A flex draper offering more capacity, speed and flex has won the coveted 2022 Henty Machine of the Year award at the annual machinery field days.
The MacDon FD2 Flex Draper entered by MacDon Australia, impressed judges with its innovation, design and engineering, defeating 21 other new machines and equipment at the cutting edge of agricultural technology.
Judging criteria include the machine’s purpose and suitability, scope of application, construction (durability and design), ease of maintenance and service, ease of operation and adjustment, availability of parts and overall value for money.
The MacDon FD2 Flex Draper provided an irresistable case for the five independent judges, while the John Deere See & Spray Select entered by Hutcheon and Pearce was also highly commended by the panel.
Judge Warren Scheetz said selecting the winner was difficult.
“Competition was extremely close over a broad range of areas between all entrants,” he said.
“The MacDon has increased the performance of the draper front by 20 per cent to match the ever-growing high capacities of the modern day headers.
“MacDon has also increased the flex of the machine by up to 70 per cent over previous models along with the ground following capabilities.
“It is a simple, well-constructed mechanical design featuring ease of use.”
The FD2 boasts an all-new frame that features a super structured five-sided back tube. This solid backbone creates a durable platform to handle the toughest of conditions.
Meanwhile, using computer vision and advanced nozzle control technology to target spray weeds in fallow fields, the John Deere See & Spray Select significantly reduces herbicide use by applying only what is required.
When using the targeted spray, small cameras integrated in the boom continuously scan the paddock and send data to the sprayer’s vision processing unit.
Once weeds are identified, specific nozzles are activated to target spray them.
Other entrants into the Machine of the Year award include:
The 2022 Henty Machinery Field Days conclude on Thursday, September 22.