In this series of articles, we will be sharing exclusive coverage from APF 2024. 


SEAN Reilly’s business, Arbforest, is now very much promoting the Italian-built C4 TMV 40V ride-on/remote-controlled tracked mulcher. 

In ‘remote’ mode the machine is capable of safely working 55° slopes whilst exerting very low ground pressure. 

The fixed hammers and the curved blades of the rotor are ideally suited for the physical suppression of unwanted vegetation. With the use of chemicals so restricted in the land manager’s armoury, the TMV 40V provides a viable alternative for clearing rough moorland of invasive bracken, for example.

Arbforest’s relationship with Bugnot goes back half a dozen years. The French manufacturer is best known for its dedicated forestry mulcher crawlers and heavy tractor attachments. On show at the APF was one of the company’s boom-mounted heavy-duty units. 

Sean Reilly (left) and Pascal Vannier of French machinery manufacturer BugnotSean Reilly (left) and Pascal Vannier of French machinery manufacturer Bugnot (Image: FJ/SB)

Nevertheless, Bugnot’s output of less powerful equipment attracts a lot of interest.  The tracked version of the BNV34 has recently been redesigned with an engine upgrade and has the potential to further improve its standing amongst both contractors and machine hire providers. 

The use of flails instead of blades to reduce arboricultural waste makes it extremely resilient where the infeed material is sometimes contaminated with stone or metal.