Deere Mower Converted To Windrower

Deere Mower Converted To Windrower HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Mowers (38) 19-3-8 Wisconsin welder-repairman Robert Adelmeyer used an old "hydraswing" pull-type mower conditioner to make an inexpensive windrower by mounting a Gehl front-mount "merger" on it. "Gehl's merger is designed to mount on front of a tractor and bring two windrows together to feed into a pull-type forage chopper," says Adelmeyer. "It sells new for about $5,000. However, some farmers who have them don't like them because together with the chopper and wagon they're very heavy and clumsy to handle when turning at the end of the field. By mounting them on the mower frame you get a low-cost hydraswing windrower that covers a 12-ft. width. I've converted two hydraswing mowers to windrowers and both work very well." Adelmeyer removed the mower's cutterbar and crusher rolls, keeping only the tongue, frame, and wheels. He welded two 8-ft. lengths of 4-in. channel iron on front of the frame to support the merger. Two pins are used to secure the mounting brackets on the merger to mounting brackets on the mower frame. The windrower is powered by the ptodriven hydraulic motor. Cylinders swing it from side to side and raise or lower it. A lot of farmers have discovered that old Deere hydraswing frames can be used to make windrowers, says Adelmeyer. "Five years ago you could buy one for about $100, but now you have to pay $700 to $800 because so many people want them. My next project is to mount two side rakes on one." Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Robert Adelmeyer, N2247 Hwy. K., Campbellsport, Wis. 53010 (ph 414 269-4937).

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