Swathers, windrowers | Biggest improvement is a V-Cool radiator system
BRANDON — The new Massey Ferguson WR series SP windrowers and swathers made their first prairie public appearance this winter.
The WR is a new design, with unique features such as a rear suspension, said Willie Gilbert, a sales representative for Ag West Equipment at Portage la Prairie, Man.
“The unit we have here at Ag Days is the first of these new models we’ve seen,” said Gilbert.
“They improved the engines and the hydrostatic drive. There’s an all-new cab and a suspension system for the rear axle. It’s a solid beam rear axle, with a coil spring at the center, two gas pressurized shock absorbers and two parallel arms on each side to keep it stable. It makes for a better ride for the operator and it’s easier on the machine.”
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The optional cab suspension uses dual shock absorbers, dual air bags with pressure settings from 15 to 35 p.s.i. and an air reservoir.
The optional seat takes sensor readings 60 times per second and adjusts the seat instantly. Jarring forces are typically horizontal, so the seat moves horizontally left and right and fore and aft.
Gilbert said the biggest improvement is the V-Cool radiator system. The radiators are arranged in a V pattern at the back of the machine and the fans are hydraulically driven so the speed can automatically change to match the cooling needs of the engine. They can easily be reversed.
To keep radiators clear of trash, the fans stop every 15 minutes and runs in reverse for a few seconds to blow residue off the fins. Operators can adjust the time intervals of the cleaning operation to suit field conditions.
The fans also reverse automatically every time the header is lifted. Fan speed is independent of engine speed and varies depending on conditions.
“It’s similar to the system we have on the combines. In four years of testing the WR, they didn’t have to stop once to clean a radiator.”
Gilbert said another important upgrade is the low-profile RazorBar cutterbar, introduced two years ago.
“This is best for cutting light crops. It reduces the amount of hay blowing around because it gives such a well-formed windrow,” he said.
“A better windrow means a nicer bale and better preservation of the hay. It makes a cleaner job than anything else we’ve ever seen.”
Much of the clean field factor is attributed to side augers at the extreme left and right of the housing, which feed material from the edges toward the conditioner rollers.
The modular design allows each gear assembly and idler gear to be removed individually without taking apart the entire cutter bar. Idler gears and pins are removed through the top of the module, so even the rock guards remain in place during repairs. The system is designed so a gear spindle failure will shear off outside the cutter bed to prevent contaminating other gears.
Disc speed is variable from 1,000 to 2,500 r.p.m. to match crop conditions. The cutter bed is driven by one hydraulic motor at each end of the assembly. Dual motors provide uniform torque across the width of the cutterbar.
Knives are high-carbon steel, with a variety of available degree angles and bevels. The hub mounts slope to reduce debris buildup.
The herringbone conditioner rollers are steel-on-steel. The single set has two rollers that crimp the hay every two to three inches.
The optional TwinMax double crimp option uses two pairs of rollers, resulting in a crimp every two to three inches through the first pair. The second pair of rollers makes a crimp every one inch.
The correct gap for varying crop conditions is continuously managed hydraulically. The TwinMax system allows leaves to pass through undamaged. TwinMax is also available on sickle bar headers.
Gilbert said the system leaves a wide, well-formed windrow that dries quickly and rakes together evenly for better baling.
The WR has a unique header flotation system that allows the operator to adjust each lift arm independently from the cab. The system is completely hydraulic, thus eliminating the need for balance weights.
Header options for the WR include disc, sickle bar, draper and auger types. There are eight Hesston draper headers for grain growers for centre-delivery or double swath. The hydraulically powered planetary gear system on the sickle drive eliminates peak starting and stopping loads. Instead of a wear plate, the new cutterbar uses a roller guide to reduce friction.
The WR is the first windrower with electronically controlled hydraulics operated by a virtual computer terminal. The system automatically controls header speed independent of engine speed, resulting in consistent cutting and conditioning in all field situations.
The Topcon System 150 GPS hands-free guidance system can bring swath width accuracy down to plus/minus one inch, thus making optimal use of each pass. The 150 is accurate at field speeds up to 16 m.p.h.
The enhanced electro-hydraulic and electronic displacement control is a key factor in steering accuracy. The WR can safely travel at road speeds of 21 m.p.h. because steering precision and reaction times are better.
Hydraulically powered implements are infamous for their lack of pulling power in hilly terrain or wet conditions. With that in mind, Agco engineers boosted the pump flow and gave the system three-speed/power ranges.
Range 1 gives the most pulling power with field speeds of zero to 13 m.p.h. Range 2 has less pulling power with field speeds of zero to 16 m.p.h. Range 3 is for transport with speeds of zero to 21 m.p.h.
Massey engines all have Tier 4 interim technology with SCR and e3 with Diesel Exhaust Fluid. Engine selection starts with a Cummins 3.3 litre rated at 100 horsepower.
Moving up the ladder, the four-cylinder SISU Agco Power 4.9 litre is rated at either 137 h.p. or 188 h.p. and the six-cylinder SISU Agco Power 6.6 litre is rated at 220 h.p. All SISU engines have cross-flow heads, four valves per cylinder, common rail fuel injection and fracture split connecting rods.
For more information, contact Gilbert at 204-476-5378 or visit www.masseyferguson.com.
