John Deere adds new five-metre MoCo model

By John Deere Australia

John Deere has updated and expanded its Mower Conditioner lineup for model year 2021 with the addition of a new model and a number of key upgrades to its popular Zero Series MoCos.

Notable changes include an additional model, the five-metre centre pivot C500, and the redesigned four-metre centre pivot C400. Quick change knives are now standard, as well as an industry-leading five-year cutterbar warranty across the range. In total, eight new Zero Series models are now available, ranging in cutting widths from 2.5 metres to five metres.

Zero Series MoCos can be ordered from 1 October, replacing all 600, 800 and 900 Series models. The range includes side-pull S250, S300 and S350 machines; and centre-pivot C300, C350, C400, C450 and C500.

A new naming and numbering system will help customers differentiate between centre-pivot and side-pull machines, cut width and series. For example, on the C500, "C" identifies it as a centre-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.

John Deere Tactical Segment Marketing Manager, Fraser Scott, said the Zero Series was designed to help commercial and non-commercial hay producers manage tight harvest windows by getting more crop cut and ready to bale.

"We're excited to bring the C500 and the new updates to the Zero Series range to our valued customers, to even better support efficient and targeted hay and forage production," Mr Scott said.

"For producers wanting to cover more ground more quickly, the C500 is 10% wider than the previous model, the 956, to ensure more hectares are harvested every hour," Mr Scott said.

To move crop from the cutterbar to the conditioner rolls more efficiently, the C500 utilises the same field-proven overshot cross auger design used on John Deere 500R Rotary Windrower platforms. This system delivers improved cut quality and reduced ash content while promoting fast dry down through improved windrow formation.

The all-new C400 is lighter, offers better weight distribution and features wider conditioning rolls than its predecessor, the 946. The lighter weight of a C400 makes it compatible with a wide range of tractors, and the wider conditioning rolls allow improved crop conditioning and windrow formation. The C400 also features a repositioned driveline above the main beam of the tongue that improves access for easier serviceability.

To further simplify routine service and maintenance, John Deere is offering its new Quick Change Knife system for all model year 2021 MoCos to reduce the time needed to replace worn or damaged knives by more than 50%, compared to a standard bolted knife.

"Using a simple handheld tool, farmers can replace a worn or damaged knife in only a few seconds," Mr Scott said.

"In addition, Zero Series MoCos utilise a field-proven John Deere low-profile cutterbar, and large, 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. With that in mind, forming vanes, previously offered as an optional Wide Swath Kit attachment, are now base equipment on John Deere MoCos from three to four meters wide and increase their ability to spread crop up to 25% wider than a similar machine without the vanes. The C400 can be adjusted to create windrows up to 330 cm (130 in) wide.

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. These choices include the impeller, an economical solution for cutting grasses and grass/legume mixes; a urethane roll conditioner for cutting thicker stemmed grasses and leafy crops such as alfalfa or clover, cane or legumes; or steel V-10 or Tri-Lobe roll conditioners that provide added durability.

A new drawbar swivel hitch is also available on three and four-metre Zero Series MoCos providing improved maneuverability and ease of transport compared to standard clevis and equal angle hitches. The swivel hitch allows for greater than 90-degree turning without chatter, noise, or damage to the driveline. Depending on the model there are four hitch options to choose from – clevis for side-pull machines, equal angle, drawbar swivel, and rockshaft swivel. The four-meter and larger centre-pivot MoCos are offered exclusively with swivel hitches.

All Zero Series MoCos include an extended five-year cutterbar warranty that covers parts and labour to help keep the cost of operation low. For more information, visit your local John Deere dealer or http://www.deere.com.au/en/hay-forage/mowing/mower-conditioners/

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