With forager outputs continuing on their seemingly relentless upwards climb, the mower sector is doing its best to keep up – hence the move towards 9m+ self-propelled units. First there was the Big M from Krone, and now Vicon is also looking for a piece of the powered mower action with its 9.2m Red Bull. We take an exclusive drive on the Bull prototype in the Netherlands
The Vicon Red Bull, if nothing else, is an intriguing beast. Intriguing not only in design, but also because it’s such a dramatic departure from the norm for the Vicon trailed/mounted implement badge. Vicon, after all, is not a firm traditionally associated with selfdrive machines, hence its decision to buy in the Bull’s engine, cab and running gear from JCB; in effect, the Bull sits atop a JCB dumper skid unit. And, on top of that, Vicon’s self-propelled incorporates some genuinely innovative features.
First up, both axles incorporate double-pivot steering, which enables the wheels to turn through an extra 22°; that’s in addition to the 27° turn angle already offered by the articulated steering system. And, second, the Bull also uses reversedrive technology, the operator able to swivel the seat around in a matter of seconds. When travelling along the road, the operator faces forwards and controls the Bull in conventional manner with steering wheel, throttle and joystick. Then, when he gets to the field, the operator spins the seat through 180° and drives the machine in ‘reverse’ mode – again, with the joystick in the right armrest but, this time, without the throttle.
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