McConnel’s Professional Boom Mowers
Reach mowers are one of the most efficient tools for roadside, verge, and embankment maintenance, making them essential for councils, contractors, and large-scale property managers across Australia. But as this equipment is sometimes called boom mowers, tractor-mounted reach mowers, or by their branded McConnel term, Power Arms, it can be difficult to know which model best fits your requirements.
This guide explains what reach mowers are, why McConnel Power Arms are the industry standard, and how to select, compare, and maintain these powerful machines.
Understanding Reach Mowers
Reach mowers (sometimes called hydraulic boom mowers or tractor reach mowers) are specialised mowing attachments that mount to a tractor or utility vehicle. They feature an articulated hydraulic arm, which allows operators to trim grass and vegetation in hard-to-access locations, including steep banks, drains, roadsides, riverbanks, and under fences.
Key Features of Reach Mowers
- Hydraulic boom arm: Articulates outwards and upwards, enabling mowing well beyond the tractor’s footprint.
- Interchangeable cutting heads: Various attachments are available for tackling grass, brush, and woody material.
- Remote operation: Many models offer fine hydraulic control from inside the cab, reducing operator fatigue.
- Heavy-duty build: Designed for continuous use in commercial, council, and agricultural applications.
- Versatile positioning: Reach over, around, and below obstacles, or mow vertical surfaces and ditches with precision.
McConnel’s Power Arm range has set the benchmark for reach mowers globally, particularly in demanding Australian environments.
Why Reach Mowers Are Vital for Australian Vegetation Management
Australia’s landscape demands machinery that can tackle everything from narrow roadside verges to large-scale drain banks and thick, fast-growing vegetation. Tractor-mounted reach mowers help maintain safety, visibility, and property value by keeping grass and woody weeds under control in these difficult-to-reach areas.
Who Uses Reach Mowers?
- Local councils and road authorities
- Vegetation and land management contractors
- Farms with extensive fencelines and channels
- Airports, golf courses, and parks
- Owners of lifestyle or commercial properties
McConnel Power Arms The Gold Standard in Reach Mowers
International Mowers has supplied McConnel’s industry-leading Power Arm mowers since 1988, supporting Australian operators with reliable, high-performance roadside mowers and boom mowers that set the standard internationally.
What Sets McConnel Power Arms Apart?
- Unparalleled build quality: Engineered in the UK for over 80 years and continually refined for modern requirements.
- Wide model range: From compact tractor reach mowers to the heavy-duty Power Arm 7282 for intensive roadside or contractor use.
- Customisable operation: Options for proportional controls, advanced hydraulic systems, telescopic arms, and automatic obstacle avoidance.
- Local support: Backed by International Mowers’ Australia-wide dealer network and parts support.
Example Power Arm Models
- McConnel Power Arm 5450
Heavy-duty model with 5.4m reach, ideal for council and contracting work. Robust flail head and a powerful hydraulic system for all vegetation types.
- McConnel Power Arm 7282 TVFR
Leading the field with 7.2m reach and fully variable forward reach functions, allowing safe operation alongside traffic and accurate face-cutting.
- McConnel PA3430 and PA3530
Compact models designed for smaller utility tractors and tighter environments.
Explore all McConnel reach mowers available from International Mowers.
Power Arm vs Reach Mower vs Boom Mower Explaining the Terminology
Though terms like Power Arm, reach mower, boom mower, or hydraulic boom mower are often used interchangeably, there are distinctions:
- Reach mower: The generic term for this class of tractor-mounted mowing equipment.
- Power Arm: McConnel’s branded name for their reach mower range, often used as a mark of superior engineering.
- Hydraulic boom mower / boom mower: Highlights the machine’s articulated, hydraulically powered arm used for reaching difficult locations.
Using these terms together in your research will help you find the best information and products. For example, “McConnel Power Arm 5450 heavy-duty reach mower” returns more relevant results for users in Australia.
Applications of Reach Mowers Across Industries
Reach mowers and Power Arms deliver efficiency, safety, and professional results across multiple industries:
Roadside and Verge Maintenance
Councils and road authorities use reach mowers to maintain visibility, reduce fire hazards, and keep traffic corridors clear of encroaching vegetation.
Drains and Waterways
Hydraulic boom mowers enable safe, cost-effective maintenance of steep channels and banks, reducing labour and the need for manual brush-cutting.
Embankment and Slope Management
For contractors and land managers, reach mowers make it possible to control vegetation on sloping land, preventing erosion and improving access.
Fencelines and Hedgerows
Tractor-mounted reach mowers allow efficient clearing beneath and behind fencing, saving many hours of manual labour.
