New hedge cutter option boosts versatility

The addition of Kuhn’s Motion Head 90 on its Multi-Longer hedge cutter range has improved work efficiency and accuracy.

The Motion Head 90 is an option on the Multi-Longer models and allows 360-degree head rotation – aiding flexibility when cutting in tight areas. For lanes and roads where it is impractical to have the arm swung out to the side in a traditional cutting action, the arm can stay folded behind the tractor, with the head simply turned to cut the material to the side. This still allows full height movement on the arm in tight areas, which isn’t always possible with the arm at the side.

All the Motion Head 90 movements are controlled via the electronic proportional EP joystick, which enables quick and precise adjustments to the main and outer arms, pivot, and head position, to ensure accurate cutting. This is particularly useful on gateways, banks and roadside verges. The EP joystick is combined with Kuhn’s VT 31 screen, which allows operators to view oil temperature, hours worked, and adjust hydraulic flow to various functions to improve control.

With a workload of over 350 hours a year, Terry Mason is the main operator of Kuhn’s latest Multi-Longer 5757 SPAL at Bidwell Barton Farm in Devon. The machine replaced an ageing trimmer in September 2023, with the Motion Head 90 kit and dealer backup major factors for choosing Kuhn.

As it is the first one in the country, Terry couldn’t see it working before committing to buy. However, conversations with dealer, RSM Beares, and watching videos of the head in action, were enough to convince him.

Terry explains the Motion Head 90 feature has proved an excellent option for the narrow lanes around the farm, which are only just wide enough for the tractor.

“We don’t have to unfold the hedgecutter arm to the side of the tractor, which has always limited cutting angle and height. The Motion Head allows me to change the angle and means the arm can stay folded to the rear and the head can be turned to cut the hedges. It has increased the speed and quality of the work.”

Terry says it has also been a significant bonus when cutting gateways and verges. He continues: “Pivoting the front of the head up when cutting ditches and gateways is very useful as it can follow ground contours closely. It is more accurate than just raising the head in a fixed horizontal position as we can angle the cutting rotor to ensure we get a close cut without constantly changing the position of the tractor. The flexibility wouldn’t be possible with a normal machine.”

Visit the Kuhn website for more information.

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