Using a windrower efficiently in Farming Simulator 22 is a core skill for hay and silage players who want clean, fast field work. This short tutorial series highlights practical tips so you can master tedding, conditioning, windrowing, and pickup without wasting time or money.
Below is a compact reference that maps the key windrower concepts, setup options, and field workflow steps at a glance.
| Windrower Type | Pickup Width | Conditioning | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drum | Small to Medium | Basic tines, gentle on crop | Precise hay in tight spots |
| Rotor | Medium to Large | Aggressive tines, fast conditioning | High output grass and alfalfa |
| Offset | Medium to Large | Standard conditioning options | Versatile across field shapes |
| Variable Width | Adjustable | Quick tine spacing changes | Flexible farm management |
Getting Ready and Attaching Your Windrower
Start in the workshop or store, select the windrower that matches your forage type, and check the specifications for pickup width and conditioning style. Driving carefully to the field and lowering the lift arm at the right moment prevents damage to crops and equipment.
Hitching and Safety Checks
Attach using the correct ball size or quick-hitch system, make sure the safety chain is connected, and verify that the fold-away parts will not collide with trees or buildings when you turn around.
Optimizing Conditioning and Tedding Settings
Conditioning helps crops dry faster by crushing stems, but setting it too aggressively can shred valuable leaves. Adjust tine spacing and engagement based on whether you are working grass, alfalfa, or mixed hay, and switch to tedding during the day to speed up moisture loss.
Field Positioning and Swath Management
Position the windrower so the pickup is centered on the swath, keep ground speed steady, and avoid overlapping too much to reduce crop loss. Good swath management means less raking or baling time later.
Windrowing Techniques for Clean Hay Rows
Use the tractor power take-off at the recommended RPM, keep the machine level, and maintain a consistent travel path to create neat, continuous windrows that dry evenly. For larger rotors, lower the pickup slowly in uneven terrain to avoid losses.
Avoiding Plugging and Crop Waste
Check crop moisture before starting, avoid picking up overly wet material, and adjust the rotor speed and ground speed so the machine flows without jamming or spilling hay onto the ground.
Mastering Windrow Efficiency Across the Season
Adapt setup choices to each cutting, monitor crop conditions, and coordinate mowing, tedding, and windrowing so your forage matures evenly and bales cleanly.
- Check crop moisture before each pass to reduce shattering and mold risk.
- Match pickup width and rotor type to field size and crop density.
- Use conditioning and tedding at the right time to speed up drying.
- Keep guards and rotors clean to avoid plugs and power loss.
- Drive smooth, consistent paths to create tidy windrows for easy baling.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I stop my windrower from plugging in wet grass?
Reduce ground speed, increase rotor speed slightly, avoid picking up when grass is too damp, and clean residue from the rotor and guards regularly.
Should I condition grass before windrowing or after?
Conditioning before windrowing speeds drying, but if crops are already dry, light tedding after windrowing can be enough and saves fuel.
What pickup width is best for small fields in Farming Simulator 22?
Choose a compact or variable-width windrower so you can finish narrow headlands quickly and minimize overlap, which saves time and reduces crop loss.
How can I minimize leaf loss when using a drum windrower?
Use gentler tine settings, avoid excessive rotor speed, and keep the pickup low, which keeps more leaves on the crop and improves bale quality.