A swather is a type of agricultural equipment used to harvest crops such as hay and grain. Synonyms for the word swather include mower, reaper, and windrower. A mower is a machine used to cut grass or other foliage. A reaper is a piece of machinery that cuts grain. A windrower, also known as a hay conditioner, is another type of agricultural equipment used to cut and dry hay for harvesting. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different machines with specific functions and capabilities. Understanding the nuances of these farming tools is important for efficient harvesting and crop management.