John Deere expands MoCo line-up for 2021

John Deere is adding a new 5m centre pivot C500 model, a redesigned 4m centre pivot C400 model, standard quick change knives and a five-year cutterbar warranty to its 2021 zero series mower conditioner (MoCo) offering.

In total, eight new Zero Series models are now available, ranging in cutting widths from 2.5m to 5m. The new models will effectively replace the 600, 800 and 900 Series models.

The 2021 John Deere MoCo range includes the side-pull S250, S300 and S350 machines; and centre-pivot C300, C350, C400, C450 and C500.

A new naming and numbering system will help customers differentiate between centre-pivot and side-pull machines, cut width and series. For example, the “C” on the C500 identifies it as a centre-pivot MoCo, while the “S” on the S300 indicates it is a side-pull unit. The next two digits “50” represent approximate cut width in meters - 5.0 meters for the C500 or 3.0 meters for the S300, and the last digit “0” identifies the MoCo series.

RELATED READS:

John Deere Tactical Segment Marketing Manager, Fraser Scott, said the Zero Series was designed to help both commercial and non-commercial hay producers manage tight harvest windows by getting more crop cut and ready to bale.

“For producers wanting to cover more ground more quickly, the C500 is 10 per cent wider than the previous model, the 956, to ensure more hectares are harvested every hour,” he said.

To move crop from the cutterbar to the conditioner rolls more efficiently, the C500 utilises the same overshot cross auger design used on John Deere’s 500R Rotary Windrower platforms. The system delivers improved cut quality and reduced ash content while promoting fast dry down through improved windrow formation, John Deere said.

The C400 is now lighter, offers better weight distribution and features wider conditioning rolls than its predecessor, the 946, John Deere added.

The lighter weight makes it compatible with a wide range of tractors, and the wider conditioning rolls allow improved crop conditioning and windrow formation, Deere explained. The C400 also features a repositioned driveline above the main beam of the tongue for improved serviceability access.

To further simplify routine service and maintenance, John Deere is offering a new Quick Change Knife system for all model year 2021 MoCos to reduce the time needed to replace worn or damaged knives.

“Using a simple handheld tool, farmers can replace a worn or damaged knife in only a few seconds,” Scott said.

“In addition, Zero Series MoCos utilise a field-proven John Deere low-profile cutterbar, and large, reliable shear-hub-protected drive gears with a single oil-check location.”

Wider windrows have been proven to be effective in improving crop drying times, hence John Deere is offering the Wide Swath Kit attachment as standard on John Deere MoCos from three to four meters wide. The kit was previously offered as an optional extra.

With the attachment, the C400 can be adjusted to create windrows up to 330cm in width.

When ordering a new Zero Series MoCo, customers can choose from four conditioning options to match their preference. These include the impeller - an economical solution for cutting grasses and grass/legume mixes; a urethane roll conditioner for cutting thicker stemmed grasses and leafy crops such as alfalfa, cane and legumes; and steel V-10 or Tri-Lobe roll conditioners for added durability.

A new drawbar swivel hitch is also available on the 3m and 4m Zero Series MoCos for improved manoeuvrability and ease of transport. The swivel hitch allows for greater than 90-degree turning without chatter, noise, or damage to the driveline.

Depending on the model, there are four hitch options to choose from – clevis, equal angle, drawbar swivel, and rockshaft swivel. The 4m and larger centre-pivot MoCos are offered exclusively with swivel hitches.

All Zero Series MoCos include an extended five-year cutterbar warranty and can be ordered from October 1, 2020 onwards.