Two product launch for Bomford
BOMFORD will be displaying two new products for the first time at this year’s LAMMA Show.
• The new FALCON Evo arm mower
• The MINILEM rotary cutting head.
BOMFORD FALCON EVO
The new Evo is the latest addition to the Bomford forward arm reach mower range. A total of eight models are available with three versions – the Evo 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5 - which have maximum horizontal reaches of 5.5m, 6.0m and 6.5m respectively. These are available in ’Standard’ or ’Parallel’ geometry versions, plus the Evo 5.5 and 6.5 are also available with forward arms. The Evo is suitable for use with tractors of 80hp and above.
The reach and power requirement of the new Evo makes it ideally suited to contractors and local authority users. On forward arm versions, by bringing the cutting head alongside the driving position, this helps improve visibility and reduce operator fatigue when working over long periods.
In addition to the new forward arm option, the new Evo has also been subject to a number of design changes, in particular to the mainframe and lid where the Bomford designers have been clever in combining style with function.
To make servicing quicker and easier, the new curved hood is designed to open through 90 degrees, making it far easier to access the hydraulic components including removal of the tank filter. The 250 litre hydraulic reservoir has a locking cover to not only protect the valves, filters and filler from damage, but also incorporates a secure toolbox.
Particular attention has also been paid to the panel-to-panel and panel-to-frame tolerances, ensuring that gaps are kept to a minimum in order to reduce the ingress of dust and debris, and improves the overall appearance of the machine.
This new modern design is also reflected in the distinctive rear decaling and the use of LED rear lights, both of which will help draw approaching drivers’ attention to the machine.
All Evo models are powered by an independent, twin-pump 125 litre/minute hydraulic system with a cast iron gearbox. There is also the option to upgrade to a 135 litre/minute, 85hp system. As standard, the Evo features hydraulic breakout and a hydraulically cushioned power slew ram to absorb shock loading and hence increase reliability. Fully bushed pivot points which reduce wear are used throughput the arm, which also incorporates adjustable wear-pads.
The Evo comes as standard with either manual or electronic arm float control, plus electronic headfloat, a rotor reversing valve and oil cooler. The Evo is mounted using a quick-hitch, bar-coupling system that incorporates a cushioned top link to reduce shock loading, especially when being transported using high speed tractors. A solid axle mounting is also available.
The Evo is designed to be used with both Bomford 1.2m or 1.5m wide Pro-Cut cutting heads. These incorporate a top-mounted motor and are made of Domex steel, which is half the weight of normal steel but has twice the strength. Drive to the cutting rotor is through a shock-absorbing, fully protected drive line and there is the ability to select shaft speeds of either 2,600rpm or 3,000rpm.
To meet all demands, there is the option of seven different flail types, including the new True-Cut flail which is specifically designed to have a faster tip speed, so transforming the cut on hedges.
The Evo is operated using either low-friction cable controls or the Bomford EPP3 or ICS electronic control units. The EPP3 joystick provides proportional control for two services, whilst the latest ICS control system also allows for head angling, slew and telescopic arm control, plus the ability to select individual ram speeds. In addition, the unit incorporates a digital display that can display information such as hours worked, error codes or warnings.
Unlike some manufacturers, in common with all Bomford machines the Evo is supplied complete with hydraulic oil and carries a standard two-year warranty, with the option to extend to three years.
MINILEM rotary blade head
Making its debut on the Bomford stand will be the Minilem cutting head. The Minilem is unique in that it offers the operator the ability to change the cutting heads to suit the material being cut. So for lighter work the cutting head could be fitted with rotary knives, whilst for thicker branches these could be swapped for rotary saw blades.
In addition, unlike Bomford’s existing saw blade units, for instance the Blade Runner, which are suitable for use with larger arm mowers such as the Falcon or Buzzard, the low power requirement required by the Minilem means that it can be used on smaller machines, such as the Kestrel range of mowers.
The main body of the Minilem is manufactured using stainless anodized alloy, which whilst stronger than steel, is lighter, and carries a 10 year warranty. Built into the leading edge of the cutting head is a synthetic rubber strip which helps reduce shock loading and helps clear cut material for a cleaner finish.
The modular design of the cutting unit and simple connection system means that it only takes about five minutes to fit additional cutting heads, so allowing the cutting width to be quickly and easily altered over a range from 1.25m up to 2.45m.
A particular feature of the Minilem is the ability to quickly and easily change the cutting units. For lighter work, the Minilem can be fitted with 40cm or 45cm diameter discs, fitted with a pair of swinging polychromed blades. However, for thicker branches, these can be quickly removed and replaced with 45cm diameter saw blades.
