The McConnel Robocut RC56
The McConnel Robocut RC56 is a remote-controlled power unit which is designed to take a series of different attachments. I believe that the Robocut’s prime purpose was to have a flail head attached to the front of the machine. However, there is a choice of attachments to make your McConnel Robocut into a truly universal machine. I really like the idea of having a range of attachments for one power unit. Especially as the machine is radio remotely operated.
Recently we looked at the smaller McConnell Robocut RC40 and even smaller McConnell RC28. The McConnel Robocut RC56 offers a bit more flexibility, especially if you want that extra power for the extra attachments.
Having owned several radio remote machines, I can really see the benefit of the McConnel Robocut machines. I believe that one of the prime benefits of the machine is being able to stand away from the Robocut and work on slopes at the same time.
In the past, I have cut many banks with brush cutters and zero-turn mowers. Looking at the Robocut, it looks like it cuts banks with ease. It’s far easier being able to stand one away from the machine rather than walking behind it or even sitting on the machine. So often, motorway banks & areas are very rough and uneven for the operator.
Features
- 40% increase in power on the previous machine.
- 20% increased fuel efficiency.
- New safety flail control system.
- McConnel Robocut will work on slopes up to 55°.
- Precision radio remote control with hydraulic float system.
- GPS auto steer, which enables maximum productivity.
- Fully enclosed body panels to keep grass out.
- Larger fuel tank allowing six hours between fill-ups.
- Safety system for the hydraulic front hood.
- The new digital control system enables the batteries to be charged onboard Robocut.
- 56 hp Hatz diesel engine.
- Maximum stability due to 50-50 weight distribution.
- Low centre of gravity and twin roll bars for greater slope capacity.
Diesel Engine
The McConnel Robocut RC56 is powered by a three-cylinder Hatz diesel engine. The engine develops 56 hp (42 kW) at 2800 revs per minute. I have used this particular Hatz engine on a different machine; I was impressed with the power unit. The engine is water-cooled and has a reversible fan that keeps the radiator clear of debris, a very novel idea. In the summertime, I have experience radiators becoming blocked very quickly in the summer months when everything is dry.
The diesel fuel tank has a capacity of 38 L, which lasts about six hours.
Rubber Tracks
There are two types of rubber tracks available for the McConnell Robocut. The standard rubber tracks allow you to work at an angle of 40°. Or the optional rubber tracks with spikes that allow a maximum working angle of 55°. The rubber tracks are self-tightening, so no spanners or grease gun is required, which is a great idea.
Radio Remote
The radio remote has a working range of 150 m, which is quite a distance. The remote has an impressive array of controls that allows you to control the machine from the radio remote 100%. The radio remote’s batteries are rechargeable and can be recharged on the machine itself. This is a great idea as it means there is no need to have a separate charger in a vehicle, and there is no need to leave the machine.
Weight
The weight of the McConnel Robocut RC56 is 1200 kg. The great thing is that the machine is tracked, so the footprint is very light on the soil. This is ideal when the ground is wet, as the machine should keep on top of the ground in normal cases. The flail weight varies depending on which rotor width you use. The smaller 1.3 m flail head is 160 kg.
Wide Range Of Attachments
The McConnell Robocut is able to cope with a wide-ranging of attachments. The attachments are a flail mower, rotary turf mower, a forest clearance attachment and a mulching attachment. We then have a stump grinder, wood chipper and snowblower. There is a range of buckets and blades, a trencher. And for the landscaper, there is a rotary tiller and a power harrow, along with a rake and a rotary brush.
To Conclude
I like the idea of radio remote machinery, especially machines designed for cutting rough areas and banks etc. It is certainly much easier and safer than walking or sitting on or behind a machine. You can find out more on the McConnell Robocut RC56 website.
Specification
| Engine | |
| Make | HATZ, 3 cylinder, turbo, tier 4 final |
| Horsepower | 56hp (42kw) @ 2800 rpm |
| Torque | 185Nm |
| Fuel | Diesel |
| Fuel tank capacity | 38 litres |
| Water-cooled radiator | 3 core havy duty |
| Self-cleaning (reversible fan) | Standard manual and automatic |
| Transmission | Fine control hydrostatic |
| Maximum noise levels | 77dB(A) |
Hydraulics |
|
| Independent flailhead circuit | Closed circuit piston Max 59 l/min @ 2800 rpm 350 Bar |
| Independent track drive circuit | 2 x closed circuit piston Max 62 l/min @ 2800 rpm 300 Bar |
| Aux service | 1 double acting auxillery service for additional service 16 l/min at 210 bar, double acting |
| Independent intercooler | Standard |
| Oil tank capacity | 20 litres (40 litres held in system) Biodegradable oil |
| Attachment lift capacity | 550kg |
Tracks |
|
| Rubber | Standard ~ max working angle 40° |
| Rubber with spikes | Optional ~ max working angle 55° |
| Self-tightening | Standard |
| Length (axle to axle) | 1192mm |
Remote Controls |
|
| Working range | 150m |
| Frequency | 434Mhz (certified by CE legislation) |
| Battery | Interchangeable, rechargeable, 2 with each unit, charge on machine |
| Proportional joysticks | Standard |
Dimensions |
|
| Overall width | 1300mm |
| Overall length (without attachment) | 2285mm |
| Overall height | 1050mm |
Weight |
|
| ROBOCUT RC56 | 1200kg |
| Flailhead | Depends on size |
Performance |
|
| Potentiometer speed control (0 – 100%) |
1st gear (low range) Forward and back, 0 – 3,5km/h2nd gear (low range) Forward and back, 0 – 7km/h |
Flailhead / Attachment
|
|
| Oil flow | 59 l/min |
| Pressure | 350 Bar |
| Rotor speed | 3300 rpm |
| Front and rear flaps | Standard |
| Flails | Y – Flails for cutting grass and light wood up to 30mm diameter J (hammer) – Flails for cutting thick grass and wood up to 50mm diameter |
| Rotor width | 1.3m to 1.9m |
| Roller diameter | 100mm |
| Cutting height range (via roller adjustment) |
20mm – 85mm (5 positions) Flailhead can be lifted to cut higher |
| Hydraulic lift | -300mm to +400mm |
| Floatation (angle) | 14° up and down (+/-) |