Designed and manufactured entirely by John Deere for the European market, the new 530 trailed mower conditioner is suitable for use by both grass farmers and contractors.

This new 3m side-pull model features the company’s own exclusive and patented modular cutterbar design, as featured on the 730 centre pivot machine.

It is available as standard with John Deere’s established impeller conditioner, a new active suspension system, larger wheels, an improved windrow grouper and optional hydraulic adjustment of cutting height from the tractor cab, another John Deere exclusive.

The low profile cutterbar has six oval shaped discs, with two reversible and retractable knives per disc, which work at a flat angle and rotate towards the middle of the unit to provide a uniform cut, an even flow of material into the conditioner and optimum windrow formation. Originally designed for a 4.5m wide machine, this durable and rigid cutterbar is designed to provide a high level of performance even in difficult working conditions.

Cutting height can be adjusted from 20 to 90mm, either manually or using the hydraulic option from the tractor cab. This allows easier operation of the machine in flat crops or uneven ground conditions. The disc modules can also be replaced individually for easier repairs and maintenance.

The two-speed impeller conditioner incorporates a balanced rotor with heavy V-shaped steel tines for more efficient conditioning with a low power requirement. The tines swing freely to prevent plugging or damage from stones and other foreign objects.

The mower wheels, which are larger than on previous models for better flotation, are mounted close to the cutterbar. Combined with the active suspension system, this provides constant ground pressure and allows a smooth, fast return to the working position after striking an obstacle. Windrow widths range from 0.9 to 1.9m, while ground clearance for transport is 500mm.

Additional options increase the mower’s versatility; these include a wide spreading kit and the improved, more durable and reliable windrow grouper, which gathers up to 7m of cut grass into a single windrow for harvesting by a 3m wide self-propelled forager pick-up. Pto power requirement is 80hp.