- Robocut was being demonstrated at Mourier Valley with several interested parties in attendance
- Designers say it is perfect for Jersey’s coastal land and steep fields
- Watch: Video of Robocut in action in the Island
- See below: Picture gallery of how Jersey farmers have tackled côtils over the years
OVER recent years our lives have been made easier by advances in technology and now thanks to revolutionary machinery, even farming and maintenance work will be as simple as pressing a button.
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Low range speed: 0-3.5 km/h
High range speed: 0-7 km/h
Machine weight: 1040kg
Engine: 3 Cylinder Diesel
Power: 40hp (30kw)
Working RPM: 3000rpm
Cutting width: 1.3m
A remote controlled mower, known as Robocut, has been designed to tackle some of the steepest and wettest côtils, coastlines and fields in Jersey.
The company behind the idea, Le Pav Limited, specialise in agricultural contracting and caring for land covered with grass and other low plants.
Oliver Simmons, managing director of Le Pav, said: ‘This amazing piece of kit will help with the recovery and maintenance of old and lost fields, like up on the north coast.
‘It will also help manage and protect the State’s wildlife plan and National Trust wildlife and habitats.
‘Robocut will be able to expand the sheep grazing on the north coast, while managing gorse and bracken.
‘The jobs and possibilities of the Robocut’s use are endless in Jersey.’
Mr Simmons demonstrated the machinery yesterday in front of a large audience, which included the Island’s Transport Department and the Jersey Royal company.
‘The day went fantastically. More people turned up to see the demo than we expected and everyone who was there said that they could see a potential use for it.
‘I did not think we would have so many people and they all really liked it.
‘There was quite clearly a gap in the market and it has been successful in the UK for a while now and it was inevitable that Jersey would catch up.’
Robocut is operated by a remote control, as long as the person using the remote is within a range of up to 150 metres.
Le Pav Limited will be working with the National Trust for Jersey and Nurture Ecology to provide the best solutions when maintaining coastal areas, meadows and marsh land areas.
The company believe that the demand for Robocut is largely due to health and safety issues because of how steep certain slopes are in Jersey.
The remote-controlled mower is able to access restricted spots and is able to tackle a 60-degree slope sideways.
In a statement, Le Pav Limited said: ‘The low centre of gravity of the Robocut, along with its all-terrain rubber tracks, enables the machine to operate without the risk of slippage even on slopes with damp vegetation.’
