New Holland FR 850

New Holland has been at the forefront of the forage harvester market for over half a century. The FR 850 (above) is its current top-of-the-range model. It produces 824 hp from its V8 FPT Vector 20 engine. This power, coupled with New Holland’s Variflow™ technology, gives this machine massive output capabilities. In addition, a feature called PowerCruise can be used to maximise productivity by continually monitoring the power required – adapting the forward speed of the forager to reach the highest possible rate of work.

Maintenance-wise, the spout now features full-length, replaceable top and side liners, a new hard-faced flap, a stronger flap cylinder and improved spout-base lubrication.

New Holland say efficiency can be further increased by automating trailer filling with the award-winning Intellifill™ spout guidance system. This guides the crop accurately into the trailer day or night. The FR 850 Forage Cruiser features the widest cutter head in the industry, linked to the second largest diameter drum, allowing it to swallow the largest of lumps without a problem.

New Holland claim that their cab is the largest and quietest currently on the market. Many features from the CR combine cab have migrated on to the FR, including a fresh look, single control strategy and improved comfort. A new leather and cloth luxury seat with heated and ventilated cushions and suspension upgrades is also available as an option. The new steering column is slim, with a double-jointed design making it easy to position the wheel for the best view of the header.

Fendt Katana 85

The new kid on the block in the forager market is Fendt with the Katana 85. Although there were none working in Ireland last season it is believed that the Katana will make its official debut here during the 2017 season. The Katana has been working in the UK over the past couple of years with good results allowing Fendt to now test it even further on the tougher Irish grass.

There are a number of differences from an operator’s perspective in the Katana; the shearbar adjustment can now be set automatically as an option; inside the cab, there is a new steering column which sports a sturdy indicator stalk as well as diesel and AdBlue gauges and more cubbyholes for storage. A hands-free phone system comes fitted as standard to further increase operator comfort.

On the outside the Katana gets some more updates. The bonnet side panels are fitted with new hinges which allow the panels to stay open in any position – they can also be secured in their uppermost position in order to accommodate servicing.

From a practicality point of view, an air supply with three couplings around the forager is now fitted as standard which allows the operator blow down the machine, inflate tyres and power air tools during servicing.

Optional LED light bars in the servicing spaces behind the cab, on both side panels and on the rear door can be fitted to further help the operator when working on the machine in the dark.

John Deere 8800i

The new wide-body John Deere 8800i was introduced last year and there are some already working here.

This machine is equipped with the latest John Deere forage harvesting technology, pushing output up by up to 15%, according to John Deere.

John Deere claims that its longitudinal engine layout has improved airflow through the entire machine, resulting in lower cooling requirements and more power for chopping. The lower engine position provides an improved overall centre of gravity and enhanced visibility.

The cab features an anti-glare screen, Bluetooth connectivity, increased storage room and automatic air conditioning. Other advanced features include a GreenStar 2630 with touchscreen display on the CommandARM, Remote Display Access and AutoTrac automatic steering with RowSense.

John Deere’s Procut system monitors clearance between the knives and the shearbar of the forager’s chopping unit on the go.

Precision sensors incorporated in the shearbar continuously measure the spacing between knives and shearbar and monitor the sharpness of the knives, informing operators when to adjust the shearbar, when to sharpen and how many cycles are required.

John Deere believes that having the knives and the shearbar working at the correct spacing throughout the operation of the machine will reduce power requirements and increase output.

Claas JAGUAR 980

Class revamped and improved the Jaguar 980 for the 2016 foraging season and the specifications are just as impressive in 2017. The top-of-the-range JAGUAR 980 is powered by V12 Man engine producing 885hp.

Claas are offering Dynamic Cooling as an optional extra. This uses a variator and belt drive that automatically adjusts the fan speed depending on the temperature of the coolant, hydraulic oil and intercooler. This results in more efficient use of the fan, which in turn reduces power requirement by over 20hp. Dynamic Power is a unique feature available on JAGUAR 900 series forage harvesters. When the load on the engine varies, when working in lighter crops or lower yielding parts of the field for instance, it is automatically recognised by the engine management system, which will alter output to match the requirement.

For maintenance the side panel can now be swung open through 90°, making access to the cracker unit far easier and enabling it to be quickly and easily removed. Another change from the older model is new front and rear tyre options that are much taller, helping to increase the ground clearance of the machine. The new tyres also reduce ground compaction – if used with the optional tyre pressure regulation system.

In the cab, a combination of the quieter feed roller drive system and the use of new noise-reducing glass in the front and rear windscreen, means that the cab is far quieter. Central to the setting-up and operation of the JAGUAR range is an updated version of CEBIS, which incorporates a number of new features designed to provide easier and faster operation. The operator can now set a reminder as to when the knives need sharpening or the shearbar adjusting after a set operating time has elapsed.

Krone Big X 1100

The Big X1100 is the most powerful harvester available in Ireland this season, with its MTU V12 engine producing 1078hp. The Big X has a crop flow design that consists of an intake system with six intake rollers which are followed by a cutter head available with 20, 28, 36 or 40 knives and is equipped with VariStream. The crop then travels through the VariQuick crop processor, up to the StreamControl crop accelerator and finally into the awaiting trailer. This system results in superior performance, reliability and reduced fuel consumption.

Within the cutter head itself, the knife carriers are arranged in a chevron style and designed to allow plenty of space under the knives for the crop. This extra space allows for higher throughputs and smoother operation.

Six pre-compression rollers with a 820mm gap between the leading roller – which is equipped with a metal detector – and the rearmost roller not only enhances pre-compression but also protect the knives against metal objects when working at higher intake speeds. The VariStream works on the principle of a spring-loaded floor under the cutting drum, which allows large lumps of grass to pass through the chopping unit without blockages.

The Big X cab is wider, quieter and brighter than previous models. The double floor keeps noise in the cab to a minimum while the narrow posts and high side windows give the operator the best possible view of the spout even at the 6m full working height. Sixteen H9 lights provide excellent illumination, with LEDs an optional extra to enhance visibility. All the controls are clutter-free and simple to identify while the ergonomic joystick fits comfortably in your hand and allows fingertip control of all functions.

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Silage '17

Sales of harvesters on the rise