Based near Gowran, Co Kilkenny, Eugene Ryan runs an agricultural contracting business alongside a calf to beef enterprise.
Having originally started out on hire hedge cutting 18 years ago with a secondhand cable control Bomford Hawk, Eugene has since worked hard to build the business.
Now in a cycle of upgrading machines every four to five seasons, last year Eugene upgraded his 2020 Shelbourne Reynolds HD 865VFRT to the updated 8065T VFRT model.
Aside from clocking up between 1,500 and 1,600 hours annually hedge cutting, Eugene is kept busy year-round having expanded his services.
Eugene now offers a reseeding service with an Alpego Inversa stone burier, digger hire and pit silage.
“Two years ago, I bought a forage wagon to do a few silage jobs. Since then I have gathered up a few large jobs so for this year I upgraded to a new Pottinger Jumbo wagon which has gone well,” Eugene said.
Hedge cutter background
Eugene initially bought a second hand Bomford Hawk to cut the hedges on his own farm almost 18 years ago.
Before long he found himself cutting hedges for more and more neighbouring farms which led to the purchase of a fresh Bomford Hawk with Servo controls instead of the previous cable control setup. “Both Bomfords were good machines and gave little bother up through the years.
“However, I had happened to be at the Ploughing around the time I was thinking of upgrading my second Bomford. I took a good look around the Shelbourne Reynolds machines. Their build quality instantly struck me.”
The five-point linkage mounting system leaves the hedge cutter easily fitted and removed.
Being an owner operator, I also wanted a machine that provided more user comforts, the main one being a variable forward reach (VFR) arm purely to try and reduce neck strain. I liked how Shelbourne did their VFR arm and felt a heavily built machine like it suited the contractor user best.”
A short time later he bought a HD865VFRT model off Murphy Machinery. Breaking the model numbering down, this was a machine with a 6.5m reach and 85hp pump and fitted with the VFR arm.
After four trouble-free seasons, Eugene upgraded to the 8065VFRT model which is the current model generation. The machine was sold through Kellys who were newly appointed dealers at the time.
Ideally, he would have liked to have bought a 7.5m machine, he decided to stick with the 6.5m model purely for the fact that he could stick with the four-point linkage mounting system as opposed to axle brackets as standard on the 7.5m 8075VFRT model.
The debris blower is something Eugene believes should be standard on all hedge cutters.
“Axle brackets meant that the hedge cutter was realistically only going to be compatible with one tractor unless a second set of brackets were bought, which I didn’t want to do. I find the four-point linkage system perfectly solid and easily enough hooked on and off the tractor,” he said.
The main difference this time around is that Eugene opted for a higher spec machine, particularly with the new heavy-duty HC 1200 head.
Shelbourne Reynolds
Shelbourne Reynolds offers four hedge cutter ranges which include its 400 series, 6000 series, 7000 series and 8000 series. The latter series was designed and built with the contractor in mind. There are five models including a 6m,7m and 8m standard telescopic arms alongside a 6.5 and 7.5m VFR model.
The well-built machine features a built in tool box.
All models within the 8000 series are fitted with a 70hp hydraulic system, belt drive head, oil cooler with reverse fan, head float, 102-degree slew, auto-reset break back and twin accumulator arm float.
Aside from opting for the HC1200 head and debris blower, Eugene also opted for the larger capacity 85hp hydraulic system.
Variable forward reach
For Eugene, the two main factors behind investing in a VFR arm were operator comfort and safety.
Eugene went for the optional hydraulic hood and rear roller.
“Hedge cutting isn’t the most comfortable of jobs for an operator and if you’re going to be working a machine over long hours during the cutting season then comfort has to be a priority. The fact that the head is running alongside you and not fixed is a game changer. I couldn’t go back to a standard machine now that I’m used to it. Also, the VFR arm performs so much better on narrow lanes as the head can be easily work behind the tractor.”
Another benefit to the VFR arm is that debris comes nearer the tractor than it would with a standard reach arm. Its positioning sees any flying debris thrown in front of the tractor. Eugene noted how he hasn’t broken a single door glass since moving to a VFR arm.
