JF has introduced a new high capacity trailed silage harvester now fitted with a metal detector. The company has taken the FCT 1360 model and made some significant design changes to give what it claims will be increased output capacity.

The new machine is called the JF FCT 1460 MD and continues to use the proven upper cut system which JF claims has a 25% to 50% higher capacity than conventional precision choppers with the same power requirement.

The driveline to the feed rollers has also undergone a comprehensive upgrade. It is now stronger and is claimed to be more service-friendly. The new stronger gearbox is also claimed to be easier to use. The chop lengths can be changed on the new machine by means of a selector on the gearbox. This has four adjustments to give theoretical chop lengths from 6mm to 32mm. The new harvester is controlled electro-hydraulically from a new control box in the tractor cab. The pick-up width is 3.1 metres. The foldable chute can be turned 20 degrees more towards the front relative to the current FCT 1360 model. JF claims that this makes it possible to fill up the trailers completely and use the full potential of the chopper.

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This JF FCT 1460 MD is seen as a good alternative to self-propelled precision chop harvesters. Comparing the power consumption, it has a higher capacity than self-propelled choppers and the tractor can be used for other purposes all year, which makes the investment even more cost effective.

The new harvester will be available in Ireland for the 2014 market from JF dealers.