John Deere W260m windrower

W260R cutting a center windrow discharge in field

Increase productivity by combining up to three windrows at time of cut, with the new John Deere Merger Attachment. It provides a versatile solution with the option of creating a center windrow discharge or a side windrow discharge. This solution helps enable the operator to get the windrow width and volume they desire. By raising the merger the operator can discharge the crop under the traction unit, creating their desired center windrow shape.

W260M side discharge with merger attachment in field

In order to side windrow discharge, the merger is engaged by lowering the merger table. The Self-Propelled Windrower will detect when the merger is installed, which will automatically integrate the merger lift state identifier, merger drive status, master merger switch, and the belt slip indicator into the display. The merger attachment is capable of moving crop either on top of or next to another windrow, so when the merger attachment is engaged, the operator can combine up to three windrows together.

Display page to pre-set hyrdo-handle buttons

In cab hydro-handle

Ease Of Use

The merger offers integrated functions, including the lift state identifier, merger drive status, master merger switch, and the belt slip indicator. It detects merger and head engagement and notifies the operator if the merger is in the down and off position. Certain features are automatically pre-set by default when the merger master switch is turned to on, it automatically integrates the preset 1/2/3 commands with the automation buttons. When the merger master switch is on, button one raises the head and merger to be used at the end of a row, button two lowers the head and merger while engaging the merger, and button three prepares the head for a center windrow discharge. Conversely, if the merger master switch is off, these commands will not be displayed. The merger presets can be toggled On/Off using the automation button run page.

Other features like TouchSetâ„¢ and AutoTracâ„¢ guidance, can also be controlled with the press of a button from the integrated in cab hydro-handle. TouchSet allows for platform features like windrow width formation, swath flap, forming shields, and roll gap adjustments to be controlled from the comfort of the cab. The AutoTrac guidance system enables precise steering and path accuracy, minimizing overlaps and skips during operation, resulting in improved efficiency and field coverage. These features contribute to the overall ride experience and mowing performance.

Display page for setting belt speed

Adjustability

On the John Deere Merger Attachment, the options for adjusting merger to crop conditions include modifying the belt speed and belt angle.

Belt speed is adjustable to include a variety of throw distances that include options for next-to or on-top-of discharge, enabling the operator to get the windrow shape they desire. To make adjustments the operator can increase or decrease belt speed by increasing or decreasing the set point on the merger display screen or can control the belt speed by using the hydro-handle rear scroller. The merger height can also be adjusted by using the height adjustment buttons found on the merger run page.

Angle adjustment bolts on lift system

The merger angle is adjustable by adjusting the four bolts on the lift system to the desired angle and by adjusting to the desired speed. Altering the merger angle affects the trajectory of the crop. These adjustments empower operators to attain their preferred windrow shape. Additionally, no adjustments are required for belt tracking because the merger features self-aligning belt tracking and is equipped with a single-point belt tension.

Industry exclusive belt slip notification display page

The merger attachment comes with an industry exclusive belt slip notification feature,, which protects merger components and impacts job quality.  which detects any belt slippage, indicating something is wrong. The belt slip indicator shows the current status of the belt by having the indicator hover over the colors green, yellow, or red, which helps the operator understand the conditions of the single belt while cutting. This improves decision-making and drives overall operational efficiency.

Compatibility

The John Deere merger attachment is compatible with the R500 roll conditioner platform only, as well as the W235M, W235R, W260M, and W260R Self-Propelled Windrowers.

See compatibility table below:

Field Analyzer

Work Analyzer

NOTE: Mowing and Swathing used interchangeably.

Mowing Documentation in John Deere Operations Centerâ„¢ allows the following information to be available anytime, anywhere.

• Utilize the cut date history to identify fields that need cut next by reviewing previous cut dates and scheduling the next required cuts and then quickly send the information to operator’s display via a Work Planner file.
• Assess dry down times using Mowing Documentation in conjunction with Bale Documentation through the John Deere Operations Center by reviewing the days between mowing and bailing.
• Look for efficiency opportunities by machine or operator, such as speed, productivity, fuel rate per area, and fuel rate per hour to understand field performance via coverage maps and seasonal performance in Work Analyzer.
• JDLinkâ„¢ provides seamless transfer of machine and agronomic data between equipment and Operations Center, which improves monitoring, planning, logistics and ease of analysis.

In Cab Comfort

Operators spend hours inside the Self-Propelled Windrowers when mowing and forming windrows. It is important for operators to have cab comfort to decrease the effects of fatigue and to have the features necessary to be productive in the field.

In Cab Productivity

The Self-Propelled Windrower cab allows operator to be more productive with a quiet working environment with plenty of visibility, storage, and features.

Compatibility

John Deere Self-Propelled Windrowers comes in both an M-Spec and R-Spec cabs. The M-Spec and the R-Spec cabs both offer different in-cab features, seat suspensions, conveniences, and exterior cab designs.

