John Deere Header Updates for Model Year 2021

In addition to the release of the all-new X9 Combines, Deere also announced updates to its entire line of headers for 2021. The new lineup available in our area includes the HDR Rigid Cutterbar Drapers, RDF HydraFlex™ Drapers, and CR and CF Corn Heads. Each is compatible with the new John Deere X Series as well as most S Series Combines to help operators maximize their harvest operations while reducing grain loss in a wide range of conditions.

Let’s take a look at each of the headers, their key features and benefits:

HDR Rigid Cutterbar Drapers

John Deere’s HDR Rigid Cutterbar Drapers are ideal for soybean and small grain growers who want to harness their combines’ ability to harvest more acres per hour across various crops, conditions, and uneven and rolling terrain all while capturing more grain. The HDR features a new hinged frame that provides unparalleled terrain-following capability and more uniform cut height when harvesting on curves or uneven terrain. MacDon® owners should take notice. When you compare Deere’s HDR models to the MacDon® FD145, it has double the wing range at up to 22.9 on the HD50R, more consistent reel to cutterbar distance, and 25% more consistent stubble height.*

A valuable option available on the HDR models are Grain Saver Draper Belts which reduce cutterbar loss by 25% when compared with traditional, smooth draper belts, and are very effective for soybeans and small grains. Both the HDR and RDF models include a Two-Speed Center Feed Section. The slow speed helps to reduce throwing of easily shelled crops like soybeans.

There are 4 models available from the HD35R to the HD50R ranging in size from 35 ft. to 50 ft. cutting widths. The HD50R plus X9 1100 Combine can harvest up to 30 acres of soybeans or wheat per hour. When farmers upgrade from a 45 ft. model to a 50 ft. model, they can harvest up to 33 more acres per day. That’s some increase in productivity.

RDF HydraFlex Drapers

The RDF HydraFlex Draper models expand on Deere’s proven 700FD models while providing new grain saving features and benefits. These 4 new draper models with cutting widths ranging from 35 ft. to 45 ft. are compatible with X Series and even S Series Combines dating back to model year 2012. The Two-Speed Center Feed Section lets operators slow down the feed drum and center feed belt by 20% compared with the John Deere 700FD, allowing operators to reduce grain loss in easy shelling crops like soybeans while still harvesting at faster speeds without sacrificing cut quality. Other new features include header control unit for model year 2021, and the new auto belt speed that automatically adjusts the side belt to ground speed. These drapers carryover the field-proven John Deere 4-inch double-cut, dual-drive shaft HydraFlex Cutterbar. The knife system provides industry-exclusive cutting performance by making 1,980 cuts per minute to enable faster harvesting speeds.

CR and CF Corn Heads

In addition to the updated draper lineup, Deere also released updates to its rigid and folding corn heads. The new models are compatible with X Series and S Series Combines and are designed to help farmers harvest more bushels per hour in high-yielding corn while minimizing grain loss and damage. These models are also designed to match the higher capacity of X Series Combines letting you harvest as many as 7200 bushels of corn per hour.  

CR Rigid Corn Heads

The standard John Deere CR Corn Heads are available in 6 to 18 row models and feature many new innovations. The heads feature a larger 19-inch auger with higher torque to help cover more acres per hour and utilize the full potential of the combine’s power and capacity. Also, a smaller and more consistent gap between the auger flighting and rolled floor helps minimize the opportunity for ears to pinch or grind, reducing grain damage during harvest. For down or flat corn, the CR Corn Heads can be equipped with factory-installed Active End Fenders that pull more stalks into the head as the combine moves through the field. These heads all come with new factory-installed Stalk Deflectors that press corn stalks to the ground and fracture them at the base as the head passes over them. These deflectors reduce tire or track wear caused by standing corn stalks and help preserve the trade-in value of the combine and other equipment. And for nighttime operation, the heads feature industry-exclusive end-divider point lighting to help grain cart operators see the edge of the corn head and combine operators make sure they are in the right row after headland turns. The CR Corn Heads are all equipped with the proven RowMax™ Row Units with customizable Stalk Roll options.

CF Folding Corn Heads

Deere’s folding corn head lineup includes all the same updates as the rigid corn heads but also features a low-profile folding frame. The 12-, 16- and 18-row CF Folding Corn Heads are available for the X Series Combines and only the 12-row heads for S Series Combines. These folding models are ideal for customers looking for both productivity in the field and easy transport between fields. The CF Corn Heads boost industry-leading fold times in less than 60 seconds when attached to Deere S700 Combines and approximately 40 seconds with the Deere X9 Combines. Operators will also notice better visibility when the head is in the folded position. When compared to the 700FC, customers will notice an 8-foot, 2-inch visibility increase and a 14-foot, 4-inch visibility increase versus the Geringhoff Rota Disc®. Benefits of a folding corn head include decreased transport time, eliminating the need for extra header trailer equipment, and less storage space required.

We hope you enjoyed this look at Deere’s updated harvest header lineup. As Deere continues to release new updates and products, we will be here to inform you and answer any of your questions. If you are interested in any of the draper or corn head options discussed above and to review compatibility, please contact one of our sales team members or request a quote.

*Performance claims are based on internal testing, and on field and crop conditions at time of testing; individual results may vary.