Make windrow width adjustments from the cab in John Deere's W200

Dec 10, 2023

John Deere's W200 series M and R windrowers are designed for quick dry down, fast transport speeds and easy, in-cab windrow width adjustments.

"Every minute the crop stays in the field after cutting reduces tonnage and decreases hay quality," says Chase Milem, John Deere hay and forage marketing manager. "John Deere W200 Series M and R windrowers provide customers with the unmatched ability to get the most from every acre, at reduced acquisition and operating costs."

The W200 Series comes in a range of models to suit the needs of different producers. The W200M and W235M are a more cost-effective option at a new lower horsepower option. The W235R and W260R were designed with beef and dairy producers in mind with improved windrow formation and drydown.

A new electrohydraulic, proportionally controlled rear-wheel steer assist system provides added control to the windrowers, enabling higher cutting speeds up to 17 mph and transport speeds up to 24 mph. Independent rear suspension smooths out the ride, with torsion axle design absorbing shock in rough terrains.

An independent platform float suspension improves cut quality on uneven surfaces. Operators can adjust float suspension independently to allow the platform to ride on raised surfaces with proper floatation. This reduces gouging and dirt buildup for increased uptime and less dirt in the windrow, meaning higher quality hay and forage.

The W200 windrowers have several improvements to engine operation over previous designs. An increased screen area plus changes to the ducts and wand prevent debris build-up and promote cooling to the engine.

Diesel fuel and exhaust fluid fill locations are at ground level for convenient fueling. A sight gauge prevents operators from overfueling, potentially leading to spills, or freezing and expansion in cold weather. The air conditioner condenser and oil cooler assembly swing out for easy maintenance.

All of the W200 series of windrowers are compatible with the D600 draper platforms available in 25-, 30-, and 36-foot widths, interchangeable between units in 30 minutes or less, meaning growers can use one traction unit for harvesting both small grains and hay.

The D600 draper belt drive motor pulls the belt — instead of pushing in an end drive system — making for less slack and increased torque, which means less belt slippage in heavy crop conditions. Optional hydraulic deck shift allows operators to windrow out of the center, right or left ends of the draper with the press of a button.

The R500 rotary platforms have a 16-foot cut width and are compatible with all W200 Series models, while the R400 has a 13-foot cut width and is only compatible with the W200M and W235M. For conditioning options, operators have the choice between impeller, urethane, V-10 steel, or Tri-Lobe steel on the R500.

Improvements to the frame, swathboard, and forming shields on both models help maintain windrow formation and uniformity for reduced drydown times for dry hay. The angled frame merges crops into the forming shields, which are now easily adjustable from 36 inches up to 85 inches to control windrow width.

Previously, operators would have to crawl under the machine to perform windrow width adjustments. With the new TouchSet technology, they can now adjust the rotary header formation shields and swath flap without leaving the cab. TouchSet has a preset library of header adjustments for different crops, with the option to customize a present for particular fields and cutting conditions.

"Historically you’d have to get out and manually make those adjustments, but from the joystick, they can easily just make that adjustment as they’re going from field to field," says Milem.

A low-profile cornerpost display is divided into two sections; the top region provides traction unit information, and the bottom shows platform-specific information. The windrower is also compatible with the JDLink service, allowing operators to connect and manage their machines from the web or mobile app.

The W200M and W235M windrowers have features for a comfortable and quiet ride with automatic temperature control, a seat with mechanical suspension, tilt-steering column, multi-function lever, and halogen work lights.

The W235R and W260R have three cab configurations to choose from: the standard cab package, with an air suspension seat, or with an active suspension seat. The R Series offer a more premium, comfortable experience than the more cost-effective M Series.

"With our R models, we upped the technology in them," says Milem. "They have a premium cab — the same exact cab we use on our X9 combines."

The R models are also compatible with John Deere's StarFire GPS receiver to assist with pass accuracy in the field.

The W200 M and R Series self-propelled windrowers are available to order now. The W200M starts around $171,000 with base configuration, the W235M around $184,000, the W235R around $197,000, and the W260R around $210,000. For more information, visit JohnDeere.com.