In 1943, Luigi Castoldi, Camillo Bonetti, and Severino Speroni developed the first self-propelled sickle bar mower with oscillating blades in history, a machine labeled “242,” which revolutionized an agricultural sector that, until then, relied primarily on human labor. Over time, the machine was continuously refined and complemented by other motorized mowers. It also gave rise to a series of front-mounted oscillating blade mowers, later followed by front-mounted rotary disc mowers.
Decades of Expertise
In fact, it can be said that Bcs’s experience in the field of front-mounted mowers boasts more than 80 years of history and technical evolution. This technical progress is well represented by the innovative and dynamic design of the “Neva Avant” series of professional front-mounted rotary disc mowers, available with roller or flail conditioners in the “R” and “F” versions. A common feature of all models is their long-term reliability, which BCS achieved through specific technical solutions, such as transmissions with large gears operating in an oil bath, hermetically sealed ball bearings, and the inclusion of a torque limiter clutch to protect the transmission in the event of sudden blockages of the discs or rollers.
The drive unit also includes an integrated freewheel mechanism that ensures a gradual stop of the disc rotation when disengaging the power take-off. To minimize such risks, the “Neva” mowers are supported by a special parallelogram frame called “MultiFloat Frame,” which allows the machine to overcome any obstacle when hitting something or mowing uphill, thanks to the ability of the bar to make three simultaneous movements. It can move back, lift, and rotate before automatically returning to its working position.
Always the Right Pressure
The working pressure can also be modulated by two adjustable springs integrated into a dynamic load relief system, which detects frictional forces generated by the machine during operation and converts them into forces that lighten the mower’s weight on the ground, even at high speeds. This results in improved tractor maneuverability, reduced power required to operate the mower, and increased cleanliness of the mower itself, which benefits forage quality. Another exclusive feature of the Bcs “Neva” front mowers lies in the presence of a PTO shaft disconnected from the cutting bar, which is thus free to move back in the event of an impact with unexpected obstacles and perform various movements around the axes imposed by the terrain’s morphology. Standard features include side stone protection flaps that can be folded back for quick mechanical inspections when needed and to reduce bulk when driving on roads. The “DustDeflector Wings” system consists of deflectors that protect the tractor’s cooling system from dust and debris kicked up during mowing. An upper deflector screen and two side wings deflect dust-laden airflows to the sides of the tractor, keeping the radiator grille and windshield clean, avoiding frequent and annoying stops for cleaning.
Rollers or Flails Depending on the Forage
The “Neva Avant” roller mowers are available with either roller or flail conditioners, which can reduce forage drying time by up to 50%. The roller conditioner works by compressing the forage, ensuring gentle but effective treatment for more delicate crops. It operates via two polyurethane rotors, a material more resistant to abrasion and lighter than rubber, which interlock based on chevron-shaped helical ribs. The upper roller is also oscillating to avoid damage if stones or rocks enter the rollers, and the conditioning pressure is adjustable from zero to 500 kilograms.
The flail conditioner, on the other hand, shreds and tears the waxy film surrounding the grass stems using V-shaped nylon flails. Lighter than the roller conditioner, it allows conditioning to be adjusted by regulating the working speed and the presence of movable baffles and a double comb. Both conditioning systems cover the full working width of the “Neva Avant,” either 285 or 325 centimeters, depending on whether the machine has seven or eight cutting discs. In the first case, the mower weighs between 1,000 and 1,100 kilograms, requiring a minimum of 75 horsepower at the PTO. In the second case, with the “Neva Avant 8,” the weight exceeds 1,100 kilograms, and the minimum required power increases by 7 horsepower.
Title: Always the Right Pressure with Bcs “Neva Avant” Mowers
Translation with ChatGPT
