale chaser (transporter).
Later incarnations come with “bale-feed assist rollers”, which enable bales to be loaded more easily and gently.
According to Mark, these chasers allow for “fast, efficient and safe transport of bales”. Because there is no need for a separate loader in the field, the machine is also claimed to “reduce soil compaction”.
The bale assist system has a patent pending. “Innovation is important to us,” he remarked. “We will continue to develop new products; that’s what Keltec has done since its foundation back in 1988.”