Lely

Splendimo 281 PC trailed mower - Michael Duffy - Ireland

From Mounted to Trailed in Monaghan with Splendimo

Being the proud owner of a Lely Optimo 205 mounted mower for 5 years, Michael Duffy decided it was time to upgrade to a Splendimo 9-foot Trailed Mower in June 2007. Michael, a part time dairy farmer from Bawn, Co. Monaghan, was so impressed with the reliability and quality of the Optimo that he decided to reinvest in a Lely machine again with a Splendimo 281 PC trailed mower with built-in conditioner. “My last mower didn’t have a conditioner so I think it will help improve the quality of my silage.”

Michaels farming life is centred around the morning and evening milking. His enthusiasm for farming is such that he manages to work full time as well as run a dairy farm.

“I went for a trailed mower this time round” adds Michael. Having only one tractor and being employed full time outside the farm he wanted a machine that could be attached easily and quickly to his tractor, “a mower that was simple to operate” states Michael. When purchasing any type of machine it is a long term investment and for Michael it was no different, it was important to him to get a simple yet robust model. The Monaghan man has found his new mower very easy to drive with the bed being very simple to adjust.

Monaghan is derived from the Irish name meaning ‘Land of the little hills’, referring to the large density of drumlin hills throughout the county. “Even in Monaghans toughest crop conditions, the Splendimo leaves a very clean cut” comments Michael.

Several features of the Splendimo mower meant Michael would not look back with his new purchase. The mower design is such that there is no gear trough; instead individual “sealed for life” gearboxes are driven by one hexagonal shaft running the length of the mower bed, unlike other machines. The low horse power requirement was a major factor in Michael switching to the 281 PC.

“It doesn’t need high horse power; she flies”! Even with the smaller tractor, you can cut six or seven acres an hour in good conditions.” By turning the gearbox around you can alternate between a 540 or 1000 rpm drive system. Michael has his set at 1000 rpm.

Due to his circumstances, working full time, off farm, the conditioner speeds up the process of drying the grass. All farmers are challenged by the issue of safety along with time management, Lely has addressed this issue by featuring an easily adjustable safety guard, which is simple to clip up and down. The Splendimo Clip also contributes to time saving, “changing a blade is quick and simple as well as being safe” states Michael.

Michael attributes his local dealer Gilsenan’s mechanical knowledge as being one of the main factors in deciding on the Splendimo. “As far as backup/ after sales service is concerned I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere except back to Lely and local dealer Terry Gilsenan” states Michael.

The biggest difference that Michael found between the new trailed mower and his previous rear mounted mower is that weight plays much less of a role, by making use of the sturdy transport frame. Trailed mowers consequently have a very high specification and have the best possible contour-following system; ideal for use with a light tractor to give perfect results under difficult conditions.

“I’m very pleased with the Splendimo mower; she’s a first class machine” comments Michael. A good machine can save a lot of time and help ensure that operations are

completed quickly in optimum time! As farms move increasingly towards a one man operation, farmers need to become super efficient especially when combined with working outside the farm. “Organising your time and having a plan means less stress when unexpected events crop up” concludes Michael.