Exclusive articulated power turn (APT) hitch

MacDon’s APT hitch allows you to pull the machine on either side of the tractor for back and forth harvesting.

The vertical pivot has been moved back from the tractor to significantly reduce turning radius and make it easier to open fields.

Exclusive to MacDon, the APT hitch found on the R85 Rotary Disc and A30-D pull types represents a complete rethinking of hitch design by MacDon engineers. First, they insisted that the hitch have a high capacity all hydraulic drive system to provide overload protection for all components and reduce maintenance requirements when compared to mechanical hitch designs. Next, they repositioned the drive shaft so that a straight line is maintained between the tractor’s PTO and header pump. This further reduced vibration and wear on the unit. They also rethought the hitch assembly and moved the vertical pivot back from the tractor, and allowed the front end of the tongue to extend over it. This resulted in a much tighter turning radius compared to conventional designs and the ability to pull the machine on either side of the tractor. Finally, our engineers added a horizontal pivot to fully accommodate the rolling movement of the mower during normal operation and minimize side loads on the rear of the tractor. The end of their efforts was a completely new hitch, one that improved maneuverability, reduced maintenance and made opening a field easier than ever.

Widest conditioning rolls on the market

To improve conditioning performance, the R85 Rotary Disc and A30-D pull-types have been equipped with the widest steel on steel rolls on the market (102"/2591 mm on the A30-D; 118"/3000 mm on the R85). Wider rolls result in a thinner mat of material passing through, which increases the amount of crop in contact with the rolls, improving crimping performance and ensuring thorough conditioning of the plant stem. These conditioning rolls also feature a design which more aggressively pulls crop away from the cutting discs and feeds it into the forming shield, for reduced power requirements and improved performance in both light crop conditions such as grass and heavier alfalfa type crops.

Z-shaped cutterbar

We’ve made the cutterbar super strong by giving it a Z-shaped profile and incorporating a rectangular reinforcement. As a result the cutterbar is much stronger along both the horizontal and vertical planes, allowing it to better withstand impact from field obstacles.

Power-through unplugging

The A30-D’s conditioner rolls can be easily unplugged from the comfort of the tractor seat. By simply raising the header, the conditioner rolls will separate, providing power through unplugging of crop build up.

Improved crop flow and handling

Crop feeding is enhanced by MacDon’s poly feed pan design (shown), progressive feed paddles and unique stripper bars which combine to allow for smooth feeding, even under adverse conditions.

Built for the tough going

Like all MacDon harvesting machines, the A30-D is designed for the toughest conditions. Exceptional durability of the unit is assured by the heavy-duty cast housing of the dual wobble boxes and rugged internal components of the knife drive system. The A30-D’s independent suspension system features heavy duty flotation springs (shown) which allow the header to react quickly and smoothly to ground obstructions, reducing the likelihood of damage to the cutterbar and knife components.

Wide flotation tires

The A30-D’s wide 31 x 13.5 - 15 tires provide smooth flotation over uneven ground and a light footprint – an important advantage in soft soil conditions.

Transport locks

Easy and quick to engage, the A30-D and R85 transport lock valves are activated by levers located on the hitch and on the header lift cylinders.

Full width forming shield

This easy to adjust side forming shield makes it simple to set the width of the windrow. A rear fluffer shield is also standard and is used to adjust height and density of windrow for optimum dry down.