McConnel’s impressive PA8000M will bolster the Queensland authority’s existing fleet of power arms which already comprises two PA5000Ts; a PA6000M, a PA7000T and a PA52 reverse-drive mounted machine. The power arm fleet undertakes verge and hedge cutting duties throughout the cities of Caloundra, Maroochdore and Noosa all situated on the coast north of Brisbane, the state capital.

The mid-mounted PA8000M with its 8.0m reach provides exceptional cutting visibility with the capacity to cut in front of the tractor. According to Kevin Jones, Fleet Manager for Sunshine Regional Council, the operators Down Under are particularly keen on the ease of operation of such a large machine.

“I liked the idea of a mid mounted-machine from an operator point of view and the tractor balance. It’s already performed above expectations providing us with that extra bit of reach and tremendous cutting power from the hydraulics. Our operators also like the ease of operation with the proportional arm rest mounted joystick,” he says.

The PA8000M, which requires minimum tractor requirements of 5,500kg and 130hp, also features exceptional parallel arm geometry with telescopic dipper arm and an 85hp piston hydraulic system.

Supplied to the Queeensland regional authority by McConnel’s Australian importer and distributor International Mowers, the intention is to extend the British company’s reach Down Under.

“The innovation that McConnel has built its reputation on as the manufacturer of the world’s first tractor-mounted hedge trimmer has been developed in the UK for more than three generations,” explains McConnel Marketing Manager Wayne Brown.

“While this for the most part has been for large scale hedge and verge mowing machinery within the agricultural, highways and estate markets which has got bigger, more powerful and more sophisticated over the years, there has also been an increasing demand for the smaller scale power arms.

“The largest machines extend up to eight metres in reach, but the same degree of technical expertise has gone into producing an extensive range of compact and micro power arms for confined working applications and minimal power requirements.”

McConnel’s versatile Swingtrim is an ideal example designed for parks and gardens in urban settings and requiring a tractor weight of just 550kg and a minimal 15hp requirement. With the ability to cut on both sides of the tractor in restricted channels, a reach of up to 3.5m also makes it extremely versatile.

As with McConnel’s larger format machines, the same principles of choice are applied at the compact end of the product range and multiple control, mounting and cutting attachment options are available.

Ease of operation has also been a key factor in their emergence within the local authority and amenity sectors particularly with regard to Health & Safety. Among the immediate benefits of compact power arm technology for local authorities, businesses and operators out in the field is the elimination of ‘white finger’ caused through extended periods of use of some hand-held cutting products.

Horticultural, grounds-care, local authority and contractors also have the option of McConnel’s PA32, a 3.4m reach power arm, another three-point linkage-mounted system designed for the small tractor market.

The technology offers a scaled down version of McConnel’s award-winning design and engineering capability for more confined environments ensuring that needs of the compact hedge and verge cutting market are equally well catered for.

The local council required a durable, mid-range machine but specified a front-mount option for easier operation within tighter verge mowing environments along the winding roads around the town.

McConnel responded with an adaptation of the proven PA60 with impressive results and in doing so shipped the first power arm of its kind to the Norwegian municipality, north of Oslo, which is also noted for its forestry industry.

While the PA60’s duties will be limited by the obvious seasonal constraints imposed by the winter snow, in addition to the maintenance of 30km of verges serving the country’s largest alpine ski resort, the machine will be contracted out locally to other authorities and sector applications.

With a 6.0m reach and minimum tractor requirements of 3500kg and 65hp, the PA60 has a broad appeal and incorporating McConnel’s high performance hydraulic system is ideal for the Norwegian resort’s needs. The power arm with power slew also comes with McConnel’s hy-reach and parallel arm geometry as standard.

“The ability to adapt our established hedge and verge cutting technology in this way with the front-mounted power arm demonstrates just how flexible we can be in providing exacting solutions for our customers,” explains McConnel Marketing Manager Wayne Brown

Seasonal hedge and verge maintenance duties are now in full flow throughout the two Medway Internal Drainage Boards which work alongside the Environment Agency and local authorities to maintain rivers and watercourses throughout Kent and parts of Sussex and Surrey.

After a long association with a previous supplier, issues over machines and spare parts prompted the switch to McConnel. Technical Assistant for the two drainage boards, Jeff Read, explains that it was time to look at other options.

“We were always aware of McConnel and were very impressed with the demonstration so we purchased two power arms. This was followed by a full season without a single major breakdown which was enough to convince us we’d made a good decision,” he says.

“The applications are diverse and on the Upper Medway involve maintenance of fast-flowing and tree-lined stretches of hedge and scrubland and on the Lower Medway largely marshland areas, so the machines are certainly put to the test.

“The terrains are obviously totally different and can also include roads and residential areas, but the reach and flexibility of the PA7700Ts has been ideal for all of them and as far as the drivers are concerned they’re the best machines they’ve worked with which is a major plus point.” 

Jeff Read also praised McConnel dealer Haynes Agricultural for their support and efficient service during the acquisition of the new machinery which will now be in operation extensively until the end of the year.

With an extensive 7.7m reach and left or right-hand build options with five-point axle-mounting and McConnel’s hy-reach arm geometry, little escapes the scope of the PA7700T which establishes it as a favourite among contractors, water authorities and for the utility sectors.

McConnel Marketing Manager Wayne Brown commented that such positive feedback from a market for which the PA7700T was designed is always particularly pleasing.

“McConnel has obviously been serving these markets for more than 75 years, so we like to think we’ve responded with the best machines for the tasks involved and I’m delighted that this appears to be the case for Medway Drainage Boards.”

Billed as the ultimate contractors’ hedge and verge cutting machine, the six-metre reach model incorporates ultra strength Domex steel while exceptional handling is delivered with McConnel’s latest V4 control technology as standard.

According to the manufacturer, it’s the most durable and capable contracting machine of its kind on the market. Targeting the four-tonne (100 HP) tractor class, the PA600 is expected to generate significant interest on this year’s show scene.

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.

The PA600 also boasts parallel arm and high-reach arm geometry as standard along with an integrated debris blower. Other standard features include tapered, seam-welded arms; a road lighting kit; and high capacity oil cooler.

Controls for the new machine come in the form of McConnel’s new V4 Pro controls and award-winning EDS (Easy Drive System) is available along with an extensive series of cutting attachments. 2/2 The PA600 is available for the 2008 season from authorised McConnel dealers and costs £32,850 RRP plus VAT.

“Our international business is growing and this has been reflected in the highest proportion of overseas customers and distributors that we’ve ever had. We also enjoyed record numbers from throughout the UK which is really pleasing,” he says.

“The format is simple, but effective. We throw open our doors and give customers a behind-the-scenes insight into our entire manufacturing operation here in Ludlow. They then put our latest machinery to the test on the demonstration site and it’s a great opportunity for us to gauge precisely what’s going on in the industry and it drives our innovation in the future.”

McConnel launched its PA600 power arm along with its new flail technology and V4 PRO control system on a demonstration site that boasted the industry’s latest hedge and verge mowing technology with a total machinery value estimated at £2 million.

The company is now considering expanding the five-day annual event to cater for increasing numbers and introducing key trade affiliations.