Mower conditioner

The mower conditioner is a dual-purpose agricultural machine designed to cut and condition hay or forage crops. It combines the functions of a mower, which cuts standing forage crops, and a conditioner, which processes the cut material to speed up drying. The mower conditioner is a vital piece of equipment in modern hay and forage harvesting operations, enhancing efficiency by reducing the time required for the harvested crop to be ready for baling. The mower conditioner is also known as a haybine, a term often used to refer to all mower conditioners, regardless of the brand.

The types of mower conditioner

The hay bine is a type of mower conditioner that uses a sickle bar with a series of reciprocating sawtooth blades to cut the crop close to the ground. The crop then passes through a conditioning system, which can consist of rubber or steel rolls or impeller-type conditioners. The sickle bar of the hay bine is effective for cleanly cutting hay and forage crops, making it suitable for legumes like alfalfa. Additionally, the ability to cut close to the ground helps preserve the quality of the forage by minimizing soil contamination.

In the case of the discbine, it utilizes a cutting mechanism with two or more large, round cutting discs equipped with knives. These discs operate in a horizontal or slightly angled position, rotating at high speeds to slice through the standing crop. The use of disc cutting technology in a mower conditioner offers several advantages. Firstly, disc mowers have a wider cutting width, which allows for faster and more efficient mowing, particularly in large fields. Additionally, the discs of a discbine have a self-sharpening feature, as the cutting edges are often made of hardened steel or other durable materials. This self-sharpening capability contributes to a consistent and clean cutting performance, reducing the need for frequent blade sharpening or replacement.

The advantages of the mower conditioner

A hay conditioner is an essential component of the hay bine or discbine. After the crop is cut, it passes through the conditioner, where the material is crimped or crushed to break the waxy coating on the stems. This process, known as conditioning, helps the forage or hay dry more quickly and evenly, reducing the risk of spoilage and preserving the nutritional quality of the crop. The New Holland Haybine is a popular brand of mower conditioner known for its quality and performance in the field. Mower conditioners, such as the New Holland Hay Conditioner, are available in different models with varying cutting widths, conditioning systems, and additional features to suit the specific needs of farmers and agricultural operations.