Windrower raises the bar

Massey Ferguson's WR9700 series delivers a 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 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, the new windrowers package innovative technology with specially designed comfort features to ensure producers can efficiently cover more acres.

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," product manager for hay tools John Russell said.

"Hesston is the first manufacturer 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."

Massey Ferguson's WR series is available in three models from 137hp up to 220hp, with each model designed to meet the needs of a specific operation.

The WR9770 features disc headers and offers 220-plus 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 4.9-litre, four-cylinder QuadBoost engine producing 188hp. 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 MF's sickle and draper headers even in adverse conditions because it is powered by a 4.9-litre Agco Power engine.

The greatest technological advancement found in the WR9700 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 available before.

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 34km/h 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 26km/h.

The machines also feature an automatic header speed control which co-ordinates 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 increases the hydraulic flow to the header to maintain consistent disc header cutting rpm for uniform cutting and conditioning of the crop.

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 a 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," Mr Russell said.

"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 is self-cleaning, it's virtually maintenance free."