Based just outside Kilmallock in Co Limerick, Keltec Engineering is best known for its bale slices and bale chasers.
The firm first entered the mower market in 2014 with a three-point linkage mounted version. With more than 30 years of experience manufacturing machinery, it has just introduced a front mower which can be steered from the cab.
The hydraulic ram is operated from a double acting spool valve in the cab.
As many mower operators will appreciate, the concept of steering the mower from the cab is an attempt to avoid leaving any unwanted, uncut strips of grass behind, most notably when turning or running alongside bends in the headland.
Keltec believes this is the first time such a feature has been available on a standard mower rather than as a third-party conversion. In spring of this year, we saw Claas and front linkage manufacturer Sauter launch a steerable front linkage. Keltec says the concept was designed in response to customer feedback.
A hydraulic ram moves the entire front unit through an arc of approximately 16 degrees.
How does it work?
A hydraulic ram moves the entire front unit through an arc of approximately 16°. This ram is operated from a double-acting spool valve in the cab, meaning the operator has full control.
Keltec noted that the key to the ability of the mower to swing in either direction is a redesign of the mounting linkage to allow lateral movement between the tractor and mower.
Keltec believes this is the first time that such a feature has been available on a standard mower rather than as a third-party conversion.
The hydraulically cushioned flotation is not affected by the mechanism.
Running gear
The cutting width of all the company’s mowers is 3m (10ft) and this unit is no exception. The cutting bar and gearbox is sourced from Comer.
Some other components are sourced from another reputable Italian manufacturer, Bondioli & Pavesi.
The cutting bar has are seven discs, each equipped with two blades.
The cutting bar has seven discs, each equipped with two blades. At present, the mowers only come with bolt-on blades, However, Keltec Engineering has confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that quick-fit blades are on the way.
The Limerick firm uses semi-swing forked steel tine conditioners. Although the conditioner speed cannot be altered, Keltec notes the degree of processing can be controlled by an adjustable steel hood. Keltec balances the conditioners in-house. As an optional extra, the outer skirts can be folded hydraulically.
Keltec claims to use heavy gauge steel throughout, with generously sized bearings specified for the moving parts.
The firm said the new steerable front mower will be offered alongside its fixed front mower. Keltec also offers a 3m mounted unit and a butterfly unit (9.5m).
A 3m mounted mower on the assembly line.
Keltec is one of the few manufacturers to offer auger groupers rather than belts, which it claims can save up to a tonne in weight on the tractor’s rear linkage. The steerable front mower will be available for the 2021 silage season.
A 3m mounted mower on the assembly line.
Cutting width: 3mTransport width: 3mLength: 1.8mHeight: 1.05mWeight: 1,440kgPTO speed: 1,000 RPMHydraulic services required: one single-acting and one double-acting spool valve.Price: €21,000/
£19,000 plus VAT
Based just outside Kilmallock in Co Limerick, Keltec Engineering is best known for its bale slices and bale chasers.
The firm first entered the mower market in 2014 with a three-point linkage mounted version. With more than 30 years of experience manufacturing machinery, it has just introduced a front mower which can be steered from the cab.
The hydraulic ram is operated from a double acting spool valve in the cab.
As many mower operators will appreciate, the concept of steering the mower from the cab is an attempt to avoid leaving any unwanted, uncut strips of grass behind, most notably when turning or running alongside bends in the headland.
Keltec believes this is the first time such a feature has been available on a standard mower rather than as a third-party conversion. In spring of this year, we saw Claas and front linkage manufacturer Sauter launch a steerable front linkage. Keltec says the concept was designed in response to customer feedback.
A hydraulic ram moves the entire front unit through an arc of approximately 16 degrees.
How does it work?
A hydraulic ram moves the entire front unit through an arc of approximately 16°. This ram is operated from a double-acting spool valve in the cab, meaning the operator has full control.
Keltec noted that the key to the ability of the mower to swing in either direction is a redesign of the mounting linkage to allow lateral movement between the tractor and mower.
Keltec believes this is the first time that such a feature has been available on a standard mower rather than as a third-party conversion.
The hydraulically cushioned flotation is not affected by the mechanism.
Running gear
The cutting width of all the company’s mowers is 3m (10ft) and this unit is no exception. The cutting bar and gearbox is sourced from Comer.
Some other components are sourced from another reputable Italian manufacturer, Bondioli & Pavesi.
The cutting bar has are seven discs, each equipped with two blades.
The cutting bar has seven discs, each equipped with two blades. At present, the mowers only come with bolt-on blades, However, Keltec Engineering has confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that quick-fit blades are on the way.
The Limerick firm uses semi-swing forked steel tine conditioners. Although the conditioner speed cannot be altered, Keltec notes the degree of processing can be controlled by an adjustable steel hood. Keltec balances the conditioners in-house. As an optional extra, the outer skirts can be folded hydraulically.
Keltec claims to use heavy gauge steel throughout, with generously sized bearings specified for the moving parts.
The firm said the new steerable front mower will be offered alongside its fixed front mower. Keltec also offers a 3m mounted unit and a butterfly unit (9.5m).
A 3m mounted mower on the assembly line.
Keltec is one of the few manufacturers to offer auger groupers rather than belts, which it claims can save up to a tonne in weight on the tractor’s rear linkage. The steerable front mower will be available for the 2021 silage season.
A 3m mounted mower on the assembly line.
Cutting width: 3mTransport width: 3mLength: 1.8mHeight: 1.05mWeight: 1,440kgPTO speed: 1,000 RPMHydraulic services required: one single-acting and one double-acting spool valve.Price: €21,000/
£19,000 plus VAT
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