THERE was a wide spread of technology launched by McConnel on its stand at LAMMA this week – everything from a new hedge mower forward reach arm to the latest in robotic grass cutting.

The products included an all-new telescopic, variable forward reach arm-set (Tele-VFR), a new Revolution Power Arm control system, new Power Arm cutterbars, sawheads and range of flail mowers. And it also showed off its new Robocut range of remote controlled mowers for the first time.

Improved arm geometry, increased strength and additional head angling are the key claimed benefits of the 6.5m Tele-VFR arm-set. This increases reach in all direction, whilst also improving close-in cutting performance, said the company.

The use of larger box section Strenx steel and wider 60mm pivot pins strengthen the durability of the arm, while the head angling linkage has also seen significant change by repositioning the angling ram. It all makes it more compact, with neater protected hose routing.

McConnel’s flagship control system, Revolution, has been overhauled, with a new compact digital display, operating system, soft-touch armrest and additional features such as the ability to quickly change between pre-set hedgecutting to verge mowing at a touch of a button. For the first time, it can now be specified with a new mini-joystick for fingertip control.

The Robocut is said to transform remote-controlled slope mowing. Three models, the RC56, RC75 and RC28 have greater power, an advanced feature set and a revolutionary control system for greater output, safety and control than the models they supersede.

New diesel engine choices have been developed in a partnership with Hatz for working on steep gradients of 55°, with increased power and market leading power-to-weight ratio. A new common chassis gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect 50/50 weight distribution for maximum stability and control in challenging terrain.

Fully integrated, dual roll-over protection bars, quick access lifting points and dedicated accessory mounting points also come as standard, while fully enclosed body panels protects the power unit from damage when working in harsh environments.

GPS Autosteer is available for the first time, developed in conjunction with Trimble and this enables operators to control precise cutting to an accuracy of 25mm from up to 150ms away.