John Deere Mower-Conditioner FAQs
What is the difference between a mower-conditioner and a disc mower?
A mower-conditioner cuts the crop and runs it through an impeller or rolls in the same pass to speed dry down. A disc mower only cuts, so the hay dries more slowly unless you ted it.
Which conditioner should I choose?
Impeller conditioners work well in light-stemmed grasses and alfalfa. Urethane rolls work well in legumes and grasses, and V-10 steel rolls add crimping for faster dry down and longer wear life.
What size tractor do I need for a John Deere mower-conditioner?
It depends on width. The S250 needs about 55 PTO hp, the S350 and C350 are matched to 90 to 150 hp, and the 16 ft C500 is matched to 120 to 210 hp tractors.
Can I mow more than 30 ft in one pass?
Yes. The R990R system runs three 11.5 ft mower-conditioners, one on the front hitch and two on the rear, for a 32.5 ft cutting width per pass.
How fast can I change knives?
John Deere mower-conditioners use quick change knives. On the C400, you insert the tool into the disk and press down, so knives swap out in seconds without an impact wrench.