The 8065VFRT has a retracted reach of 5.6m which extends to a maximum 6.5m. The VFR gives the machine forward reach of up to 2.0m and a rearward reach of 1.3m.
Gary Abbott spoke with Kilkenny contractor, Eugene Ryan to find out why Shelbourne Reynolds is his hedge-cutter of choice now on his second machine.
The 8000 series features 60mm diameter main pivot pins with each boss individually greased. With a considerable number of grease points, Eugene had enquired about the possibility of fitting an auto greaser which he was told wasn’t possible.
However, he purchased a battery powered grease gun which makes the job somewhat quicker.
Head options
Shelbourne Reynolds currently offer four different head types.
These options include the standard GP 1200 and 1500, 1.2m and 1.5m flail heads with optional hydraulic head roller, hydraulic nose, has an optional verge kit and narrow lane bracket.
Alternatively, Shelbourne Reynolds offers a heavy-duty HC version in 1.2m and 1.6m working widths.
The HC head is offered with a 30mm larger diameter rotor and a larger 10m larger rotor bearing measuring 60mm.
In addition, the HC 1200 is equipped with 30 flails where the GP 1200 has 24.
In its standard 1.2m configuration the HC head weighs 25kg more than the GP version which weighs 400kg. Eugene’s HC 1200 head is equipped with a hydraulic roller and hydraulic nose.
“My previous Shelbourne machine just had the standard GP 1200 head. To be fair, the HC 1200 is a far superior head.
“The larger rotor is fitted with more flails and has a higher running speed, both make a notable difference. The hydraulic hood and roller is designed very neatly and enclosed within the head which I like.”
Another major like of Eugene’s is the fact that the head’s drive motor is out of arms way thanks to the belt drive system.
Controls features
Eugene’s current machine is kitted out with the optional S-Touch Max controls in comparison to his older machine which had the standard S-Touch Compact controls.
This control option comes with a multi-function joystick and 6in touch screen terminal which is used for adjusting parameters and other functions not controlled by the joystick.
Eugene pointed out that there are certain switches on the joystick that can be configured to control operator specific functions.
Eugene found the S-Touch Max controls a little harder to become accustomed to compared with the S-Touch Compact but now wouldn’t switch back.
Eugene’s machine is also equipped with the optional debris blower which is a feature he strongly believes should be fitted as standard on all hedge cutters. The blower is powered directly off the tractor’s spool valves.
This control option comes with a multi-function joystick and 6in touch screen terminal which is used for adjusting parameters and other functions not controlled by the joystick
The 8000 series is fitted with a 230-litre oil tank and a dedicated oil cooler with reversible fan which he said is well able to maintain optimum running temperatures.
Verdict
Now running Shelbourne Reynolds since 2020, and over 1,300 trouble free hours on his current machine, Eugene feels that he has the best machine possible for his work.
“Running one machine, I needed something heavy duty to stick the pace. Having looked at other competitor machines, I think Shelbourne Reynolds has the edge when it comes to strength. Fair enough, this comes with the downside of more weight, meaning a larger tractor is required.
“I’m lucky I have tractors in excess of 220hp which are more than capable of handling the 8065VFRT.
“It’s a super machine to operate with precise controls.
“I tend to run it on a reverse drive Valtra which allows me to operate it with the seat rotated a little more than a standard seat which together with the VFR means less neck strain and after a long day’s work. When running machines daily, I’d consider operator comfort equally as important as performance.”
“I’d have liked the 7.5m machine but felt the move to axle brackets was a bit too much of a compromise, especially when I know how solid the four-point linkage is.”
“The only thing I’d like to see Shelbourne add is a road sign kit as standard. Otherwise I don’t believe that there is another machine on the market to compete with them,” Eugene said confidently.
Spec
Model: 8065 VFRT. Head: HC 1200. Side reach: 5.6m to 6.5m telescopic.Forward reach: 2.0m (1.3m rearward).Hydraulics: 85hp. Weight: 2,200kg.Power requirement: 130hp.Likes
Build quality.Heavy duty head. Dislikes
Would like a road sign kit included.
