A Windrower that Gets More Done in Less Time
The new WR9900 Series of windrowers offers operators additional power, comfort and all-around productivity.
By Jeff Caldwell | Photos By David Bagley
“Increased power, more comfort and greater versatility—the new WR9900 Series windrower offers that and more,” says Zach Quintana, Massey Ferguson hay marketing specialist. “With input from our customers, these new self-propelled windrowers were designed with a more ergonomic cab to provide comfort on long days behind the wheel, and more horsepower to cut through dense crops, without sacrificing maneuverability or fuel efficiency.”
Higher-yielding forage and biomass crops created the demand for machines that can handle more tonnage per acre, as well as the components necessary to do so, including the header. “A big advantage the increased horsepower gives us is it allows machines to handle larger headers more efficiently via a tandem hydraulic pump for the header drive,” Quintana says. “So, for example, the WR9800 Series was capable of pushing up to 91 HP to the cutter bar, while the WR9900 series can push up to 140 HP.” Even the lowest HP model in this series—the WR9950—can now run rotary headers due to the increase in horsepower.
Capturing Higher Feed Values
On the WR9900 Series, increased power paired with the TwinMax conditioning system and RazorBar disc headers allow for a more completely conditioned and closer, cleaner cut of the harvested forage. “The TwinMax conditioners crimp every 1 to 2 inches,” adds Quintana, “and that helps moisture escape better, allowing for quicker, more consistent drydown.
“In addition,” he emphasizes, “the low-profile cutterbar on the RazorBar allows for more acres per hour, while achieving a closer cut with less ash. The combination of the TwinMax and RazorBar means a higher feed value for that forage being harvested.”
Cab Comfort Has Benefits
Beyond the new windrowers’ increased power, the improved visibility, cab size and comfort of the WR9900 Series add to productivity gains. Consider that in typical forage harvest operations, heat and rough operating conditions are common causes for operator fatigue.
“Heat, sound and jarring conditions all fatigue the operator,” Quintana says. “The WR9900 Series includes 50% more air-conditioning power over previous models, and an independent GlideRider™ rear-axle suspension, air-ride cab and a semi-active seat help combat fatigue.
“Increased cab size and glass space just makes it easier, safer and more comfortable when spending long days in the field. It provides the operator the ability, at the end of the day, to feel less fatigued, to spend less time to get things done, or allow him or her to run longer.”
That increased comfort, plus additional power, says Quintana, “means more hay gets cut in a shorter window, and that,” he adds, “helps preserve hay quality and makes our customers more successful.”
The WR9980 features 265 HP, while the WR9970 takes 235 HP to the field; both are powered by AGCO Power™ 7.4L 6-cylinder diesel engines. The two other models in the series pack a powerful punch, as well. The WR9960 runs at 197 HP and WR9950 at 160 HP, and both are equipped with the always reliable AGCO Power 4.9L 4-cylinder diesel engines.