M-spec cab

M-spec windrower cab interior

M-spec windrower cab exterior

R-spec cab

R-spec windrower cab interior

R-spec windrower cab exterior

The R-spec cab comes in three different trim levels:

• Select
• Premium with air suspension seat
• Premium with active seat

Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Automated temperature control - R-spec only

CommandARM console in the W200M Windrowers

CommandARM console in the W200R Windrowers

The CommandARM console provides the operator with unmatched control of the windrower and platform. Controls are designed and positioned to enhance ergonomics and are easy to locate and use. Operators will appreciate the look and feel of the control console in the windrowers, which are similar to the design used in John Deere tractors and combines.

Adjustment of the CommandARM console meets the needs of every operator. It adjusts at an angle, fore/aft, and up and down for precise operator comfort.

The CommandARM console provides access to the most frequently used windrower controls:

• Field/road speed range
• Float adjust
• Platform speed adjustments
• Throttle – low idle, variable idle, and high idle
• Platform engage/disengage
• Windrower merger speed, raise, and lower (if equipped)
• Road hazard engage/disengage
• Gen 4 CommandCenterâ„¢ display navigation
• Display menu shortcut buttons
• Climate control switches
• Worklight switches
• Beacon light switches

Multi-function lever

The controls vital to the operation of the W200 Series Windrowers are conveniently located on the multi-function lever. The ergonomic multi-function lever gives the operator fingertip control of the following functions:

• Platform float suspension adjustment
• Windrower merger position (if equipped)
• Platform presets (to raise, lower, and engage AutoTracâ„¢ system)
• Increase/decrease cutterbar or draper speed
• Platform raise/lower
• Platform tilt

The multi-function lever is also associated with the following functions:

• Forward/reverse ground speed
• Automatically disengages the park brake when moved from the park position with the engine running
  • The park brake is automatically engaged when placed in park.
• With platform enabled and on rotary traction units only, automatically raises the platform when moved from forward to reverse position
  • This function prevents wrapping cut crop into condition rolls.

Cornerpost display on the cab post

The cornerpost display features electronic instrumentation and blends well with the narrow, right-hand cab post, providing excellent visibility to the header. The cornerpost display is divided into an upper and lower region. The upper region provides traction unit information, and the lower region provides platform-specific information.

Radiator screen assembly

The W200 Series Self-Propelled Windrowers feature several improvements over previous designs to keep the engine operating at optimal levels and improve engine life. Design features include:

• Increased screen area of 19 percent provides more air flow through the cooling package than previous models.
• Smooth, rounded path inside the wand and ducts keeps debris from slowing and plugging.
• Air lab engineered and field-tested ducting is sized for air velocity and continual removal of debris.
• Wand backer plate helps stop debris from being sucked against the screen from the cooling fan for better cleaning performance.
• Cool air intake draws air from above the chassis, minimizing debris intake to cooling package.
• A stamped metal rear screen provides easier cleaning.
• The air conditioner condenser and oil cooler assembly swing out for easy serviceability and cleaning.

Oil cooler and air conditioner assembly

The W200 Series Windrowers are tested in tough conditions of over 37.8° C (100° F) to ensure that the drives stay properly cooled for maximum life and reliability. The 94.6-L (25-gal.) oil reservoir supplies oil to the pumps. Oil is cooled as it passes through the combination oil cooler and air conditioner condenser assembly at the rear of the machine.

Live monitoring of the hydraulic oil temperature at the left and right drive motors and reservoir limit switch protects against overheating during drive motor stall or high-grade terrain conditions

Variable-speed fan drive

The eight-blade cooling fan incorporates a viscous drive system that provides precise control over fan speed during operation. Optimization of the viscous fan speed leads to significant reductions in parasitic losses in certain operating conditions.

The fan speed is controlled by various factors such as engine coolant temperature, intake manifold air temperature, or hydraulic oil temperature. This level of control allows the fan to operate only at the required speed to keep the engine and cooling package at optimal operating temperature and reduces engine noise levels.

Heavy-duty drive motor

The heavy-duty drive motors provide an increased torque rating for dependable operation in borders, irrigation wheel tracks, and rough field conditions.

They come in two options for the M-spec machines: 29 or 38.6 km/h (18 or 24 mph). The R-spec machines are only available as 38.6 km/h (24 mph).

Fuel and diesel exhaust fluid tanks

The diesel fuel and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) fill locations on the W200 Series Self-Propelled Windrowers provide convenient filling from the ground level.

DEF sight gauge

The DEF sight gauge keeps operators from overfilling the tank, preventing spills and damage from freezing and expansion in cold weather.

Remote battery terminal

A remote batter terminal, conveniently located on the left-hand platform near the fluid fill, provides power for the 12-V fuel pumps on refueling tanks.

Constant header speed

Constant header speed is a feature unique to the W200 Series Self-Propelled Windrowers. It is made possible by a state-of-the-art platform hydraulic pump control system that monitors platform speed and controls the pump to maintain a required speed. Constant header speed translates to a consistent cut quality and uniform windrow formation throughout varying crop conditions and terrain changes.

As crop conditions change, causing the header to slow, or if the engine begins to load as terrain changes, the control system diverts more oil flow to the platform drive motor to maintain the header speed set point. This widens the peak power range of the header, delivering optimal power when it is needed most.

