For the smaller vineyard, a trimmer can be seen as something of a luxury – a job to be done only once or twice a year, this combined with a usually premium price tag results in trimmers being hired from your friendly local hire company, or loaned between neighbours. This works to an extent, but will always mean you are trimming when the machine is available, rather than when you want or need to be.
Clemens have gone some way to relieving this problem, with the Easycut Lite trimmer. This machine combines the premium build quality and components taken from the Atlas trimmer range, with a simple mounting frame and streamlined options list to reduce the overall cost.
Suited to vineyards without side slopes, the frame encompasses front three-point linkage posts as standard, but can also be fitted with one of a multitude of front consoles to fit the vast majority of tractors found in the UK. Hydraulic width adjustment from 1.3m-2.6m, and 700mm hydraulic height adjustment are standard, with the height adjustment ram being the only obstruction directly in front of the tractor – the frame uprights sit either side of the machine, meaning forward visibility is excellent.
The cutter bars themselves are taken directly from the premium range, where options range from single L to double U – the Easycut Lite is available in double L profile only, with options of three, four or five knives per vertical cutter bar. The top cutter bars feature mechanical angle adjustment and two knives each, and all cutter bars are fitted with sprung safety breakaway should the machine encounter an obstacle or wayward post.
Each three-bladed knife is driven by its own belt, with no timing required should a belt need replacing – the stainless steel belt cover is quick to remove after loosening its retaining bolts, and matches the stainless steel construction of the rest of the cutter bar, as well as the knife and knife drive hubs.
The Easycut Lite can be fitted either with hoses to match front or rear remotes, with two double acting and one single acting spool required, or can be fitted with electronic control for users lacking in spools, or wanting the extra comfort of using a single joystick to make easy on-the-move adjustments.
This machine is in stock and available in time for the season, from Haynes Agricultural across the South.

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