The hedge cutting season is fast approaching but not fast enough for many road users out there at the moment. The noise of briars scratching against the panel of the new car can be a tormenting sound. Worse still is the plight of the cyclist who has to dig out thorns.

The legislation governing the cutting of verges and hedges dictates that this can only be carried before 1 March or after 31 August to protect the birds nesting in the ditches during that period.

Many will argue that the birds’ nesting season is earlier and therefore cutting hedges after 31 July could provide a workable solution for everybody.

August is a busy month for harvesting and farm work, especially on tillage farms. Farmers planting oilseed rape will often not get a chance to maintain hedgerows before planting the crop.

A commonsense approach is needed to protect all interests.

Also there seems to be a lot of confusion regarding what can be cut during the closed season. The official line is absolutely nothing, but in the interest of road safety, local authorities have made the decision to trim verges at intersections and areas where there is a potential concern for road users.

This Focus section will look at a contractor’s experience in Cork and the operation of the variable-reach forward arm machine from McConnel, some news from the industry at the moment, and Bruce Lett goes through the maintenance of the hedge cutter for safe and efficient use of the machine.

Changes at Farmhand

Farmhand has decided to relinquish the Spearhead brand. They have been the main importer of Spearhead machines since the Sugar Company ceased trading in 2006.

Farmhand will continue to look after Spearhead customers to provide parts and service until a new importer has been sourced for the brand.

Howard Fulton in Northern Ireland is reportedly carrying a large stock of Spearhead machines at the moment. This might be an option for the brand in the medium term.

Existing dealers that have stocked the Spearhead range will no longer be dealing with Farmhand for new machines, only parts.

Commenting on the decision to discontinue the Spearhead brand, Paul Scriviner said that the company needed to look at the investment in time and resources available. Farmhand believe that their time will be better spent promoting their other machinery ranges, especially Amazone at that time of year.

New McConnel T14 flails

McConnel has launched a range of hedgecutter flails. These new flails are heavier and larger than the previous versions.

According to McConnel, these new flails perform better in grass due to the rounded shank design on the T flail that prevents grass wrapping around the flail. The new flails offer 50% greater overlap, and are 38% heavier for greater momentum in cutting.

The design of the new flail is unique, according to McConnel, as it is larger and stronger than before, while keeping the weight down by creating a hollow cavity in the centre of the flail.

The new flail has a retail price of €15.70 plus VAT.

Hedge cutting grant in Clare

The Community Hedge Cutting scheme in Clare encourages a joint approach with communities and groups of local residents and landowners for the cutting of hedges or trees which need attention. The grant scheme will provide €50 per kilometre of roadside hedge or overhanging trees to be attended to. The minimum length of road network per application is 5km.

Application forms and further details are available by contacting your local Area Office or Transportation Department, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare, or can be

The Bomford Hawk 6.0 VFA is now available with a variable forward arm, allowing the operator the choice of where they want the cutting head or any arm attachment working in relation to the driver’s viewpoint.

For hedging and verge mowing, the head can be set in its forward position for optimum visibility through the side door, according to Bomford. The Hawk range also allows the operator to choose between three-point linkage or axle-mounting for convenience in switching implements quickly.

Read more from our focus on hedge cutting

A cleanup for the old hedgecutter

Cork contractor takes to the fields with the McConnel PA7285T-VFR