Discussion about case study: hedgerow management: Hall Farm, Lincs.

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Discussion about case study: hedgerow management: Hall Farm, Lincs.

farm-advice 12 Dec 2005, 9:20 AM
Use of reciprocating or circular saw hedge machinery is less common and, from the work I’ve done so far, more expensive (given the clearing up required). Nonetheless, given the lack of information generally, I would be interested to have any feedback that Chris may be able to give in terms of:

·         Anticipated life (years) of reciprocating machines and how this relates to flail type machines  

·         Additional operating or maintenance costs relative to flail type machines

·         Limitations in terms of speed (m/hour or whatever) compared to flail type machines  

·         Additional costs of clearing up and how this is done e.g. tractor and front end loader and burn, or flail when on the ground to mulch up, or chipper etc…

Paul Silcock

Cumulus Consultants Ltd.

Re: Discussion about case study: hedgerow management: Hall Farm, Lincs.

farm-advice 12 Dec 2005, 9:24 AM
I have discussed the hedgecutter questions with my colleagues and the answers to the best of our knowledge are as follows:

Anticipated life is estimated at 20 years.

There are no additional operating or maintenance costs relative to flail type machines.

The speed of operation is the same or faster that flails.

Methods of clearing up the cuttings are 1)front end loader 2)flail it on the ground 3) leave if possible to rot down naturally.

Overall the operation probably takes the same time as flailing but is cheaper in terms of machinery wear.

Chris Dowse

Re: Discussion about case study: hedgerow management: Hall Farm, Lincs.

David Harrison 14 Jan 2006, 1:33 PM

We used to use circular saw type hedgers pre flails-they tied up two men for weeks, and the hedges were aweful spindly things, leaving no cover; also not stock proof. Give me a flail hedger any day, much quicker and better for the hedge:they can handle alternate year or less regular cutting. I must admit to enjoying burning up the top at the end of the day-bonfires on the side of the road probably not PC now!We used to use butt rakes as choppers etc not around then.

 

David Harrison

Re: Discussion about case study: hedgerow management: Hall Farm, Lincs.

richardwinspear 16 Jan 2006, 9:01 AM
In the case study of hedgerow management at Great Wollaston Farm (Shropshire), Robert Kynaston manages his hedges on a three-year rotation with a flail. Although it looks severe, thorny species (hawthorn and blackthorn) tolerate this type of treatment. I am told that a well maintained flail makes a significantly better job of cutting three-year old growth.