Based near Gowran, Co Kilkenny, Eugene Ryan runs an agricultural contracting business alongside a calf to beef enterprise.
Having originally started out on hire hedge cutting 18 years ago with a secondhand cable control Bomford Hawk, Eugene has since worked hard to build the business.
Now in a cycle of upgrading machines every four to five seasons, last year Eugene upgraded his 2020 Shelbourne Reynolds HD 865VFRT to the updated 8065T VFRT model.
Aside from clocking up between 1,500 and 1,600 hours annually hedge cutting, Eugene is kept busy year-round having expanded his services.
Eugene now offers a reseeding service with an Alpego Inversa stone burier, digger hire and pit silage.
“Two years ago, I bought a forage wagon to do a few silage jobs. Since then I have gathered up a few large jobs so for this year I upgraded to a new Pottinger Jumbo wagon which has gone well,” Eugene said.
Hedge cutter background
Eugene initially bought a second hand Bomford Hawk to cut the hedges on his own farm almost 18 years ago.
Before long he found himself cutting hedges for more and more neighbouring farms which led to the purchase of a fresh Bomford Hawk with Servo controls instead of the previous cable control setup. “Both Bomfords were good machines and gave little bother up through the years.
“However, I had happened to be at the Ploughing around the time I was thinking of upgrading my second Bomford. I took a good look around the Shelbourne Reynolds machines. Their build quality instantly struck me.”
The five-point linkage mounting system leaves the hedge cutter easily fitted and removed.
Being an owner operator, I also wanted a machine that provided more user comforts, the main one being a variable forward reach (VFR) arm purely to try and reduce neck strain. I liked how Shelbourne did their VFR arm and felt a heavily built machine like it suited the contractor user best.”
A short time later he bought a HD865VFRT model off Murphy Machinery. Breaking the model numbering down, this was a machine with a 6.5m reach and 85hp pump and fitted with the VFR arm.
After four trouble-free seasons, Eugene upgraded to the 8065VFRT model which is the current model generation. The machine was sold through Kellys who were newly appointed dealers at the time.
Ideally, he would have liked to have bought a 7.5m machine, he decided to stick with the 6.5m model purely for the fact that he could stick with the four-point linkage mounting system as opposed to axle brackets as standard on the 7.5m 8075VFRT model.
The debris blower is something Eugene believes should be standard on all hedge cutters.
“Axle brackets meant that the hedge cutter was realistically only going to be compatible with one tractor unless a second set of brackets were bought, which I didn’t want to do. I find the four-point linkage system perfectly solid and easily enough hooked on and off the tractor,” he said.
The main difference this time around is that Eugene opted for a higher spec machine, particularly with the new heavy-duty HC 1200 head.
Shelbourne Reynolds
Shelbourne Reynolds offers four hedge cutter ranges which include its 400 series, 6000 series, 7000 series and 8000 series. The latter series was designed and built with the contractor in mind. There are five models including a 6m,7m and 8m standard telescopic arms alongside a 6.5 and 7.5m VFR model.
The well-built machine features a built in tool box.
All models within the 8000 series are fitted with a 70hp hydraulic system, belt drive head, oil cooler with reverse fan, head float, 102-degree slew, auto-reset break back and twin accumulator arm float.
Aside from opting for the HC1200 head and debris blower, Eugene also opted for the larger capacity 85hp hydraulic system.
Variable forward reach
For Eugene, the two main factors behind investing in a VFR arm were operator comfort and safety.
Eugene went for the optional hydraulic hood and rear roller.
“Hedge cutting isn’t the most comfortable of jobs for an operator and if you’re going to be working a machine over long hours during the cutting season then comfort has to be a priority. The fact that the head is running alongside you and not fixed is a game changer. I couldn’t go back to a standard machine now that I’m used to it. Also, the VFR arm performs so much better on narrow lanes as the head can be easily work behind the tractor.”
Another benefit to the VFR arm is that debris comes nearer the tractor than it would with a standard reach arm. Its positioning sees any flying debris thrown in front of the tractor. Eugene noted how he hasn’t broken a single door glass since moving to a VFR arm.
