FAE UMH 250 mulcher – backward is the way forward

The FAE UMH 250 mulcher, coupled to a Valtra T191H, shreds old stumps effortlessly.

FAE UMH 250 mulcher – backward is the way forward
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The FAE UMH 250 mulcher is suitable for tractors rated to 290kW. It can shred stumps up to 400mm in diameter, with the large rotor ensuring high productivity on the toughest jobs. Contractors in Richmond, KwaZulu-Natal, are using Mondi Forests’ Valtra T191H tractor fitted with the mulcher to grind the stumps in intermediate rows so that spraying and pitting can be carried out without the risk of damage to the undersides of vehicles.

Many new tractor-implement combinations are designed to work best when the tractor is driven in reverse. By contrast, the Valtra’s factory-fitted TwinTrac reverse drive system allows the driver to work in either direction with equal ease. The driver can rotate the seat and armrest controls 180° and the system includes a rear steering wheel with forward/reverse shuttle lever, rear clutch, accelerator and brake pedals.

Importantly, he can see the entire implement, as well as the ground ahead of it, from the cab. This allows him to avoid obstacles such as rocks, the only potential danger to this robust machine. This versatility, coupled with a powerful engine (see alongside), makes the Valtra T191H tractor and Valtra TwinTrac system ideal for heavy-duty implements such as the FAE mulcher.

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FAE provides various fixed-tooth options for different applications. Mulchers are available in widths to suit tractors of 80kW and upwards.

The Valtra T191H TwinTrac
The T191H tractor is fitted with a six-cylinder 7,4-litre Sisu diesel engine rated at 139kW and designed for use in demanding applications. The rating can be power-boosted with the electronic engine management system to 155kW for operating the PTO (above) or whenever additional power is required. The transmission maximises this power with 36 forward and reverse gears for speeds of 0,6km/h to 40km/h.

A Valtra innovation for common rail engines is ‘low idle’. When the tractor is parked with the handbrake engaged, the normal idling speed of 850rpm is reduced to 650rpm for quieter, more economical operation. As soon as the control lever is moved to ‘N’, idling speed rises to 850rpm to make use of the high startup torque.

With the seat facing forward, the Valtra T191H can be operated normally up to full road speed. In reverse drive, drive speeds must be kept below 10km/h for safe operation.