Performance that masters every field
The self-propelled harvesting revolution: Bellon & Lombardi
Combining an end-of-career forage harvester with a Bellon triple mower to create a self-propelled mowing outfit. It sounds like an impossible challenge, but it is the operational reality at Azienda Agricola Lombardi, redefining field efficiency standards.
In San Michele (Alessandria), the Lombardi family manages 200 hectares and a closed-cycle farm with 200 Piedmontese cattle. Here, where forage quality is the driving force of the business, Alberto Lombardi has brought to life a one-of-a-kind mechanical innovation.
The Genesis: why a "DIY" self-propelled machine?
The project was born from the need to push past the limits of daily productivity. Alberto was looking for a solution to mow large acreages while ensuring the panoramic visibility and premium operator comfort typical of a self-propelled harvester. He successfully converted a 500 hp John Deere 7400 forage harvester into a high-capacity tool carrier, removing the chopping unit to install a custom front linkage with a dedicated PTO.
The ultimate partner: Bellon Combi-D680 GM
To complete this revolutionary prototype, they needed a triple mower combination with specific features:
- Mechanical reliability: The D680 GM is built with a heavy-duty gear-driven cutterbar, eliminating chain drives and drastically reducing maintenance.
- Cutting quality: Capable of handling even the tallest and densest ryegrass crops at high operating speeds.
- Crop preservation: Thanks to the swath deflectors and the layout of the mower, the swath is deposited perfectly between the harvester’s wheels, completely avoiding crop trampling.
Record-breaking output in the field
The results achieved with the Bellon combination mower speak for themselves:
- Hourly output: Nearly 10 hectares per hour in optimal conditions.
- Daily productivity: Up to 35 hectares mowed per day, effortlessly managing even small and scattered plots.
- Efficiency: Working speeds between 13 and 15 km/h with reduced fuel consumption, thanks to the engine running at just 1,700 rpm.
- Agronomic advantage: Roller conditioning ensures rapid wilting, saving an entire day compared to conventional methods.
A direct connection to the manufacturer
Beyond performance, what truly won the Lombardi family over was their relationship with Bellon. The manufacturer listened to field feedback, delivering custom solutions such as reinforced bottom corners and optimized cutterbar tilt angles. Even without a local dealership, support is guaranteed with spare parts shipped within 24 hours.
The verdict from the field
After seven years of rigorous operation and having utilized two different models, Bellon has passed this grueling endurance test with flying colors—especially considering its deployment in such an unconventional, high-capacity setup.
«We are highly satisfied. First of all, it is an exceptionally competitive mower in terms of investment, delivering a cost-to-performance ratio that outperforms the competition. In fact, it surpassed every other brand we evaluated for this specific high-capacity application. The ultimate proof is that we now handle our entire mowing acreage exclusively with this converted harvester and the Bellon combination—our other mowers simply stay in the shed. When the time comes to replace this Combi-D680 GM, we will absolutely choose another Bellon». — Alberto Lombardi, Azienda Agricola Lombardi