Ahead of its official launch today (Monday, August 3), Agriland was given exclusive access to Pöttinger's all-new twin-rotor manoeuvrable rake.

The TOP V 6520 C has been designed as a nimble machine capable of producing high-quality forage swaths while offering increased flexibility for farmers.

Joining Pottinger's extensive rake line-up, the new model could prove to be particularly suitable in the Irish market.

Its compact design is ideal for narrow countryside roadways, smaller fields, as well as any farms which may have low horse power availability.

Pottinger has placed a strong focus on manoeuvrability and transportability with the new TOP V 6520 C.

The machine is not mounted to any chassis, instead it is mounted to the tractors three point linkage, which reduces life time wear seen through road vibrations.

The compact rake features a new pivoting headstock which allows the machine to closely follow the track of the tractor through corners, while maintaining a consistent central swath.

This improves efficiency for both raking task as well as baling or harvesting, as 'zig-zags' are reduced.

Instead, operators can expect to tidy swaths in the corners of fields, as well as areas which have obstacles, whether it be trees or ESB polls.

Mechanical stabiliser struts provide additional support, helping to keep the machine running smoothly without excessive side to side movement, a feature which once again suits the Irish market, especially in hilly areas.

Ground following is another key feature of the new rakes design, with floating rotor suspension allowing the rotors to adapt to uneven surfaces.

The optional MULTITAST jockey wheel, fitted directly to the headstock, further improves improves the machines working flow, guiding the tines over any bumpy ground.

This helps to maintain a clean raking pattern while avoiding soil contamination in the forage.

The tandem axle design is aimed at providing smoother operation across any uneven ground, even at higher working speeds.

At the headland, the TOP V 6520 C can be lifted into a central position via the linkage, this helps to increase ground clearance by 50-60cm, and reduces the chances of the tines pulling on existing swaths.

Its compact transport configuration, with the centre of gravity close to the tractor, is designed to improve stability and comfort when driving on roadways.

The working width of the TOP V 6520 C can be mechanically adjusted from 5.9m to 6.5m.

As well as that, the swath width can be adjusted to between 1m and 1.6m, allowing the machine to be easily adapted to different field conditions as well as different tractor and baler, or harvester set-ups.

According to Pottinger, the new design focuses on achieving a balance between durability, weight, and cost.

Pottinger says the flexibility and efficiency of the machine are suited towards areas with narrow harvesting windows, such as Ireland and the UK.