Swathing and Harvesting Tips with the MacDon Pack for FS25
Farming Simulator 25 fans have something exciting to look forward to with the release of the MacDon Pack. This pack is available for everyone who pre-ordered the game on any platform and can also be purchased separately for those who missed out on pre-ordering. Let’s dive into what this pack offers and how it enhances your farming experience.
What’s Included in the MacDon Pack?
The pack features five pieces of equipment designed to boost efficiency on your farm:
- MacDon M1240 Self-Propelled Windrower
- D140 XL Swather Head
- R216 SP Mower
- PW8 Pickup Header
- FD140 Flex Draper Grain Header
Each piece of equipment has been meticulously designed to match real-life counterparts, bringing an authentic feel to the game.
Detailed Breakdown of the Equipment
- 1. MacDon M1240 Self-Propelled Windrower
This versatile machine is perfect for swathing and mowing tasks. It offers two engine options: 173 HP and 262 HP, with the latter being the standard configuration. You can also select from several tire brands like Trelleborg, Michelin, Continental, and Mitas. While there are no wheel setup variations, you can customize the machine with a license plate. - 2. D140 XL Swather Head
Designed to attach to the M1240, this swather head comes with optional transport wheels. It features a working width of 12.2 meters and operates at 9 mph. The transport wheels make it easier to move around, especially if you’re navigating tight fields. - 3. R216 SP Mower
This mower attachment requires at least 230 HP, making the higher-powered M1240 engine a necessity. It offers a 5-meter working width and can mow at 14 mph, making it one of the fastest in the game. - 4. PW8 Pickup Header
The PW8 pickup header is a handy tool that speeds up harvesting. It is compatible with any standard combine harvester and operates 1 mph faster than a typical grain header. You can customize it with various colors like John Deere Green, Case IH Red, New Holland Yellow, and more. - 5. FD140 Flex Draper Grain Header
With a 12.5-meter working width and a speed of 6 mph, this grain header is optimized for combine harvesters. It’s an efficient tool for harvesting grains like wheat, barley, and soybeans.
Field Testing on Riverbend Springs
In our test run on Riverbend Springs, we tried out the M1240 with both the swather and mower heads. The equipment performed exceptionally well, especially with the game’s improved GPS and AI worker integration. This makes tasks like swathing and mowing more efficient, allowing you to cover more ground in less time.
One standout feature is how well the M1240 handles tight turns without losing control. You can take full-speed turns without worrying about spinning out, making it a dream to drive.
Swathing vs. Traditional Harvesting: Which is Better?
One of the most exciting features of the MacDon Pack is the ability to swath crops like wheat, barley, oats, canola, and soybeans. Swathing before picking up the crop with the PW8 pickup header yields a significant increase in harvest output.
In our tests, using the traditional method of harvesting with a combine harvester yielded 6,825 liters of canola. However, by using the swather and pickup combination, we harvested 8,540 liters, representing a 25% increase in yield. This boost can be a game-changer, especially on larger fields.
Using GPS and AI Workers to Maximize Efficiency
The integration of GPS and AI steering assist is a game-changer for Farming Simulator 25. Whether you’re using the swather or mower, you can easily automate tasks with precision. This allows you to focus on other areas of your farm while the AI handles the repetitive work. However, note that GPS support is not available for the pickup header, so you’ll need to operate it manually.
Is the MacDon Pack Worth It?
The swathing feature is now part of the base game, and Giants Software has confirmed that modders will soon have access to swathing capabilities. This means that third-party mods may eventually offer similar features for free. However, if you’re looking to enhance your farming efficiency right away, the MacDon Pack is a solid investment. The 25% yield increase alone justifies the cost, especially if you’re running a large-scale farming operation.
Final Thoughts
The MacDon Pack for Farming Simulator 25 brings new levels of efficiency and enjoyment to the game. Whether you’re looking to optimize your harvest, explore swathing techniques, or simply want more customization options for your farm equipment, this pack has something for you.
Be sure to subscribe for more updates and guides, and turn on notifications to stay up-to-date with the latest Farming Simulator content!