Other advantages of constant header speed include:

• Ability to run the header at slower speeds in lighter crops, translating to less overall fuel consumption
• Ability to run engine speed under rated rpm and maintain the set header speed
• Improved ramp up and down speeds upon starting and stopping the platform, increasing life of header and platform drivetrain components

The industry-exclusive, rear-wheel steer assist system provides added control to the windrowers, enabling higher cutting and transport speeds.

IntelliAxle steer assist also has independent rear suspension, smoothing out the roughest field and road conditions and decreasing operator fatigue during long days in the field.

Independent rear suspension

Independent rear suspension

The independent rear suspension contributes to a better quality of ride and less fatigue for the operator. The torsion axle design absorbs the shock experienced in rough terrains, allowing faster cutting speeds.

Rear-wheel steer assist

Rear-wheel steer assist

The rear-wheel steer assist system allows easier, more positive handling in the field as well as on the road during transport. Improved from the 450 Series design, the W200 Series features an electrohydraulic, proportionally controlled rear steering system that provides tighter steering and better control at higher speeds.

In-field working speeds up to 27.3 km/h (17 mph) and road speeds up to 38.6 km/h (24 mph) are achieved with the help of this improved axle design.

Smooth, fluent steering helps the operator to maintain complete control of the windrower during sharp turns and aggressive field conditions. The steering sensitivity is manually tuned by the operator using the CommandCenterâ„¢ display to match operator preference and field conditions.

The steer assist system provides three modes of steering aid as the machines travel through the speed ranges:

1. Inactive
   • At speeds less than 6.4 km/h (4 mph), the IntelliAxle steer assist system is not active and the front drive wheels solely control the machine steering.
2. Field range
   • At speeds above 6.4 km/h (4 mph), the IntelliAxle steering system begins to contribute to steering the machine by hydraulically assisting the turning of the rear caster wheels. The operator can set the desired sensitivity for the field range using the CommandCenter display.
3. Transport range
   • For transport range, the operator can set a different sensitivity independent from field range. If preferred, this gives the operator increased flexibility in tuning the steering system to desired sensitivity for higher transport speeds.

Faster field and transport speeds

Faster field and transport speeds are achieved with the increased controllability and stability provided by the rear-wheel steer assist system and independent rear-wheel suspension. The IntelliAxle system, when coupled with the integrated AutoTracâ„¢ steering system, delivers unmatched performance and productivity.

W260M Windrower with R500 Rotary Platform

The W200 Series Self-Propelled Windrowers exhibit the industry’s first fully integrated AutoTrac steering system without the use of electrohydraulic pumps or universal type add-ons. The steering system features the industry’s only steering design, utilizing multiple steering systems to maximize controllability.

Additionally, this increased accuracy and controllability allows for faster operating speeds. Integrated AutoTrac on the W200 Series can run up to 27.4 km/h (17 mph) if conditions allow.

A unique hydraulic over mechanical design controls coarse adjustments of the drive pumps, and an electrohydraulic proportional rear steering system executes fine adjustments, delivering the most accurate steering system in its class.

W200 Series Self-Propelled Windrowers are AutoTrac ready from the factory and require only a display, AutoTrac activation, and StarFireâ„¢ receiver to enable. Click here to learn more about required components for AutoTrac on W200 Windrowers.

AutoTrac ensures more consistency and that more of the platform engages the crop at all times, leading to increased productivity. This adds value to the operation by providing more consistent windrows, longer operating hours, and less fatigue.

Integrated AutoTrac on the W200 Series far outperforms previous windrower options, delivering faster cutting speeds and more acres cut in less time.

Uneven cutting surfaces such as irrigation berms and pivot wheel tracks make for challenging cutting. The W200 Series Windrowers feature independent platform float suspension to improve cut quality on non-level surfaces and deliver improved performance.

Improved flotation on non-level surface

Increase cut quality on uneven cutting surfaces

The independent float suspension delivers improved cut quality along irrigation berms and pivot tracks.

Adjusting the float suspension independently allows the platform to ride on the raised surface with proper floatation, reducing gouging and dirt buildup on the platform. Less dirt buildup means increased uptime and less dirt in the windrow, delivering higher quality hay and forage.

With TouchSet the adjustments to the R500 rotary header can be made from the cab. You can adjust the formation shields, roll gap, and swath flap on the go.

Windrow width adjustments

To perform windrow width adjustments previously, you had to crawl under the machine to loosen and adjust the forming shields.

Adjust the swath flap from the display

Adjust the forming shield from the display

Roll gap adjustments

Roll gap adjustments

With TouchSet, the operator can select and adjust the swath flap, roll gap, and forming shield settings easily right from the display.

Preset adjustments

Customize a preset for a field or crop

TouchSet comes with a preset library of different crops to select while cutting. The crop selection automatically adjusts the header for that particular crop.

You can also customize your own preset for a particular field and/or cutting. This allows you to quickly adjust the swath flap, forming shields, head tilt, and cutterbar speed.