The 8065VFRT has a retracted reach of 5.6m which extends to a maximum 6.5m. The VFR gives the machine forward reach of up to 2.0m and a rearward reach of 1.3m.
Gary Abbott spoke with Kilkenny contractor, Eugene Ryan to find out why Shelbourne Reynolds is his hedge-cutter of choice now on his second machine.
The 8000 series features 60mm diameter main pivot pins with each boss individually greased. With a considerable number of grease points, Eugene had enquired about the possibility of fitting an auto greaser which he was told wasn’t possible.
However, he purchased a battery powered grease gun which makes the job somewhat quicker.
Head options
Shelbourne Reynolds currently offer four different head types.
These options include the standard GP 1200 and 1500, 1.2m and 1.5m flail heads with optional hydraulic head roller, hydraulic nose, has an optional verge kit and narrow lane bracket.
Alternatively, Shelbourne Reynolds offers a heavy-duty HC version in 1.2m and 1.6m working widths.
The HC head is offered with a 30mm larger diameter rotor and a larger 10m larger rotor bearing measuring 60mm.
In addition, the HC 1200 is equipped with 30 flails where the GP 1200 has 24.
In its standard 1.2m configuration the HC head weighs 25kg more than the GP version which weighs 400kg. Eugene’s HC 1200 head is equipped with a hydraulic roller and hydraulic nose.
“My previous Shelbourne machine just had the standard GP 1200 head. To be fair, the HC 1200 is a far superior head.
“The larger rotor is fitted with more flails and has a higher running speed, both make a notable difference. The hydraulic hood and roller is designed very neatly and enclosed within the head which I like.”
Another major like of Eugene’s is the fact that the head’s drive motor is out of arms way thanks to the belt drive system.
Controls features
Eugene’s current machine is kitted out with the optional S-Touch Max controls in comparison to his older machine which had the standard S-Touch Compact controls.
This control option comes with a multi-function joystick and 6in touch screen terminal which is used for adjusting parameters and other functions not controlled by the joystick.
Eugene pointed out that there are certain switches on the joystick that can be configured to control operator specific functions.
Eugene found the S-Touch Max controls a little harder to become accustomed to compared with the S-Touch Compact but now wouldn’t switch back.
Eugene’s machine is also equipped with the optional debris blower which is a feature he strongly believes should be fitted as standard on all hedge cutters. The blower is powered directly off the tractor’s spool valves.
This control option comes with a multi-function joystick and 6in touch screen terminal which is used for adjusting parameters and other functions not controlled by the joystick
The 8000 series is fitted with a 230-litre oil tank and a dedicated oil cooler with reversible fan which he said is well able to maintain optimum running temperatures.
Verdict
Now running Shelbourne Reynolds since 2020, and over 1,300 trouble free hours on his current machine, Eugene feels that he has the best machine possible for his work.
“Running one machine, I needed something heavy duty to stick the pace. Having looked at other competitor machines, I think Shelbourne Reynolds has the edge when it comes to strength. Fair enough, this comes with the downside of more weight, meaning a larger tractor is required.
“I’m lucky I have tractors in excess of 220hp which are more than capable of handling the 8065VFRT.
“It’s a super machine to operate with precise controls.
“I tend to run it on a reverse drive Valtra which allows me to operate it with the seat rotated a little more than a standard seat which together with the VFR means less neck strain and after a long day’s work. When running machines daily, I’d consider operator comfort equally as important as performance.”
“I’d have liked the 7.5m machine but felt the move to axle brackets was a bit too much of a compromise, especially when I know how solid the four-point linkage is.”
“The only thing I’d like to see Shelbourne add is a road sign kit as standard. Otherwise I don’t believe that there is another machine on the market to compete with them,” Eugene said confidently.
Spec
Model: 8065 VFRT. Head: HC 1200. Side reach: 5.6m to 6.5m telescopic.Forward reach: 2.0m (1.3m rearward).Hydraulics: 85hp. Weight: 2,200kg.Power requirement: 130hp.Likes
Build quality.Heavy duty head. Dislikes
Would like a road sign kit included. 
SHARING OPTIONS