AGCO Offers Assisted-Steering Kits for Self-Propelled Windrowers

AGCO gets an A for accuracy. The worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural equipment has recently introduced the AES-25 accurate electric steering wheel and the System 150 automated steering system to the market for use on select self-propelled windrowers from Hesston by Massey Ferguson and Challenger. These auto-steering products provide hay and small-grains producers with the most accurate and simple-to-operate assisted steering available in the industry for self-propelled windrowers.

Field demonstrations show these steering systems work together to reduce overlap and allow windrower operation at faster speeds, helping operators cut as much as 7 to 10 percent more hay each day than with manual steering. In fact, at the 2-cm accuracy level, which results in virtually no overlap, operators were able to harvest as much as 155 acres in a 10-hour day when using a 16-ft sickle-bar head, resulting in fewer passes across the field, reduced fuel use and less operator stress and fatigue.

“The AES-25 is an innovative and high-performance automatic steering system ideal for custom operators and professional hay growers who want maximum productivity and efficiency,” said Marlin Melander, technology marketing specialist with AGCO Advanced Technology Solutions. “The technology also results in a cleaner cut, by freeing the machine operator to watch for damaged or missing sickle sections or knives that can leave strips of crop in the field if not replaced.” Melander also points out that guided steering means all swaths are the same size, so crop dry down is uniform for faster baling, chopping and harvesting as well as more consistent forage quality.

Free System 150 and AES-25 Steering System with Purchase of New SP Windrower*
Five popular windrower series may be equipped with the AES-25 and System 150 including Hesston Series 9000 and 9005 self-propelled windrowers from Massey Ferguson and the Challenger SP110, SP115 and SP185 Series machines. Producers considering purchasing new Tier 3-compliant machines from dealer stock and the auto-steering package will want to take advantage of purchase incentives. The offer includes a free System 150, AES-25 electric steering wheel kit and a self-propelled windrower field installation kit with the purchase of a new Challenger self-propelled windrower or Hesston by Massey Ferguson self-propelled windrower between April 1 and June 30, 2011.

Industry Leading Accuracy
The AES-25 system provides the highest level of accuracy — up to 2 cm pass-to-pass and repeatable — in the electric steering wheel market. To help achieve this accuracy, the AES-25 electric steering system features an industry-exclusive position sensor. This feature allows the System 150 to monitor the steering wheel position and make steering corrections faster and more accurately. Another feature that improves performance is the AES-25 electric drive system. It is the only one in the industry with the power and torque to operate at high-accuracy levels.

The AES-25 system’s quiet, high-torque direct-drive motor provides silent operation to prevent unwanted cab noise. Likewise, the AES-25 does not intrude into the operator’s working area. With its industry-exclusive direct-drive motor, there are no external components — such as scrubber wheel drive motors or large gear and motor housings — that could interfere with day-to-day operation. Plus, the AES-25 system can be installed and steering in just minutes, rather than requiring hours of setup like other steering systems. It also transfers easily from machine to machine.

“From its easy installation to operator-friendly operation and high level of accuracy, not only does the AES-25 system provide precise steering control, but it’s an excellent alternative to common hydraulic steering systems,” explained Melander. “AES-25 is just one more in the growing line of advanced precision-farming products AGCO brings to customers through our partnership with Topcon.”

*Sales tax, freight, dealer setup, installation and administration costs are excluded from this offer. Offer good on select models only. Free System 150 Precision Auto Steering offer is in addition to published finance or cash discount programs. Contact your participating dealer for more details. Offer good April 1-June 30, 2011. Programs are subject to change without notice. Offer void where prohibited.