Draper platform performs effortlessly across all terrain

The Australian made Midwest Legacy model Draper Platform is an entry in the coveted Henty Machine of the Year Award. 

With the introduction of the new model Legacy range, Midwest Fabrication of Dalby, Qld, continues to be a leader in innovative design of dependable and durable harvesting equipment, being the only global manufacturer to offer 18.3m cutting width for class 10 and 11 combines during the past decade. This now includes the JD X9 class 10 and 11 combine.

Continued work and sheer tenacity at Midwest, coupled with loyal customer feedback has resulted in making these world firsts a reality.

The Midwest designed draper front range performs effortlessly through all crops and across uneven terrain, melon hole and gilgai country, while following the ground contour without the use of any electronic sensors, ensuring effective total cutting and gathering. 

The crop is cut and dropped straight onto the draper belt without having to jump a crude hump behind the knife. Using a Midwest designed patented centre ball pivot, the main frame has five degrees of lateral tilt and a purpose-built feeder house adaptor with 125mm of vertical float suspension. 

It combines not only lateral tilt but also a vertical float component working seamlessly together, allowing the platform to float independently of the combine harvester traversing all terrain contours.

Large strategically placed land wheels carrying up to 40 per cent of the weight off the combine and the optional outer extremity skid wheels maintain ease of operation. 

Midwest is the standout market leader in wide grain draper platforms being the only world manufacturer of 50 foot cutting width starting in 2007. 

Midwest cutting platforms are adding value and lowering cost of ownership and are represented locally by dedicated farm machinery dealers in every state.