McConnel launch new Robocut range

McConnel launch new Robocut range

McConnel has a firm reputation for blazing trails with quality, innovation and technology. Now the company is introducing the ultimate in remote controlled machinery with the next generation ROBOCUT range being launched at Saltex.

Designed for the most challenging conditions, the all-terrain capability of the all new ROBOCUT is superior on every level. The range comprises two new models, ROBOCUT RC56 and RC75 which surpass all expectations with an exciting new ground up design which incorporates the very latest advancements in technology. The new models boast more power, an advanced feature set and a revolutionary control system for greater output, safety and control.

ROBOCUT power comes in the form of two new engine choices, 56hp and 75hp, which have been developed in a partnership with Hatz GmbH specifically for working on steep gradients of 55 degrees. New engines provide up to 75% increase in power resulting in market leading power-to-weight ratio. Fuel efficiency has also increased by 20%, coupled with 100% increase in fuel capacity enabling up to eight hours of operation between refills.

A new common chassis design provides a lower centre of gravity and perfect 50/50 weight distribution for maximum stability and control in challenging terrain. Fully integrated, dual roll-over protection bars, quick access lifting points and dedicated accessory mounting points also come as standard.

The new feature set includes, a programmable attachment floatation system, StaySafe flailhead hood control for highway mowing, On-machine Activation digital display for customisation of machine settings, Keyless start technology for improved safety, Daytime running lighting to aid visual orientation at distance, high intensity LED work lights and four integrated LED strobe lights with pre-set ECE compliant sequences.

The new remote control unit features informative, high visibility digital display providing valuable feedback to the operator including machine engine RPM, engine temperature and signal strength. ROBOCUT’s new ROBO-READY battery dock simultaneously stores and charges one of the two remote control battery packs for quick and convenient change over in field for reduced downtime.

The introduction of fully enclosed body panels protect the power unit from damage when working in harsh environments whilst also keeping out grass and debris. The stylised design also incorporates gull-wing style side panels that provided quick and easy access to engine bay.

For the first time GPS Autosteer will be available, developed in conjunction with Trimble, a world leader in a wide range of positioning technologies. GPS Autosteer enables operators to control precise cutting to an accuracy of 25mm from up to 150 metres away, eliminating wasteful overlap with each pass, dramatically increasing productivity.

The new power plants enable wider 1.6m and 1.9m flailheads to be fitted to ROBOCUT for greater output. The popular 1.3m Grass, Forestry and Mulcher flailheads remain available within the extensive attachment line-up.

Retail Price: ROBOCUT RC56 power unit from £46,000

Retail Price: ROBOCUT RC75 power unit from £54,000

HONDA’S MEAN MOWER V2 SETS ACCELERATION RECORD

Officially recognised by Guiness World Records

HONDA'S MEAN MOWER V2 SETS ACCELERATION RECORD

Honda’s Mean Mower has re-entered the record books after setting a brand new Guiness World Records title for the ‘Fastest Acceleration 0-100 mph for a Lawnmower’.

The new record was set at the Dekra Lausitzring, near Dresden, Germany, on May 6th 2019. Under the watchful eye of a Guiness World Records adjudicator Honda’s all new Mean Mower V2 averaged 0-100 mph in just 6.29 seconds; driven by Jess Hawkins experienced stunt driver, kart and car racer – who appeared with the record-breaking machine at last November’s Service Dealer Conference & Awards.

Check out the action in the video below:

s well as hitting the straight-line speed to set the new record, Mean Mower V2 also had to demonstrate that it could still do what it is actually designed for – to cut grass – which it does. The ability to still cut grass is thanks to slight revisions to the cutter deck to house the chain driving the rear tyres and the two batteries required to power electric motors which spin carbon fibre blades to mow. Under the regulations of Guinness World Records, the mower must also ‘intrinsically look like a lawnmower’ – in this case the Honda HF 2622 lawn tractor– which it does by carrying over its front cowl, grass box and body panels.

Unveiled in summer 2018, Mean Mower V2 set out to build on the success of the original Mean Mower, which became the world’s fastest lawnmower on 8th March 2014 when it hit 116.87mph. But this time Honda say themselves and their British Touring Car Championship partner, Team Dynamics, took the development to a new level, using computer aided design, bespoke parts, advanced materials and even 3D printing.

At the heart of Mean Mower V2 lies its engine. This time a 999cc four-cylinder unit taken from the company’s CBR1000RR Fireblade SP motorcycle – producing 200bhp at 13,000rpm. It packs almost double the power of the original Mean Mower, with a super-light frame and engine dry weight of just 69.1kg, which overall results in a power-to-weight ratio in excess of that of a Bugatti Chiron.

The official acceleration figure was measured using a VBOX on-board recording device, which was fitted, set-up and verified by independent and accredited timers, Timing Solutions Limited. To meet the requirements of Guinness World Records, the mower had to record the same run, in both directions, within an hour – with the average acceleration of these two runs taken as the official time. With an average of 6.29 seconds, Honda set the new Guiness World Records title for ‘The fastest acceleration 0-100 mph for a lawnmower (prototype)’.

The team also took the opportunity while at the Lausiztring to put Mean Mower V2 through its paces on a longer run to see what it is really capable of, recording an incredible top speed of 150.99mph. The time was once again independently recorded by Timing Solutions Limited using the VBOX data.

Dave Hodgetts, managing director of Honda (UK) said, “The original Mean Mower was an incredible machine; but this time we’ve taken it to a whole new level with version two. After taking the top speed record in 2014, we wanted to do something a little different by setting an all-new record for acceleration, and the result is fantastic.

“Team Dynamics have gone above and beyond in developing and building this real feat of engineering, and hats off to Jess for being brave enough to get behind the wheel!”