John Deere's commitment to technology-driven farming is evident in the W260M. Equipped with AutoTrac™ guidance and TouchSet™ control systems, this windrower allows for precise adjustments to windrow shape and conditioning, directly from the cab. These features, along with the integration with the John Deere Operations Center, enable enhanced job tracking and decision-making, ensuring optimal performance and output.
The John Deere W260M is designed to increase productivity and reduce operational costs for hay and forage producers. Its powerful engine and advanced technology allow for efficient cutting and windrowing of dense crops, while its user-friendly interface and integrated systems streamline operations and improve decision-making. This combination of power, precision, and technology makes the W260M a valuable asset for modern farming operations.
Key Features
The John Deere W260M windrower boasts a range of features designed to optimize performance and efficiency. The 260 hp PowerTech™ PSS Final Tier 4 engine delivers ample power for handling dense crops, ensuring consistent cutting performance even in challenging conditions. This high power output translates to increased productivity and reduced operating time.
AutoTrac™ guidance provides precise control over the machine's path, minimizing overlap and ensuring consistent cutting widths. This not only improves crop quality but also reduces input costs by minimizing wasted resources. The TouchSet™ control system allows operators to make on-the-go adjustments to windrow shape and conditioning directly from the cab, optimizing performance for varying crop conditions and crop types. This in-cab adjustability saves time and labor, allowing for quick adaptation to changing field conditions.
An optional mounted merger allows for combining multiple windrows into a single larger windrow in a single pass, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing the number of passes required. This feature is particularly beneficial for large-scale operations where maximizing productivity is crucial. The W260M is also JDLink™ enabled, providing access to valuable machine data and performance metrics. This data can be used to make informed decisions about machine operation and maintenance, further optimizing performance and reducing downtime.
Moreover, integration with the John Deere Operations Center™ allows for enhanced job tracking, documentation, and performance monitoring. This seamless integration provides a comprehensive view of the machine's performance and allows for data-driven decision-making to improve overall efficiency and profitability.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Power | 260 hp (193 kW) |
| Engine Speed | 2400 rpm |
| Engine Type | PowerTech™ PSS Final Tier 4 |
| Fuel Capacity | 568 L (150 U.S. gal) |
| DEF Capacity | 26.5 L (7 U.S. gal) |
| Windrow Combinations (with Merger) | Up to 48 feet (14.6 meters) |
| Ground Drive | Two-speed hydrostatic |
| Guidance | AutoTrac™ |
| Connectivity | JDLink™ |
| Mowing Documentation | John Deere Operations Center™ |
Use Cases & Applications
- Dairy Feed Production: The W260M is used by dairy feed producers to efficiently cut and windrow hay and forage crops, ensuring high-quality feed for their livestock. The machine's ability to handle dense crops and create uniform windrows is crucial for optimizing drying and preserving nutritional value.
- Large-Scale Hay Operations: Large-scale hay operations utilize the W260M to maximize productivity and reduce operational costs. The optional mounted merger allows for combining multiple windrows in a single pass, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing the number of passes required.
- Custom Harvesting: Custom harvesting businesses rely on the W260M to provide efficient and reliable windrowing services to their clients. The machine's advanced features and precise control ensure high-quality results and customer satisfaction.
- Alfalfa Production: Alfalfa producers use the W260M to cut and windrow alfalfa crops for hay production. The machine's ability to handle dense alfalfa crops and create uniform windrows is essential for optimizing drying and preserving nutritional value.
- Forage Crop Management: The W260M is used in forage crop management to efficiently cut and windrow various forage crops, such as grass, legumes, and silage. The machine's versatility and adaptability make it suitable for a wide range of forage crop types and management practices.
Strengths & Weaknesses
| Strengths ✅ | Weaknesses ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| High horsepower (260 hp) for handling dense crops | Initial purchase price can be significant |
| Optional mounted merger allows up to 48 feet windrow combinations in a single pass | Requires skilled operator to fully utilize advanced features |
| AutoTrac™ guidance for maintaining crop quality and reducing overlap | Fuel consumption can be high depending on operating conditions |
| TouchSet™ controls for in-cab adjustments to windrow shape and conditioning | JDLink™ connectivity requires a subscription |
| JDLink™ enabled for job tracking and decision-making | Maintenance can be complex, requiring specialized tools and knowledge |
| Compatibility with John Deere Operations Center for enhanced performance monitoring | Optimal performance relies on proper setup and calibration |
Benefits for Farmers
The John Deere W260M offers several key benefits for farmers, including increased efficiency, reduced operational costs, and improved crop quality. The high horsepower engine and optional mounted merger allow for faster cutting and windrowing, reducing the time and labor required to complete the task. AutoTrac™ guidance and TouchSet™ controls ensure precise operation and optimal windrow shape, leading to improved crop quality and reduced losses. The JDLink™ connectivity and John Deere Operations Center™ integration provide valuable data and insights, enabling farmers to make informed decisions and optimize their operations for maximum profitability. Furthermore, the machine's ability to handle dense crops and challenging conditions ensures consistent performance and reliable operation, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Integration & Compatibility
The John Deere W260M is designed to seamlessly integrate into existing farm operations and is compatible with a range of other John Deere systems and attachments. The machine integrates with the John Deere Operations Center™, allowing for seamless data transfer, job tracking, and performance monitoring. It is also compatible with John Deere merger attachments for enhanced windrow consolidation. The W260M can be easily integrated into existing farm management systems, providing a comprehensive view of operations and enabling data-driven decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How does this product work? | The John Deere W260M windrower cuts crops and forms them into windrows for drying and harvesting. It utilizes a high-power engine to drive the cutting mechanism and AutoTrac™ guidance for precise operation, while TouchSet™ controls allow for in-cab adjustments to windrow shape and conditioning. |
| What is the typical ROI? | The ROI depends on factors like farm size, crop type, and operational efficiency, but users can expect cost savings through reduced fuel consumption, optimized crop quality, and increased harvesting efficiency due to the machine's advanced features and precise control. |
| What setup is required? | The John Deere W260M typically requires professional setup and calibration by a certified John Deere technician. This includes configuring the AutoTrac™ guidance system, calibrating the TouchSet™ controls, and ensuring proper operation of all components. |
| What maintenance is needed? | Regular maintenance includes checking and changing engine oil, filters, and fluids, inspecting belts and hoses, and lubricating moving parts. A detailed maintenance schedule is provided in the operator's manual. |
| Is training required to use this? | Yes, training is recommended to fully utilize the features of the John Deere W260M. John Deere offers training programs to familiarize operators with the machine's controls, settings, and maintenance procedures. |
| What systems does it integrate with? | The John Deere W260M integrates with the John Deere Operations Center™, allowing for seamless data transfer, job tracking, and performance monitoring. It is also compatible with John Deere merger attachments for enhanced windrow consolidation. |
| What type of engine does the W260M have? | The John Deere W260M is equipped with a PowerTech™ PSS Final Tier 4 engine, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. |
| How does AutoTrac™ improve my operations? | AutoTrac™ minimizes overlap and ensures consistent cutting widths, resulting in reduced input costs, improved crop quality, and increased overall efficiency. |
Pricing & Availability
While an exact price isn't publicly listed, similar John Deere W260 windrowers (not the 'M' variant) have been listed in the used market for between $97,500 and $209,500. A 2024 JOHN DEERE W235M Self-Propelled Mower Conditioners/Windrowers Hay and Forage Equipment is listed for USD $222,300. Pricing is affected by configuration options, implements, and regional variations. Contact us via the Make inquiry button on this page.
