Ransomes Jacobsen a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, has introduced a new out-front rotary mower, the Iseki SFH240, which comes with a choice of
1.22 metre (48") or 1.37 metre (54") rear discharge cutting decks.
The new machine is powered by a 16.1 kW (24hp), three-cylinder, liquid cooled diesel engine operating at 2600rpm resulting in reduced noise levels. The collecting system features a high dump hopper with a clearance height of 
1900mm and an offset of 750mm, which provides easy access when depositing the cut grass into waste skips and bins.
The cutting deck is a derivative of the successful mowing unit from the Iseki SXG range providing a superb finish, even in heavy or wet conditions. Two shaft-driven blades, powered from a pto operating at a speed of 2000 rpm, ensure that the cut grass is collected from the centre of the deck and blown directly into the 550 litre hydraulically-operated high-lift hopper. Two large castor wheels help the deck cope with undulating terrain and two rear rollers help prevent scalping.
The step-through operator platform is wide and flat with a rubber mat insert to dampen noise. The narrow steering column allows good visibility to front-mounted implements. The design of the internal collection system makes for a neat exterior and all controls and levers are readily at hand on either side of the fully adjustable suspension seat. Operator comfort includes cruise control, power steering and automatic four-wheel drive.
The 30 litre fuel tank, with electric fuel indicator as standard, provides plenty of operational capacity at speeds of up to 15 km/h (9.3 mph). Costing £14,400 with the 1.22 metre cutting deck, the SFH240 is competitively priced and is sure to appeal to landscape and professional grounds care contractors.
www.ransomesjacobsen.com
