"THIS AWARD IS EVERY BIT AS SPECIAL AS OTHER AE50 AWARDS THAT MACDON HAS RECEIVED IN RECENT YEARS. ITS RECEIPT IS A RECOGNITION OF THE CREATIVITY AND ENERGY [OF] MACDON’S ENGINEERS."

For the third year running MacDon equipment took home hardware from the Annual International Meeting of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, this time for its recently released R80 Rotary Disc Mower. The annual show was held this time at the Rhode Island Convention Center, June 29 – July 2, in Providence, Rhode Island, where engineers from around the world met to view and discuss the latest agricultural science and innovations in agriculture. As always, a highlight of the show was the naming of the top 50 agricultural innovations selected from submissions by many of the world’s top agricultural companies, and once again MacDon’s engineering prowess shone with the naming of the R80 as one of those 50.

“Entries for the AE50 design competition can be made in either components or complete machine categories, said Richard Kirkby,” Product Manager at MacDon. The R80 won in the complete machine category for the way its many unique design features, which include an all-hydraulic drive system and a new patented hitch design, come together to take the rotary disc concept to the next level.”

Available in both pull-type and self-propelled models, the R80 Rotary Disc Mower features a high capacity, high efficiency bent axis pump and motor that allows for faster cutting speeds, even under tough harvesting conditions. This robust hydraulic drive system also provides overload protection for header components, reducing the likelihood of work interruptions. Reliability is enhanced thanks to heat-treated cutting and wear components and separate replaceable guards to protect the cutterbar between the discs.

The R80’s exclusive Articulated Power Turn (APT) hitch attaches quickly and provides optimum maneuverability while minimizing the side loads put on the back of the tractor. It also allows for a more compact turning radius, permitting an operator to easily open up a field in as little as two passes.

“This award is every bit as special as other AE50 awards that MacDon has received in recent years,” said Kirkby. “Its receipt is a recognition of the creativity and energy MacDon’s engineers bring to the job every day in their efforts to make better equipment to meet the current and future needs of farmers.”