Parks, Sports Grounds, and Airports
Specialist attachments allow McConnel Power Arms to tackle everything from lawn mowing to brush clearing, maximising the utility of a single machine.
Selecting the Right Reach Mower or Power Arm
The right mower will depend on your working environment, tractor capability, and the desired outcome. Consider the following factors:
Reach and Size
- Compact models (3–4m reach): Ideal for smaller tractors, paddocks, lifestyle properties and compact council units.
- Standard models (5–6m reach): Suitable for most council, roadside, and maintenance contractors using medium utility tractors.
- Long-reach models (7m+): Preferred for large-scale verge contractors and operations with steep drains, creeks, or broad road corridors.
Hydraulic and Control Systems
- Standard hydraulic controls for basic functions.
- Proportional electro-hydraulic controls for smooth, precise movement and less operator fatigue.
- Additional options like telescopic reach and advanced obstacle detection boost operational safety and versatility.
Cutting Heads and Attachments
- Flail heads: Standard for grass and weed cutting; heavy-duty versions available for dense brush.
- Saw heads or rotary heads: For clearing woody regrowth, branches, or saplings.
- Specialty attachments: Hedge trimmers, ditch cleaners, and weed brushes extend the value of your investment.
Compatibility With Your Tractor
- Ensure the reach mower fits your tractor’s weight class, hydraulic capacity, and mounting points.
- Ask your dealer for guidance on suitability or request an onsite assessment.
Support, Parts, and Warranty
- Reliable supply of reach mower parts and fast after-sales support are essential for minimising downtime.
- International Mowers stocks all major McConnel Power Arm parts in Australia, ensuring business continuity.
For Reach Mower and Power Arm gallery, International Mowers provides transparent quotes and finance options.
Comparing Reach Mowers Power Arms Against Other Options
When investing in commercial mowing equipment, comparing reach mowers (Power Arms) with alternative solutions can make a significant difference to usability and cost-effectiveness.
Fixed Wing Slashers
- Less reach and manoeuvrability than a hydraulic boom mower.
- Best for open, flat areas but not steep banks or roadside verges.
Remote Control and Robotic Mowers
- Increasingly popular for dangerous, inaccessible locations.
- McConnel Robocut range is ideal for extreme slopes, but tractor-mounted reach mowers offer greater coverage and flexibility for standard roadside or agricultural work.
Dedicated Slope Mowers
- Built for extreme inclines, but with less ability to reach behind obstacles or under fencelines compared to a boom mower.
For most commercial and council applications, reach mowers remain the most versatile and cost-effective solution.
Maintaining Your Reach Mower for Maximum Uptime
Professional-grade reach mowers, like McConnel Power Arms, are designed for durability but require routine servicing to ensure longevity and safe operation.
- Inspect hydraulics: Regularly check for leaks, cracked hoses, and correct fluid levels.
- Sharpen or replace blades/flails: Sharp blades ensure a clean cut and reduce wear.
- Clean debris: Prevents build-up around hydraulic and moving parts.
- Follow the brand manual: Always adhere to McConnel’s maintenance schedule.
International Mowers supplies a full range of genuine reach mower parts, along with expert advice and Australia-wide dealer support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reach Mowers Power Arms
What does a reach mower cost?
Prices depend on reach, specification, and attachments. Expect compact models to start in the low tens of thousands, with contractor-spec Power Arms upwards of $70,000 AUD. Contact International Mowers for tailored pricing and finance options.
Where can I buy reach mowers in Australia?
International Mowers is the nation’s longest-serving McConnel Power Arm agent, with a wide range of models and experience guiding councils and contractors to the right solution. See all reach mowers here.
Is a reach mower difficult to operate?
Modern Power Arms feature ergonomic controls and intuitive operation with comprehensive training available for new users.
Are parts and servicing easily available?
Yes. With local parts on the shelf and a nationwide service dealer network, International Mowers ensures rapid support and minimal downtime.
Making the Best Investment in Reach Mowers for Your Business
Selecting the right reach mower or Power Arm ensures your investment lasts for years, delivers safety and efficiency on every project, and maximises your capability for verge and roadside maintenance. McConnel’s Power Arm series, backed by International Mowers’ 35+ years of support, offers unmatched reliability and performance for the Australian market.
If you’re ready to improve your vegetation management, explore our full range of reach mowers, request a quote, or tap into our expert advice. Reach out to International Mowers today for a tailored demonstration or onsite consultation. Call today on 1300 861 747 or fill out the contact form below.