Pottinger has further developed its Novacat F1300 Opticurve mower, a front mounted mower that turns with the tractor to ensure that no uncut strips are left when used in conjunction with a rear set.
The company has now given it a significant upgrade in the form of the Profiline comfort control system, which will be available as an option.
The difference that the new control system makes is that the mower will steer left or right automatically, depending on the turning angle of the tractor and the inclination of the slope.
Pottinger install accelerometer
The information needed to do this is provided by an acceleration sensor installed directly on the mower.
This works alongside the tractor’s turning angle signal, increasing the accuracy of the calculation that dictates the position of the mower even further.
There are two options for connecting the tractor and mower – it can be done by using the tractor’s ISOBUS terminal or Pottinger’s own Select Control terminal.
Hydraulic oil is supplied by a load-sensing or the power beyond system, should the tractor be equipped with it.
Corners and slopes
The side shift system comes into its own when cornering and on slopes, as it provides a perfect overlap with the rear mower, ensuring the tractor drives along a track free of forage.
The curved movement means that the entire working width of the cutter bar can be used and the effective width of the mower combination maximised.
Pottinger note that in contrast, systems with straight-line side shift will leave several centimetres uncovered in this situation.
Mowing made easy
The company claims that one great advantage of this 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, and no feathers are left standing, Pottinger tell us, neither when cornering nor on steep ground.
A further benefit is that because there is no old crop left behind for the next cut, the follow-up harvesting machines can work undisturbed.
With the automatic mode engaged, the operator can focus on driving the tractor while keeping an eye on the work as it progresses.
