Vicon has added yet more Extra models of mower conditioner to its range to further enhance the company’s reputation as a grass and forage specialist.
These new versions include the 624T and 628T rear-mounted mower conditioners in 2.4m and 2.8m working widths, plus an all-new 3.2m 632FT front-mounted model, which join the existing four-model Vicon Extra range for the 2010 grass season.
These three additional disc mower conditioner models benefit from the same features as the existing Extra models, including a revised bed design with quieter running gears. The 632FT gets a semi-free swinging steel tine conditioner, the smaller 624T and 628T both get fixed tine conditioning.
These two new rear-models replace the hugely successful DMP2401TC and DMP3001TC and maintain Vicon’s high-quality, three-bladed disc design that contributes to stripe-free mowing and faster regrowth.
Cleverly, this new design of mower offers a 125-degree vertical transport folding position, which sees the 624T and 628T fold upwards, passing through the vertical plane and keeping mower weight in a central location, very close to the back of the tractor. Importantly, it allows easy manoeuvrability and access through narrow gateways.
Both rear-mounted models get flex-protect polythene end guards that deflect and return to their original position and a centre-mounted suspension system with an easy-adjust spring system to set flotation rates. The mowers also feature a dual-speed 540/1,000rpm PTO gearbox – changing speeds requires the gearbox to be turned on its mounting bolts to suit different tractor PTO speed requirements.
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The new front-mounted Vicon 632FT mower conditioner has a 3.2m cutting width. |
Those looking to maximise mowing output can use the front-mounted eight-disc 632FT in combination with a mounted or trailed outfit, enhancing productivity. Replacing the 3m FMT3001, this new front mounted mower conditioner packs a wider, 3.2m cutting width and provides a matched combination with the Vicon 632T, giving a 6.2m cutting width to maximise productivity with available tractor power.
The front-mounted mower-conditioner retains Vicon’s free-float pull-type suspension system, but subtle tweaks enable improved ground contour following at higher forward speeds while leaving a cleanly cut, even stubble to encourage and promote faster regrowth for successive cuts or grazing requirements.
The cutting bed of the Extra range is fabricated from two C-channels welded together for increased rigidity. Each disc’s hub and gear assembly is bolted in through the top of the bed, with intermediate gears slid into place via removable access plates at each end of the cutter bar.
“Where previous bed designs had just one tooth per gear in contact, the Extra cutter bed sees pairs of gear teeth meshing together,” Vicon technical manager Tim Baker said. “This design offers smoother power transmission, has less backlash and reduces the torque loading on each tooth.”
But the biggest improvement in cutterbed transmission design comes from the development of a curved tooth profile for each gear. And with increased oil capacity, there is cooler running too and much more efficient lubrication, to enhance durability.
“By introducing a radiused edge on the circumference of the gear rather than using square-cut teeth, we have reduced the noise level enormously,” he says. “The gears can also absorb bed flex and movement through the curved teeth without risk of the gears binding.”
On 624T and 628T versions, grass is now conditioned using a rotor equipped with nylon conditioning tines – this keeps machine weight much lower, enabling these models to be comfortably handled by lighter, lower-powered tractors. The 632FT gets steel conditioning tines.
Reversing the position of the conditioner drive pulleys gives 600rpm and 900rpm rotor speeds. The higher speed can be selected for aggressive conditioning, while the lower speed can take advantage of a much lower power requirement and creates the potential for reduced fuel consumption. A wide spreading hood is fitted as standard, adjusted via two handles on the hood, while access into the discs and mower bed area for maintenance is simplified using a swing-out front cover.
For more information visit: www.vicon.eu/uk/.
