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Last year, many of the manufacturers updated and revamped their machines, adding new technology, increasing operator comfort and fitting more efficient engines to meet emission regulations.
The need for big horsepower for machines destined to harvest maize for biogas production has forced the manufacturers to increase output again. In Ireland, the really big machines are not common, with most of the machines ranging from 600-650hp, not small either by any means.
John Deere 8000
John Deere has announced the addition of three new models to its 8000 Series range of self-propelled forage harvesters. These machines are equipped with the latest John Deere forage harvesting technology, pushing output up to 15%, according to John Deere.
Three new models expand the horsepower range, and line up as follows:
Deere claims that its longitudinal engine layout and improved airflow through the entire machine results in lower cooling requirements and more power for chopping. The lowered engine position provides an improved centre of gravity and enhanced visibility, according to John Deere.
In the cab
The forager cab features an anti-glare screen, Bluetooth connectivity, increased storage room and automatic air conditioning, adjustable from the Command Arm. Other advanced features include a GreenStar 2630 with touchscreen display and all functions conveniently located in the Command Arm, Remote Display Access and AutoTrac automatic steering with RowSense.
Headers include John Deere’s new 9 Series grass pick-ups and Kemper 300 or 400 Series row-independent rotary drum harvesting units. These include the new 10-row 475 Plus rotary harvesting unit with 7.5m working width. All John Deere headers are automatically speed-matched to the selected length of cut.
The manufacturer outlines that the channel width is tailored to the horsepower level to ensure the best forage quality and efficiency.
The new spout design and rotation mechanism is maintenance-free and designed for extra heavy loads.
John Deere Active Fill Control (AFC) is a new feature that allows automated filling of trailers and provides more operator comfort.
Further features include a 2.15m tyre option for industry leading ground clearance, reduced soil compaction and better traction in wet conditions, extended service intervals, reduced daily maintenance and cleaning requirements, and a new, innovative stone detection system. Also new for 2016 are LED light packages and a ProTouch function for increasing road or harvest speed during field changes.
New Holland FR Forager Cruiser gets a fresh look and a new cab
Ranging from 476 to 775hp, New Holland has updated its five-model self-propelled forager range, now badged FR Forager Cruiser. All models now get FPT power, with the second to largest model dropping its Cat motor. All but the flagship model meets Stage 4 emissions standards through the use of SCR technology and AdBlue.
A new standard Eco mode setting is designed to reduce fuel consumption in field conditions where it is not possible to load the engine fully, for example when harvesting low-yield crops. The engine management system helps optimise fuel consumption and results in up to 21% fuel savings and best-in-class fuel efficiency of 0.5 litres/ton, according to New Holland.
In addition, a new feature called PowerCruise can be used to maximise productivity by continually monitoring the power required and adapting the forward speed of the forager to reach the highest possible work rate.
Maintenance-wise, the spout now features full-length replaceable top and side liners, a new hard-faced flap, stronger flap cylinder and improved spout base lubrication. New Holland says efficiency can be further increased by automating trailer filling with the award-winning Intellifill™ spout guidance system: it guides the crop accurately into the trailer, day or night.
For the operator, many features from the CR combine cab have migrated on to the FR, including a fresh look, a 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 on the top three models. The new slim steering column with a double-jointed design makes it easy to position the steering wheel for the best view of the header.
The new FR Forage Cruiser features the largest cutter head in the industry – both in width and diameter. The cutter head is available in five configurations to match the specific chopping requirements: 16, 20, 24, 32 and 40 knives for a length of cut range of 6mm to 33mm, 5mm to 27 mm, 4mm to 22mm, 3mm to 16mm, and 2mm to 13mm respectively.
New Holland’s Hydroloc feedroll drive system enables the operator to adjust the length of cut to match crop conditions on the go.
New compact Krone Baby X
Krone has launched its Baby X forager range for the upcoming 2016 grass season here in Ireland. This compact forager range consists of four models – the Big X 480, 530, 580 and 630, and offers customers the same features as its bigger brother but in a more compact and versatile platform.
Manoeuvrability
When fitted with the optional oversize 800/70 R38 and 540/65 R30 tyres, the overall transport width is still only 3m, which is an important factor when travelling on the Irish country roads. Another feature which comes into play on the Irish roads is the rear axle suspension which provides plenty of room for steering via a wishbone and hydraulic strut suspension system.
Engines
On the road, the Big X range has a top speed of 40km/h at a fuel-friendly 1,600rpm. To further help save fuel, economy drive can be selected, which allows only the front wheel motors to be driven. This ensures low fuel consumption on the road between jobs. Upon entering the field, the four wheel drive is automatically engaged when switched into field mode. Standard two wheel drive versions are also available for customers that don’t require 4wd.
All of the engines in the Big X compact range are powered by the tried and tested MTU engines. Power is delivered to the 480 and 530 via a 12.8-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine producing a maximum 490hp and 530hp respectively, while the bigger 580 and 630 models have a 15.6-litre version producing 585hp and 626hp respectively.
