Robocut demo on the Reeks
Farmers in Co Kerry recently attended a demonstration high in the MacGillycuddy Reeks mountains to see a machine called the Robocut at work.
It can be used to manage vegetation like bracken, or dense, encroaching gorse, or to cut mature heather that is coming to the end of its life cycle.
It is probably most helpful in conjunction with good upland grazing practices, according to staff at the MacGillycuddy Reeks European Innovation Partnership project for conservation and restoration of upland habitat in the famous Co Kerry mountains, which include Ireland’s highest peaks.
Farmers at the demonstration were able to see how the remote-controlled and self-propelled machine was able to reach areas otherwise inaccessible for machinery, and how it could be used to help protect and improve the ecological condition of the uplands.
Made by the McConnel company, the all-terrain Robocut work platform is designed for safety, using remote control to remove operators from steep-sided, dangerous and restricted- access zones.
Capable of tackling slopes of 55 degrees, it is up to 25 times more productive than manual cutting.
The Robocut work platform can be fitted with a comprehensive range of attachments, from a stump grinder to a snow blower.
Powered by a 40 horse power Isuzu diesel engine, the machine can work for hours on a single tank of fuel.
Light enough to fit on a trailer, it has a low centre-of-gravity design, and runs on high-grip tracks and spikes. Advantages for upland areas include not tearing up the ground, suitability for preparing fire breaks.
The demonstration on the MacGillycuddy Reeks was supported by Kverneland Ireland Limited, Kilkenny; McConnel; and farmers on the Ballyledder commonage, including Michael Kissane.
