Deere Improves Mower Conditioners for Model Year 2021
This September, Deere has announced updates to its lineup of Zero Series Mower Conditioners for model year 2021. The main improvements center around the addition of a new and larger Zero Series Mower Conditioner, the 5-Meter, Center-Pivot C500. The new C500 will help operators cut more acres in less time while also promoting faster dry times and the backing of an industry-leading warranty. The enhanced Zero Series MoCo lineup will help both commercial and non-commercial hay producers manage tight harvest windows by getting more crop cut and ready to bale.
In addition to details on the new C500 MoCo, we will be discussing the redesigned C400, 4-Meter, Center-Pivot MoCo, the Quick Change Knife system and additional improvements for all models. All of these enhancements are backed by an industry-leading, 5-year cutterbar warranty and a new simplified naming and numbering system.
C500 MoCo
The new C500 boasts a 10% wider frame than the previous model, the 956. The wider cutting width allows operators to cut more acers per hour improving efficiency in tight windows. The C500 also utilizes the same overshot cross auger design as the Deere 500R Rotary Windrower Platforms. This enhanced system delivers improved quality of cut and reduced ash content while facilitating faster dry drown times through improved windrow formation.
C400 MoCo
In addition to the new C500 model, Deere redesigned and improved the C400 MoCo featuring a lighter frame, better weight distribution and wider conditioning rolls than its predecessor, the 946. The lightweight design makes the C400 compatible with a wide range of tractors, and the wider conditioning rolls allow for improved crop conditioning and windrow formation that promote fast dry down. A repositioned driveline above the main beam of the tongue improves access for easier serviceability.
Quick Change Knife System
To further simplify routine service and maintenance, Deere is offering its new Quick Change Knife System for all model year 2021 Mower Conditioners as well as a performance upgrade kit for most older 600, 800, and 900 Series Models. The Quick Change Knife System improves the uptime of the Zero Series MoCos by reducing the time it takes to replace worn or damaged knives by 50% compared to a standard bolt knife. Farmers can replace a worn or damaged knife in only a few seconds using simple hand tools.
Additional Improvements
John Deere also improved the Zero Series MoCos in several additional areas. The Zero Series features a field-proven, low-profile cutterbar, and larger, reliable shear-hub-protected drive gears with a single oil-check location.
Hay studies have proven wider windrows expose more cut crop for improved drying times. Based on that research, Deere decided to offer forming vanes, previously only available as an optional Wide Swath Kit attachment, as base equipment on Deere MoCos from 3 to 4 meters wide increasing their ability to spread crop up to 25% wider than a similar machine without the vane. For example, the C400 can be adjusted to create windrows up to 130 inches wide. These wider windrows help the crop dry down faster, preserving hay quality and giving you more time to bale before the weather changes.
When ordering a new Zero Series MoCo, customers can choose from four field-proven conditioning options to match their preference to the crop being harvested. A new drawbar swivel hitch is available for 3- and 4-meter Zero Series MoCos providing improved maneuverability and ease of transport compared to standard clevis and equal angle hitches. The swivel hitch allows for past 90-degree turning without noise or damage to the driveline. For many models, there are four hitch models to choose from: clevis (for side-pull machines), equal angle, drawbar swivel, and rockshaft swivel. The 4-meter and larger center-pivot MoCos are offered exclusively with swivel hitches.
New Naming and Numbering System
To go along with the newly redesigned Zero Series MoCos, a new naming and numbering system was developed to help customers differentiate between center-pivot and side-pull machines. For example, on the C500, "C" identifies it as a center-pivot MoCo, and "S" like on the S300, shows it's a side-pull MoCo. The next two digits "50" represent approximate cut width in meters, 5.0 meters for the C500 or 3.0 meters for the S300, and the last digit "0" identifies the MoCo series.
Zero Series Mower Conditioners can be ordered now with delivery beginning in January 2021. The series will be replacing all 600, 800, and 900 Series models. Models available include the side-pull S250, S300, and S350 machines, and center-pivot C300, C350, C400, C450, and C500 MoCos.
To learn more about the new improvements and updates to the Zero Series Mower Conditioners, visit our new equipment virtual showroom or talk with our sales team today!