Massey Ferguson Introduces New Self-Propelled Windrowers
Published date December 07, 2011
Massey Ferguson’s WR9700 Series delivers breakthrough in self-propelled windrower technology with three models designed to meet the specific needs of producers – from large-scale hay production to grain swathing.
The WR9700 Series Self- Propelled Windrowers being introduced in 2012 deliver major breakthroughs in windrower equipment and technologies for Australian farmers. Built in Hesston, USA, which has long been known as the home of hay, these new windrowers package innovative technology with specially designed comfort features to ensure producers can efficiently cover more acres each day. Each of the three models is designed to meet the specific needs of producers – from large-scale hay production to grain swathing.
The WR Series boasts many industry firsts, such as an exclusive, easy-to-use C1000 Monitor system that controls nearly every aspect of the windrower, for exceptional operating precision and efficiency in the field. New features include an exclusive V-Cool™ System that maintains optimal engine temperature, a GlideRider™ rear-axle suspension system and a semi-active air-suspension seat that combine for a smoother ride and greater operator comfort.
“The all-new WR9700 Series represents a breakthrough in self-propelled windrower technology,” explains John Russell, Product Manager for Hay Tools. “Hesston is the first manufacturer in the industry to develop a machine that operates all hydraulic, engine and drive functions via an on-board computer terminal. These new windrowers allow hay producers to develop quality hay faster and more efficiently with an enhanced level of precision. It’s no exaggeration to say the WR Series is the most important hay advancement to come out of the Hesston factory in 30 years.”
Three models to fit any need
Massey Ferguson’s WR series is available in three models from 137 hp up to 220 hp, with each model designed to meet the needs of a specific type of operation.
- The WR9770 features disc headers and offers 220+ horsepower and the muscle to operate in heavy crop conditions like winter forage, wet silage hay, and hilly or rough terrain.
- The WR9760 featuring the all-new AGCO POWER™ 4.9L four-cylinder QuadBoost engine producing 188 hp. This model is designed to perform toe-to-toe with any competitive six-cylinder windrower with the same power output.
- At 137hp, the WR9740 is well equipped to operate any of our sickle and draper headers even in adverse conditions, as it is powered by a 4.9L AGCO POWER engine.
C1000 Monitor Simplifies Machine Control
The greatest technological advancement found in the WR9700 Series Self-Propelled Windrowers is the use of electronically controlled hydraulics operated by a virtual computer terminal. In fact, these are the first windrowers in the industry to operate all hydraulic, engines and drive functions by means of an onboard computer terminal system. The user-friendly C1000 Monitor system controls almost every
function of the windrower and helps operators achieve a level of in-field precision and performance never before available. Four main screens on the monitor include:
- Main work screen or dashboard with mph, header and engine rpm, fuel, coolant temp, oil pressure, header flotation, header tilt, header height, header drive motor pressure
- Engine information
- Fuel economy monitor
- Acre counter
The windrowers’ electro-hydraulic steering system provides enhanced windrower steering precision with quicker response time. By controlling hydraulic pump displacement electronically, the windrower is easier to drive and capable of faster operating speeds up to 34kph without compromising steering control and stability. Operator fatigue is reduced as the force needed to move the steering wheel is reduced.
Each model in the WR9700 Series is supplied standard with AGCO’s GPS autosteering, which
communicates directly with the electro-hydraulic steering system. This built-in technology for autosteering results in a much higher degree of steering accuracy allowing field speeds up to 26 kph.
The machines also feature an automatic header speed control which coordinates the functions of the disc header and the windrower engine to maximise productivity in the field. If the engine speed decreases, the automatic header speed control will increase the hydraulic flow to the header to maintain consistent disc header cutting rpm for uniform cutting and conditioning of the crop.
Exclusive V-Cool™ Cooling System Handles Windrower Cooling Needs
The WR Series takes a never-before-seen approach to managing windrower cooling needs, improving the machine’s operating efficiency. The proprietary V-Cool cooling system positions the radiator and all cooling units for the air conditioner, hydraulic systems and air-to-air intercooler in cube behind a hydraulically driven, variable-speed fan, as opposed to stacking them one in front of the other. This unique design allows for cool, fresh air to be drawn directly through the radiators without bringing in warmer air from another radiator.
In addition, the V-Cool system contains a self-cleaning “purge” cycle that reverses the fan, providing a blast of air to clear the air intake of chaff and debris to maintain optimal engine temperature. This “purge” cycle is triggered in various ways: temperature rise due to restricted airflow; header is turned off; manual control; and a preset 15-minute automatic cleaning interval.
“The V-Cool cooling system has many advantages over a stacked radiator design,” says John. “Since it operates independently of the engine speed, the fan speed can be reduced when extra air for cooling is not needed, which can conserve horsepower and increase fuel savings. Likewise, because most cooling fans are powered by the engine’s water pump, the risk of a water pump failure is reduced since the pump doesn’t power the engine fan. And, because the system if self-cleaning, it’s virtually maintenance free.”
A Unique Approach to Operator Comfort
The WR Series offers enhanced operator comfort thanks in part to the new GlideRider rear-axle suspension system and a semi-active air-suspension seat. The GlideRider suspension is made up of a solid, oscillating rear-axle beam that’s attached to both sides of the frame by parallel link arms and a lateral support arm underneath. Comprised of two gas shocks and a spring located at the center of the axle, this design provides an optimal amount of travel while still being strong enough to handle pivot tracks and irrigation borders without compromising the frame’s structural integrity. This completely new approach means the shock load is transferred to the machine’s main frame versus the rear axle taking the entire load, thus reducing bounce while significantly enhancing operator comfort, even at higher speeds.
Meanwhile, the newly designed semi-active air-suspension seat has been engineered specifically for windrower applications. This semi-active seat measures seat movement and automatically adjusts the seat suspension for optimum operator comfort. Because the jarring forces during windrowing are typically horizontal and not vertical, the seat moves fore and aft and side-to-side. To further enhance comfort, the seat can be heated or cooled to ensure operators feel right at home no matter what the season may be.
“The all-new WR Series is yet another bench mark from the company that introduced the first self-propelled windrower in 1955; and nothing less than a new standard that will redefine windrowing for years to come,” concludes John. For more information about the Massey Ferguson WR9700 Series Self-Propelled Windrowers, visit www.masseyferguson.com.au or contact your local dealer.