Wiedenmann has taken a major step forward in heather care for golf courses, estates and heritage sites with its new heather management system, believed to be the first in the UK. It enables cutting that is much kinder to the heather as well as making it much easier, cheaper and cleaner to harvest heather seed than before. Devised in consultation with greenkeepers the first fully developed system is already operational at several sites.
Instead of a flail mower which rips out heather plants, Wiedenmann’s system uses the Super Pro TXL™ rotary mower specifically adapted to cut long grass growing above the heather. Debris is sucked away through a hose connected to a Wiedenmann MCS collector. Once the seeds are ripe, the mower cuts off the heads and the seeds go into the collector. It takes about 15 minutes to return the mower to normal cutting duties.
Importantly, all aspects of the Wiedenmann system have been developed in line with current health and safety legislation. Previously, lack of specialist machinery in the market place forced those managing heather and cutting especially tall rough grass at on estates, golf courses and other sites to use unsuitable equipment, exposing operators to untold risk.
Now, working closely with health and safety experts, a unique “skirt” attachment has been devised by Wiedenmann providing additional guards when the rotary mower is raised specifically to deal with heather and long grass.
Depending on the tractor Wiedenmann offer no fewer than eight options in a range of widths (1.3m, 1.5m and 1.8m) and capacities (600-1500 litre) and high or low tilt options. Fitted system prices begin at £9,335.
Wiedenmann www.wiedenmann.co.uk