Back in the summer, LandPower TV held a field test where James Rickard and freelance journalist Simon Henley got to grips with the latest Kubota DMC7032N and DMC6332T front-rear mower-conditioners. This is what they found
These two 3.2m mowers are part of Kubota’s comprehensive DMC (Disc Mower Conditioner) portfolio, which includes no less than 32 different models, with front and rear mounted, singles, doubles, triples and trailed options.
“This front mower is a new Kubota N-model,” explains James Rickard, pictured, of LandPower TV. “This means it features the optional nylon conditioner tines. The rear unit was a T-model, which features steel conditioner tines. Both the front and rear mowers tested here, are also available in 3.5m widths.”
The front mower utilises a mechanical suspension system, which allows 24-degrees of modulation across its working width. The ground following ability extends to 250mm, while ground clearance, when lifted, is a generous 420mm. Other features include adjustable swath plates and an adjustable conditioner plate.
“Stubble height adjustment is integrated into the suspension linkage,” he adds. “This eliminates the need to adjust the linkage A-frame on the tractor. You also get a one-touch parking handle, which locks the machine in position for dismounting. Our test mower featured the standard manual-lift FlexProtect mower guards, but hydraulic guards are optional.”
The linkage-mounted rear mower integrates many of the same features found on the front, however one significant difference is the suspension system.
“The Kubota DMC6332T mower, is part of what Kubota describes as its racing mower line-up. Equipped with Kubota’s QuattroLink, it features a four-arm floating hydraulic suspension system fitted onto a fixed carrying arm,” explains James.
“It’s a clever set-up that provides impressive tracking and contour following ability, with the kind of responsiveness generally associated with a trailed machine. It’s been designed to provide extreme flexibility, so it offers a 700mm working travel range and a transverse operating range of 30-degrees.”
The uniformity of cut and the neatness of sward left by the Kubota mowers could only be commended according to Simon Henley.
“We were mowing a first-cut crop, which was both wet and very heavy. Such was the density of the grass, our forward speed varied from 9.5kph to a maximum of 11.5kph with the M7-173 KVT Premium,” explains Simon.
“Some of the fields we were cutting were particularly rough in places, with dips and troughs which pushed the mowers’ suspension systems to their absolute limit. In these conditions, the ground-following ability of the rear mower’s Kubota QuattroLink suspension is arguably unrivalled.”
“The swath formation from the Kubota DMC mowers is also worthy of praise,” he says. “Both machines produced neatly formed and well-shaped swaths, with an even density throughout and a consistency which mimicked a perfectly executed arc-weld.”
“In heavy crop conditions, when we compared the steel conditioner tines with the nylon tines, there was no discernible difference in either the swath formation or crop quality. There’s plenty to like and nothing to dislike about either of these Kubota DMC machines,” adds Simon.
To watch the video of the mowers being tested, go to www.landpowertv.com
