Hedgecutter recommendations for a farmer

sideways83

Looking to buy a second hand hedgecutter for our own use.
What make would people recommend?
McConnell seem to be popular but would anyone advise any of the other brands.
Will only be for farm use so it doesn’t have to be a McConnell.
Also cable or joystick.?
Are cable machine better for a farmer as it will be idle 95% of the year.
Anyone use both cable and joystick and what are your opinions.
Thanks for any help.

Thepillowman

Good few years since I was at it used a McConnell pa 93 and 94 one cable one electric. Cable one was better in my opinoon for saw work as electric movements were more sudden cable was smoother. Electric is fine for flail work.Quick to hook on as well once its on level concrete.

davidk1394

Had a McConnel Pa93 here for years. Great machine. If its only your own work and it's only working for 1 week in the year, buy a cable control, at least it's easy fix with no electrics. Try buy a fully independent machine, it has it's own oil supply for everything, their quicker than semi independent machines. Try pick up one with the heavy duty head if you can, see if the machine can be worked in front of you to make sure its balanced, bring a set of size 24 spanners and open one of the bolts that holds on the flails to make sure the brackets holding on the flails aren't worn. Make sure the A frame comes with it and it's not strained. Check to see if it has a flap on the front of it.

sideways83

Thanks lads. Does it make a difference what type flaids.

Grueller

sideways83 wrote: »

Thanks lads. Does it make a difference what type flaids.

T leave a better finish than boots imo

davidk1394

sideways83 wrote: »

Thanks lads. Does it make a difference what type flaids.

T flails are a better job and stronger. Just make sure you buy them off the one place so the flails are all the same weight

sideways83

Is power slew the way to go. Have 130hp tractor so size shouldn’t be a problem?

ruwithme

sideways83 wrote: »

Thanks lads. Does it make a difference what type flaids.

Plus 1 on much of what david said.flails as long as there not worn out won't matter abig pile of which type as they all do the same job, some might be better in grass than others,all will cut hedge on the right machine.

what ever you buy grease your rotor bearings well.as in a number of times during a working day.not just once a day. your rotor will run freer with a generous greasing.

also try and allow no more than two seasons growth if topping a hedge as any more is something of a battering match.