McConnel's ultimate cutting technology‏

Award-winning agricultural machinery manufacturer McConnel cut the ribbon on its latest hedge and verge cutting technology in front of an international audience this week.

Throwing open its doors for the Shropshire company's annual open week, McConnel took the opportunity to give the new PA600 its first public outing on the demonstration site in front of customers and dealers from all over the world.

Billed as the ultimate contractors' hedge and verge cutting machine, the PA600 (6.0 metre) incorporates the best technology available on the market, according to McConnel General Manager Christian Davies.

"There's no doubt, it's the highest specification mid-range machine to emerge from McConnel yet. It's a really tough, extremely high performance machine designed for the rigorous demands of the contract sector," he explains.

"It's the next generation in hedge and verge cutting technology. It's more powerful, more reliable, more robust and with our latest V4 control technology as option, is more responsive and easier to operate. We've taken the best of everything in terms of latest innovation and built it into the PA600 to create a new benchmark for the industry."

The arrival of the sleek and powerful PA600 is an exciting addition to the company's already impressive range offering operators increased capability with a longer working life.

Designed primarily to accommodate the four-tonne tractor class, one of the biggest breakthroughs has been a significant increase in strength, but in no way is the machine compromised by an increase in weight. McConnel's design engineers have opted for ultra strength Domex steel to create a stronger and more durable product.

In terms of power, nothing currently rivals the new 85 HP gear drive, totally independent, hydraulic system which is a standard feature and can be either three-point linkage, or five-point, axle-mounted, to the rear of the tractor. The unit has been designed for higher working pressures and maintains its efficiency over the entire pressure range of operation.

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A new metal rear cover which incorporates a high capacity oil cooler and debris blower is integrated in the rear bumper bar as another standard feature. The bumper bar not only provides excellent protection for the cooler and blower, but also enables easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

A full range of control systems including McConnel's new V4 Pro controls and award-winning EDS (Easy Drive System) is available along with an extensive series of cutting attachments.

McConnel's new PA600 at a glance:

• 6.0 metre (19'8") maximum cutting reach

• 85 HP Hydraulic system (65hp option)

• Choice of control options

• Choice of attachments

• Three-point linkage, or five-point axle mounting

• Integrated debris blower as standard

• Parallel arm geometry as standard

• Tapered, seam-welded arms as standard

• Hi-reach arm geometry as standard

• Road lighting kit as standard

• High capacity oil cooler as standard

The PA600 is available for the 2008 season from authorised McConnel dealers and costs £29,000 RRP plus VAT.