New Holland has taken the Discbine disc mower-conditioner to a new level of durability and function with two new center-pivot models.

Combining both speed and performance, New Holland’s new center-pivot Discbine 313 (13-foot cutting width) and Discbine 316 (16.3-foot cutting width) disc mower-conditioners are designed for cleaner cutting, more efficient crop flow and smoother, more effective conditioning.

“The larger discs and a wider conditioning system on these new Discbine models combine to provide cleaner cutting, better crop flow and more consistent drying in all types of crops,” says Michael Cornman, Dairy and Livestock Segment Marketing Manager.

WideDry Conditioning

New Holland’s new Discbine models feature the best-in-class WideDry conditioning system. The chevron-design intermeshing rubber rolls, steel intermeshing rolls or LeaningEdge flails are 22.5% wider than previous models. The highest cut to conditioning ratio in the industry provides less crop convergence, ultimately resulting in better hay quality The 125 inch WideDry system allows the crop mat to flow more smoothly and evenly through these wider rolls for more consistent conditioning and faster drydown. Excellent crop feeding, particularly in thick grasses, cane and other high-volume crops, showcase the Discbine to be the best choice in all crops.

MowMax II Disc Cutterbar

The rugged MowMax II  modular cutterbar features larger discs with larger, heavier gears, bearings and interconnecting shafts for maximum durability and the protection of ShockPRO disc drive belts. Like the Durabine disc heads used on New Holland self-propelled windrowers, the larger disc diameter allows a closer cut with less cutterbar tilt for consistent cutting height without scalping. The increased surface area of the larger discs and the new “tapered skirt” disc profile allows the crop to smoothly transition to the conditioner for more uniform conditioning action and reduced power consumption. Lightweight poly bifold shields provide easy access to the cutterbar and resist denting.

To reduce operating costs and downtime, the MowMax II cutterbar is designed with individually sealed disc drive modules so if the mower hits an obstruction in the field, the damage is isolated and fully contained within the module. New Holland-exclusive ShockPRO disc drive hubs absorb the impact before damage to drive components can occur and are quick to replace in the field. These features ensure a cleaner cut, reduced operating costs, less downtime, and peace of mind with 36 months of protection coverage. This three-year MowMax II warranty, a New Holland exclusive, provides two years of additional protection on the MowMax II cutterbar after the base one-year warranty on the full machine.

Two-Speed Conditioning

For better cut quality in lighter crops, an operator can switch the sheaves on the roll drive provided with the rubber chevron rolls or steel intermeshing rolls, and slow roll speed from 750 rpm to 640 rpm. While roll speed is decreased, the cutterbar speed and tractor rpm remain the same. This feature allows the roll speed to be decreased to minimize air bursts and the cutterbar to run at rated speed to maintain excellent cut quality in light crop conditions. A slow-speed kit is also available for the flail conditioning system. A new spring-assist swathgate adjustment lever makes it easy to customize windrow and swath formation.

LeaningEdge Flail WideDry Conditioning

For faster drying of grass hay, the 20-degree tangent of LeaningEdge flails pushes the crop against the adjustable hood for more aggressive conditioning. The flails release at the ideal moment to prevent carry-around for uniform, fast-drying swaths or windrows. The WideDry conditioning system also provides 125 inches of LeaningEdge flail conditioning.

Improved Floatation

The header lift geometry on the new Discbine models has been improved for better floatation. When the cutterbar goes over an obstacle, the lift arm raises to move up and away from the obstacle. A lower pivot point allows the lift arm to begin motion at a lower angle for a faster response. In addition, tires located to the inside of the frame allows for better flotation on uneven terrain.

New, Simplified Durable Drivelines

The new center-pivot Discbine models feature a cutterbar driven from one side. This cutterbar design has larger gears and one pair of wet splines at each end. Choose either the drawbar swivel hitch or 2-point swivel hitch for maximum turning performance with zero driveline wrap-up.  PTO power is transferred from the front swivel gearbox to a second swivel gearbox at the rear of the tongue that maintains perfect alignment of the output driveshaft to cutterbar- and conditioner-drive gearbox on the left side of the unit.  The new MowMax II cutterbar’s innovative design allows driving the cutterbar from only one end, which simplifies maintenance and leaves the top of the header uncluttered.  While all u-joints are easily accessible for easy servicing, lube interval has been extended to 50 hours so less time is spent on daily maintenance.

New Biomass Kit

A new biomass kit is available for working in energy crops like cane and corn stover. It includes extra-high skid shoes for the increased cut height and longer stubble desired in these crops. Lift lock out channels stop the cylinders mid-stroke to maintain flotation at the required spring length. A separate pushbar kit is available to push crop forward and allow for a wider range of cut heights.