Careful mowing forms the basis for high quality forage. To meet this demand, Pöttinger launches a range of new and updated mowers. These include the new NOVACAT F and NOVACAT H, as well as EUROCAT F models.
The new NOVACAT F series combines low weight with maximum strength. Thanks to the compact three-point linkage mounted headstock, the center of gravity is close to the tractor, making it easy to use even with small tractors. The mower also handles extremely well on steep terrain.
Heart of the NOVACAT F is the cutter bar, proven over thousands of cuts in the field. The cutter bar is just 4 cm high to guarantee optimum crop flow. And because it is only 28 cm deep, it delivers the best ground tracking. Gimbals on the cutter bar guide arms guarantee multidimensional freedom of movement. The arc of movement of +/- 8 degrees allows the mower to float precisely over all undulations in the ground. The weight of the mower is carried either by the tractor hitch, or optionally by two strong suspension springs between the headstock of the mower and the mounting bracket on the tractor.
The side guards are folded upwards for safe road transport, and hydraulic folding is available as an option. Because the guards fold well away, optimum access is provided to the cutter bar. This makes it possible to clean the machine thoroughly and change blades quickly and easily.
The new NOVACAT F front mowers are available with working widths of 2.62 m or 3.04 m.
NOVACAT F 3100 Opticurve
Optimum ground tracking, low disintegration losses and precision operation without time-consuming adjustments are important features in mowing. To meet these demands, Pöttinger launched automatic curved side shifting on the NOVACAT F 3100. This side shift system on the front mower guarantees proper overlap with the rear mower and ensures the tractor drives along a clear track, free of forage when cornering and working on steep ground. The curved movement means that the entire working width of the cutter bar can be used and the effective width of the mower combination maximized. Systems with straight-line side shift leave several centimeters uncovered.
Even if the tractor drifts sideways when cornering or on steep terrain, the rear tyre of the tractor does not run over grass that has not been cut yet because the mower shifts towards the inner radius of the curve. What is more, no forage is left behind because the front mower overlaps perfectly with the rear mower.
An optional ISOBUS automation package controls the side shift of the mower automatically depending on the turning angle of the tractor or the inclination of the slope to the left or right. This means that the driver’s workload is significantly reduced because no intervention is required.
A special advantage of this new technology is the ability to detect changing degrees of overlap between the front mower and the tractor or rear mower(s) and respond automatically. No grass is driven over or left standing, either when cornering or on steep ground. Harvesting machines that come to collect the forage can operate without any problems and there is no old crop left behind for the next cut. An automatic mode allows the operator to concentrate on driving the tractor and their surroundings. Fewer turning manoeuvres needed in the field create less pressure on the ground while bringing about greater efficiency by saving time, and a reduction in driver fatigue because fewer interventions are required.
NOVOCAT H mower combinations
To meet the demand of efficiency and sustainability Pöttinger also introduces the new NOVACAT H mower combinations that deliver high output while saving on fuel consumption. Weighing 2,040 kg, the NOVACAT H 11200 can be powered by a tractor with just 160 hp. The smaller NOVACAT H 9500 only needs 130 hp.
Heart of these mower combinations is the cutter bar, proven over thousands of cuts in the field. The cross-section of the cutter bar is only 4 cm high and 28 cm deep to ensure an optimum flow forage and the best adaptation. The centre pivot mounting on the cutter bars provides a travel of +/- 22.5° for perfect ground tracking. Hydraulic weight alleviation ensures uniform pressure to the ground across the whole width of the cutter bar, so that the best cutting quality is always achieved.
All drive elements are oversized and the central T-gearbox, together with the long cardan shafts, ensures reliable and smooth operation. If the mower collides with any obstacles, the cutter bar can fold back to the rear. It is pivoted back into the working position by activating the spool valve.
The mower units can be lifted either together or separately. Lifting separately is done either by a shared spool valve with selection using the BASIC CONTROL terminal, or by two separate spool valves. For transport, the mower combination is folded backward hydraulically while the guards are folded up automatically. This ensures a narrow transport width of just 2.20 m, making transport easy while enhancing safety on the road. The length of the folded mower combination is comparable with a 5-share plough.
The large folding guards also ensure optimum accessibility to the cutter bar, so that the machine is easy to clean and the blades can be changed quickly and easily.
EUROCAT F front drum mowers
Finally, Pöttinger has updated its EUROCAT F front mowers, a mix of low weight and high strength. The compact three-point headstock shifts the centre of gravity very close to the tractor. This means that lighter tractors can also be used. The mower also handles very well when working on steep terrain.
The arc of the blades is the same for all four drums, which ensures a clean and tidy cutting pattern. The large mower drums in the centre provide plenty of clearance. In addition, the two middle drums have a narrower neck, which provides even more space. Each drum has the same area of ground contact. This equal distribution of pressure ensures perfect ground tracking. Gimbals in the guide arms of the mower unit guarantee multidimensional freedom of movement. The arc of movement of +/- 8 degrees allows the mower to float over all undulations in the ground. The weight of the mower is carried either by the tractor hitch, or optionally by two strong suspension springs between the headstock of the mower and the mounting bracket on the tractor.
The continuously variable PLUS cutting height adjustment system offers maximum convenience. Cutting height of all the drums can be adjusted from a central point between 40 mm and 65 mm. The side guards are folded upwards for safe road transport, and hydraulic folding is available as an option. The guards fold well away to provide optimum access to the mower drums, making it possible to clean the machine thoroughly and change blades quickly and easily.
Working widths on the new models are 2.70 m and 3.05 m.
