Case IH unveils upgraded windrowers

Officially launched at the Case IH Red Excellence Tour earlier this year, the WD4 series comprises three models - the WD1204 with 120hp, the WD1904 with 190hp, and the WD2304 with 226hp.

"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," says Case IH Product Manager for Hay and Harvest, Tim Slater.

The most significant upgrade, according to Slater, is a redesigned hydraulic system.

Better hydraulics

"We’ve incorporated a header hydraulic drive system that uses two pumps to power two separate circuits on the draper headers," he says.

"One pump is used to power the header knife drive circuit, and the second powers the circuit for the reel and draper belts. The knife drive circuit can require significantly higher operating pressures than the reel or draper drive circuits."

He adds the benefit of splitting the two circuits into a ‘high-pressure circuit’, and a ‘low pressure circuit’ is that there is a reduction in the horsepower demand on the windrower which translates into reduced fuel consumption.

"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," Slater says.

Enhanced manoeuvrability and steering

Case IH has installed a new hydraulically controlled drive system and rear castor wheels to the WD4 series to enhance the new models' steering capabilities.

“We worked with NASCAR specialists, Pratt & Miller Engineering on the design of the steering components, and angled the rear axle swivel post caster at nine degrees, which allows the unit to respond to forward or reversing motions and quick turns while maintaining straight line stability," Slater says.

"Self-propelled windrowers are traditionally extremely responsive to steering wheel input which at times can make them difficult to steer, but with the new hydraulic system we can now incorporate AFS AccuGuide auto steering control down to two centimetre accuracy."

Different heads for different crops

The WD4 series is available with a range of header options including 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 have 1080mm of ground clearance under the tractor unit, allowing the operator to drive over swaths more easily without disturbing the formed swath.

A powered lowering function aids in the process of changing heads over.

New cab design

The new cab on the WD4 windrowers is based on the deluxe cab found on previous versions of Case IH's Axial-Flow combine harvesters.

Some of the new features added to the cabin 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.

A Multi-Function handle found on the Axial- Flow combines is also installed in the WD4 units, which allows the operator to raise the header, lower, tilt and return to cut without having to remove their hands from the handle.

Other upgrades include design improvements to match Case IH's current hay tool line-up, such as a remodelled roof and oval shaped LED lights for better visibility and a sleeker look.

The WD4 series includes a deluxe lighting package of four LED work lights and halogen lights in the roof, two rearward facing LED work lights and two LED stubble lights (forward facing mounted in front of the rear axle).

The Case IH WD4 range of windrowers is available for purchase now in Australia.