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By Lance Bassett in Industry on 31st Jan 2006 9:30
Fencing with the GAT Excalibur.
By Lance Bassett
The first Autoguide GAT Excalibur mower to be sold has found a home in the depths of Devon and working happily on the lush rolling hills of the Southwest.
Malcolm Lawrence operates with his wife Jenny as small beef farmers on 210 acres of farm and found mowing around the numerous fences and his large orchard a real problem.
Dealing with the long grass under his apple trees was also on his mind and especially as he wants to encourage wildlife in the orchard. Malcolm searched high and low for a suitable machine to cope with the conditions and mow under electric fences and general mowing maintenance around farm buildings and the garden.
Last October he visited the MST Westpoint Machinery Exhibition in Exeter and the rest as they say is history. He came, he saw and the machine conquered his long grass and orchard maintenance with immediate effect. Malcolm said, "On visiting the MST show I watched the DVD explaining the machine was self-propelled and can be controlled both forward and backward, it was a real selling point."
Malcolm had used a similar machine before but it wasn't really man enough, plus the cutting height couldn't be controlled and it wasn't self-propelled. Also the GAT has both nylon line for tree protection and blade cutting actions for the really tough growth.
"I've also tried hand held brushcutters but they are hard work over so many acres," he continued, "and the less said about using a hand scythe the better!" He will also use his GAT Excalibur to clear the verges outside his farm which will help promote the growth of wild flowers as well as improving visibility.
The GAT Excalibur is a sturdy, two-wheel grass cutter powered by a low revving 6hp 4-stroke Robin engine. Matted and dense growth is cleared by an 18" (46cm) cutting head consisting of three swinging nylon blades containing metal inserts for performance and long life, PLUS three lines of nylon cords for 'contact' trimming against walls, fences, gravestones, trees etc.
The cutting heads are protected by a metal hoop, which can be raised where there are no hazards. Designed and built by Autoguide Equipment the unit features large wheels with traction tyres that cope easily with wet ground and banks. Hydrostatic transmission means maximum manoeuvrability and fine balance with fingertip control makes the GAT Excalibur a must in a variety of maintenance situations. The mower can be folded for transport and storage.
The GAT Excalibur is supplied complete with tools, spare blades and cutting line in a sturdy toolbox and is priced at £1500 plus Vat and carriage.
Further enquiries from Autoguide Equipment Ltd on 01380 850885.
Picture: Devon Farmer Malcolm Lawrence with his Autoguide GAT Excalibur Mower
Read more articles in Industry, by Lance Bassett or from January 2006.