Crop flow
The Krone Big X has a crop flow design that consists of an intake system with six intake rollers which is followed by a cutter head available with 20, 28, 36 or 40 knives and is equipped with Vari- Stream. The crop then travels through the optional VariQuick crop processor which can be engaged or disengaged easily within minutes, up to the StreamControl crop accelerator and finally into the awaiting trailer. Krone says this system will reduce fuel.
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.
The 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 enhance pre-compression but also protect the knives better 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 Stream Control feature is a powerful crop accelerator which is linked to an adjustable flap that alters the space between the accelerator and crop which allows for precision filling even when the trailer is following from behind.
Cab
The compact range 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 joystick allows fingertip control of all functions such as ground speed and direction as well as header and spout control.
Fendt Katana gets a revamp
The new kid on the block in the forager market is Fendt, with the Katana range, which consists of two models – the 65 and 85. Although there were none working in Ireland last season, sources have confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal that the Katana will make its debut here during the 2016 season. The Katana has being working in the UK over the past couple of years with good results, allowing Fendt to now test it even further in the tough Irish grass.
In order to comply with Stage IV exhaust emission regulations, Fendt has removed the existing eight-cylinder engine and replaced it with a MTU six-cylinder 6R1500 15.6-litre turbocharged engine for the 2016 season. This MTU engine produces 460kW/625hp. When in power mode, the rated engine speed drops to an economical 1,900rpm, while in eco mode it is only 1,520rpm.
To achieve longer chop lengths, you can now order the Katana fitted with a 20-knife grassland drum that delivers chop lengths from 5.2mm to 29mm. The Katana is also available with the all-round 28-knife drum and the 40-knife drum aimed at biogas production. The hydraulic foldout function for the corn cracker is still a key aspect of the forager; this mechanism also folds the grass channel into place in just five seconds.
There are also changes from an operator’s perspective in the revamped Katana. The shearbar adjustment can now be set automatically as an option rather than manually. Inside the cab there is a new steering column which sports a sturdy indicator stalk as well as diesel and AdBlue gauges which are clearly visible to the operator. There are also more cubby holes for storage and a hands-free phone system 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 bigger servicing jobs. 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 working on the machine in the dark.
The chassis and body of the Katana 65 is now a copy of the 85, meaning a 25cm longer wheelbase, a better weight distribution and more front tyre options, including 710/70 R42 and a maximum 900/60 R38. These will match up with 600/70 R34 and 710/60 R30 tyres at the rear.
The new Claas Jaguar 900 series for the 2016 season
Claas has revamped and improved the Jaguar 900 model range for the 2016 foraging season.
One of the main changes is under the bonnet. While all Jaguar 930 to Jaguar 960 models will be powered by straight 6 or V8 Mercedes-Benz engines, using SCR AdBlue technology in order to meet TIER 4i emissions regulations, the top-of-the-range Jaguar 980 and 970 are powered by V12 and V8 MAN engines respectively.
It’s worth noting that the larger V8 and V12 MAN engines over 750hp (560kW), do not have to meet those same emissions standards at the moment.
Claas is offering a Dynamic Cooling as 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, which can be used for chopping power instead.
Claas claims Dynamic Power is a unique feature, available on Jaguar 980-940 forage harvesters. When the load on the engine varies, for instance when working in lighter crops or lower-yielding parts of the field, this is automatically recognised by the engine management system, which will alter the engine power output accordingly.
In trials conducted by the DLG, using Dynamic Power to match engine power to crop load resulted in fuel savings of 12.3%, but not at the expense of output. New for 2016 on the Jaguar 980 and 970 will be Dynamic Power Pro which enables the operator to use CEBIS in order to adjust the power steps dependent on the conditions they are working in.
Changes to the crop flow
A new feature to the chopping system for 2015 is a hydraulic tensioning system that acts upon the rear precompression roller. Unlike a spring-based system, this has the benefit of ensuring that a constant pressure is maintained on the material flowing into the forager, regardless of crop density. Changes to the feed roller drive system now mean that using comfort cut, infinite chop length adjustment is possible from 5mm up to 26.5mm. To cope with the higher throughput resulting from the new hydraulic tensioning system, to ensure a high level of crop processing is maintained, a new multi crop cracker is now an option. This incorporates 200mm diameter rollers that are supported on new heavy duty bearings within a new strengthened housing. The drive to the MCC M uses a new maintenance-free hydraulic belt tensioning system to ensure that maximum power is maintained.
Access and maintenance
The side panel can now be swung open through 90 degrees, making access to the cracker unit far easier and enabling it to be quickly and easily removed. Another change from the older model is it comes with new front and rear tyre options that are much taller, which helps to increase the ground clearance of the machine. The new tyres also reduce ground compaction, if used with the optional tyre pressure regulation system. Other updates include the provision of larger fuel tanks for greater daily output.
New cab
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 windscreens, 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.
To read the full Grass Silage Focus Supplement click here
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