Hesston by Massey Ferguson from AGCO has introduced more horsepower and throughput capacity for hay and forage products in its new WR9900 Series of four, self-propelled windrowers unveiled during the 2017 Farm Progress Show.

The WR9900 Series windrower models include: WR9950 (160 HP), WR9960 (197 HP), WR9970 (235 HP), and WR9980 (265 HP). All have the power and ability to operate 9200 Series auger and disc headers and the 5400 Series draper headers.

The WR9900 Series replaces AGCO’s WR9800 Series.

Producer feedback

AGCO says WR9900 Series improvements were the result of feedback from hay producers and custom forage harvesters who wanted increased performance, power, and comfort in a windrower. In response, the company developed the 265-HP model WR9980 - AGCO’s most powerful windrower yet.

The WR9980 handles heavy crops including winter forage and thick grass without the inconvenience of a larger wheelbase, plus compaction-causing weight and overall dimension.

Power is delivered in the new windrowers. The WR9950 and WR9960 models are equipped with the AGCO Power 4.9L four-cylinder diesel engines while the WR9970 and WR9980 windrowers have AGCO’s Power 7.4L six-cylinder diesel engines.

Taking it for a spin

AGCO discussed its new WR9900 Series line in June with media during an event held in Somerton, Ariz. attended by Farm Press and other media. AGCO operated its WR9600 windrower in an alfalfa field ‘ready-for-cutting,’ taking media representatives one-by-one for a ride in the cab.

AGCO Strategic Marketing Manager Dean Morrell told reporters, “The goal is to put more power to the header. With larger pumps and motors it delivers more horsepower.”

Power to cut the crop is delivered by a new hydraulic system with a 20 percent increase in available flow to 16-foot headers. AGCO says this increases performance and throughput, especially in heavy crop conditions.

A new, larger tandem hydraulic pump delivers additional hydraulic flow to the header and new larger hydraulic motors on the 16-foot disc header delivers the increased power to the cutterbar and conditioner rolls.

In addition, the hydraulic oil cooler is larger to accommodate the increased hydraulic capabilities of the new WR9900 Series.

Superior, cool ride 

Cab features that help reduce fatigue and increase efficiency were a close second on operators’ wish lists.

“Getting hay harvested ahead of adverse weather is a common challenge and often means long hours in the field,” says AGCO. “Adding more safety and comfort features to make them easier to operate was extremely important when designing the new WR9900 Series windrowers.”

Morrell told Farm Press, “The new cab has a lot more room and comfort. The air conditioner is awesome.”

During the Arizona test drive, harsh summer temperatures in the field spiked to 113 degrees. Morrell said, “Even at this high heat, the air conditioner was not even running at full speed.”

WR9900 Series windrowers feature AGCO’s VisionCab with a 130-square-foot interior offering improved visibility, more comfort, and a smoother ride. The cab has a large, curved windshield for better visibility. The tinted rear window cuts heat from the sun and reduces reflection on the monitor screen.

Standard equipment

Standard equipment in the WR9900 Series includes automatic climate control and an air-ride cab suspension system with shock absorbers to limit vibrations to reduce operator fatigue. The air suspension seat moves from side to side, and fore and aft for a smoother ride, especially when operating at faster field speeds, on pivots, along borders, or in rough field conditions.

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