Tackling hilly and mountainous landscapes by remote control, the Ovis is a new high-slope brush mower in Gravely’s lineup of commercial outdoor power equipment. Gravely introduced Ovis at the Equip Exposition in Louisville, Ky.
The new Gravely Ovis uses a 40-inch-wide flail mower to clear vegetation on steep or inaccessible terrain. Though new to the American market, Ovis is currently built by AriensCo’s AS-Motor brand in Germany and distributed across Europe.
“Adding Ovis to the Gravely lineup fills a gap in the U.S. market to support work adjacent to traditional job sites on difficult landscapes, such as those in hilly and mountainous regions,” said Grant Wilson, AriensCo director of commercial product. “We’re giving landscapers a product to knock down large brush on steep highway viaducts, clear unkempt hiking trails and embankments and mow in less-accessible areas like solar farms. It also allows that work to be done more safely and with greater ease.”
Ovis features include remote-controlled operation, a very low center of gravity and a track-drive system. Ovis can safely climb slopes up to 50 degrees and it has a control range of up to 1,000 feet without “frequency confusion” when operating as part of a fleet with other machines. Gravely said the machine’s low stature reduces the possibility for tipping and allows it to operate in low clearances.
Additionally, a 23-horsepower Briggs & Stratton Vanguard engine supplies power for Ovis’ flail-head mower to chew through saplings up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
“Bringing the Ovis into the fold is going to help our customers do their work more safely, and give them access to more job sites and contracts,” said Matt Medden, AriensCo senior vice president of product engineering and marketing.
The Ovis will continue to be manufactured by AriensCo in Bühlertann, Germany, and will be sold at independently owned and operated Gravely dealers in the U.S. starting in spring 2024.
