MACHINERY

New windrowers from Case IH

CASE IH has unveiled the WD4 Series self-propelled windrower, armed with a revamped hydraulic system and improved steering.

Alex Paull
New windrowers from Case IH

The WD4 Series burst onto the scene at Case IH’s Red Excellence Tour earlier this year, and comprises three models – the WD1204 with 120hp (90kW), the WD1904 with 190 rated hp (142kW) and 199 max hp (149kW) and the WD2304 with 226 rated hp (168kW) and 235 max hp (179kW).

“Following the success of the WD3, we’re pleased to introduce the new and improved WD4 Series, which lives up to our goal of continually improving our products to meet changing customer demands,” Case IH Hay and Harvest product manager Tim Slater said. 

We’ve incorporated a header hydraulic drive system that uses two pumps to power two separate circuits on the draper headers. One pump is used to power the header knife drive circuit, and the second powers the circuit for the reel and draper belts.

“We’ve paid attention to every detail to ensure the new hydraulics truly provide an improved user experience - from maintaining easy access for servicing and better valve performance and reliability, to mechanical locks that keep control cartridges from loosening when exposed to high pressure over time.”  

The enhanced steering comprises a new hydraulically controlled drive system and rear castor wheels that enable the windrower to turn on itself, almost within its own lengths.

There are three different heads designed for the windrower – a sickle mower conditioner (in 14ft, 16ft and 18ft widths) for more delicate crops, a disc mower conditioner (in 16ft or 19ft widths) for efficient hay cutting and a draper front (in 25ft, 30ft, 36ft and 40ft widths) for windrowing crops such as canola. 

All WD4 units also have 1080mm of ground clearance under the tractor unit, allowing the operator to drive over swaths more easily without disturbing the formed swath. 

The remodelled cab is another new feature of the WD4 Series, which utilises the deluxe cab used on previous versions of the Axial-Flow combine. 

Enhancements include automatic temperature control, front and rear sunshades, four speakers, windscreen washer/wipers, in-cab electric adjustable mirrors and an AFS Pro 700 display mounted on the console. 

“The Multi-Function Handle has commonality with the Axial-Flow combines, allowing the operator to raise the header, lower, tilt and return to cut – all without the operator removing their hand from the Multi-Function Handle,” Slater said. 

The Case IH WD4 Series windrower is available now.

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