New Pottinger Novacat mower gets automated curve control
![© Pottinger](https://stmaaprodfwsite.blob.core.windows.net/assets/sites/1/2024/06/Novacat-F-3100-and-Novacat-H-11200-2_C_Pottinger-1024x577.jpg)
Pottinger has unveiled new 2.62m and 3.04m Novacat F front mowers, the larger of which is available with a novel “curve control” feature.
Dubbed Opticurve, this simultaneously side-shifts and turns the implement as the tractor sweeps around a bend to maintain an overlap with the rear beds and save leaving any uncut strips. It then centralises on straight runs to exploit the full width of the cutterbar.
See also: Driver’s view: Andrew Lawman’s Pottinger Novacat A10 mowers
According to Pottinger, this avoids the tractor’s back wheel straying onto uncut grass when cornering or working across steep ground.
Opting for isobus controls allows operators to set this side-shift function to work automatically, with the position of the mower altered according to the tractor’s steering angle or slope inclination.
Non-conditioning butterflies
The Austrian firm has also launched a pair of non-conditioning Novacat H butterfly mowers – the 9.46m-wide H 9500 and 11.14m H 11200.
Unlike other models in the range, these swing back horizontally to their folded position, making for a transport length akin to that of a five-furrow plough and a width of just 2.2m.
The beds are unchanged, with their central mounting pivots providing a swing of +/- 22.5deg to follow ground contours and a hydraulic pressure control system to maintain a uniform cutting height.
They can be lifted together or independently – the latter via a single spool when specced with the Basic Control terminal.
Power requirements are roughly 130hp for the smaller model and 160hp for the bigger version.
![Eurocat F 3100 mower](https://stmaaprodfwsite.blob.core.windows.net/assets/sites/1/2024/06/Eurocat-F-3100_C_Pottinger-1024x577.jpg)
© Pottinger
Revamped drum mowers
Buyers in the market for something simpler and cheaper have the option of two new Eurocat F front drum mowers, offering working widths of 2.7m and 3.05m.
Highlights include a compact three-point headstock that keeps the weight nearer the tractor, and gimbals in the mower guide arms that allow it to float over undulating ground.
Cutting height of the four drums can be adjusted from 40mm to 65mm, there’s easy access to the quick-change blades and there are folding side guards for road transport.