Twenty-two years on from the initial launch of the Jumbo forage wagon, Austrian manufacturer Pöttinger has just taken the wraps off its third generation series.
The fresh-look model has been in development for over five years and plays host to a suite of new features. At a glance, these include the moveable front panel, a new driveline, a sloping floor, a bigger rotor and faster unloading times.
The manufacturer says that all the core components have been completely redesigned and engineered for tractors with up to 500hp. We took a trip to the southeast to take a look at a pre-series machine in action, the only one in Ireland and one of only a handful built to date. 
The new 7000 Jumbo series is replacing the outgoing 20 series and is made up of the 7400 (40m3), 7470 (47m3) and the 7540 (54m3).
Pickup
The machine is fitted with a seven-tine bar double cam track pickup reel with a working width of 2.3m. Pöttinger is now using 6mm tines, up from 5.6mm.
The redesigned drive system is now hydraulically adjustable and is capable of adapting the speed of the pickup automatically in sync to the tractor’s forward speed. The tine speed works from 75rpm up to 125rpm, meaning the faster the tractor drives, the faster the pickup rotates.
The manufacturer claims this creates less drag, reduced flicking of short grass and increasing chop quality. The pickup is now driven off the tractor’s hydraulic system.
A new angle sensor on the pickup detects when the wagon is at a headland and knocks off the drive, before engaging it once again when the pickup is lowered.
Pöttinger says the move away from chain drive has allowed the introduction of more side-to-side movement in the pickup. As a result, the pickup is now pendulum-suspended to a range of ±3.5°, allowing the reel to better follow ground contours.
Meanwhile, two wide steel rollers positioned in the centre rear of the pickup provide extra support.
Fixed jockey wheels come as standard, while hydraulically folding ones come as an optional extra. Although not something so common in Ireland, the pickup can be removed to use the machine for other tasks. This reduces the weight of the Jumbo by 520kg. Pöttinger says it can be removed in 15 to 20 minutes.
The redesigned drive system is now hydraulically adjustable and is capable of adapting the speed of the pick-up automatically in sync to the tractors forward speed.
Power transfer
The machine features a new driveline in which the double wide-angle PTO shaft drives a belt (powerband), which in turn drives the rotor.
The firm says that optimum power transmission to the rotor is ensured by planetary gears in the rotor drive. Pöttinger claims this system provides smoother running, a damping effect in changing load peaks and reduced maintenance.
The machine features a new driveline which sees the double wide-angle PTO shaft drive a belt (powerband), which in turn drives the rotor.
The rotor
The new series is also equipped with a larger diameter (+50mm) and wider rotor. Pöttinger says that 75% of the rotor’s width is fitted with a new high-strength case-hardened steel for higher wear resistance in areas subjected to a lot of wear.
The firm claims this increases service life by 25%. This beefed-up rotor feeds the grass through a 100mm wider feed channel for increased throughput. 
The moveable front panel provides an increase in volume of up to 4.3m3 for the same length of wagon.
Chop
The knife bank encompasses 48 knives which offer a theoretical chop length of 34mm. The outgoing machine had 45 knives. Similar to the previous Jumbo series, the knife bank release system can be used without the need for tools, while the central knife release system is operated using a control panel to the side of the machine. 
The knife bank encompasses 48 knives which offer a theoretical chop length of 34mm.
Like its predecessor, the new Jumbo features the swing-out knife bank. The pre-series machine we went to see was fitted with a new twin-blade reversible knife. Made from hardened steel, this is a new optional extra and means the operator can turn the knife instead of changing it when a fresh edge is required.
Although not hugely popular in Ireland, a knife-sharpening system which sharpens the knives automatically is available. Fitted to every second Jumbo off the production line, the system has a list price of around €7,000 plus VAT and it is understood to be capable of sharpening all 48 knives in a matter of minutes. 
Made from hardened steel, a new twin blade reversible knife now allows the operator to turn the knife instead of changing it when a fresh edge is required.
Moveable front panel
The moveable front panel/headboard is a first for Pöttinger and provides an increase in volume of up to 4.3m3 for the same length of wagon.
The patented intelligent front panel is available as an optional extra. The wagon is capable of measuring loading pressure at the front panel through a combination of three measuring points. A dynamometer bolt measures loading pressure on the drive belt, while load cells on the two main cylinders (loading torque sensor and compression flap sensor) monitor the movement of the front panel.
This allows for the degree of compaction and the desired filling level to be directly regulated. As a result, the parameters can be adjusted to the harvesting requirements.
The moveable front panel provides an increase in volume of up to 4.3m3 for the same length of wagon.
Loading
Depending on the job in hand, three predefined modes can be selected by the operator for loading the wagon, ranging from light loading to medium compression to high compaction. These modes allow for best adaptation to different types of crop, the dry matter content and the degree of filling.
If the scraper floor is engaged by the automatic loading system, the front panel helps push the grass along and then automatically moves back into the loading position.
Two two-speed motors, which are mounted externally on both sides, along with a patented boost function, help to empty the load quickly. The patented boost function is a new valve which tricks the tractor’s load-sensing system to give a full flow of oil only when unloading to increase the speed. Pöttinger says the wagon will fully unload in around one minute.
The company designed the wagon with a sloping front floor (lowered by 250mm) in an attempt to reduce the power requirement when loading.
Due to the sloping nature, the floor is now assembled using steel plates and not timber as previously used. Wide flat square-type link chains with a breaking load of 13t are now being used. The scraper floor slats are now also double-bolted and rest on exchangeable guide bars. 
Axle
The manufacturer said the hydro-pneumatic chassis provides good stability on steep ground, and better climbing ability on hills and on rough roads. The hydro-pneumatic axle compensation is designed to maintain uniform wheel pressure in different operating situations. The machine uses a different hydraulic accumulator when the wagon is empty to the one used when full, which increases driving comfort. Four steering modes are available.
Although not currently a legal requirement in Ireland, Pöttinger has a newly designed load retention system to cover the load for transport on the road. The cover consists of two folding frame sections with a hydraulic chain drive mounted at the centre of the shaft.
When we visited New Zealand, contractors told us that this was a requirement and was being heavily policed in some areas. 
Controls
Depending on the requirement, the unit comes with the choice of three control terminals – the Power Control, Expert 75 or the CCI 1200 Isobus unit can be specified.
The new 7000 Jumbo series is replacing the outgoing 20 series and is made up of the 7400 (40m3), 7470 (47m3) and the 7540 (54m3). With the additional greedy boards, each wagon can carry an extra 2m3, 2.3m3 and 2.5m3 respectively.
The new model labelling means that for the first time Pöttinger has named the model number after the m3 load capacity and not the compression number as previously.
A limited number of pre-series machines were built this year while the new models will be widely available ahead of next season. 
The unit comes with the choice of three control terminals- either the Power Control, Expert 75 or the CCI 1200 ISOBUS unit can be specified.
History of Jumbo
forage wagon
1999/2000: Jumbo 6600/7200: the Jumbo series was first presented2003/2004: First facelift2006/2007: Launch of Jumbo Combiline2009/2010: First relaunch Jumbo 1010 series2012/2013: Second facelift2019/2020: Third facelift Jumbo 1020 series2021/2022: Second relaunch Jumbo 7000 series.Pickup: 2.3m wide on double cam tracks.Knives: 48.Chop length: 34mm theoretical.Standard tyres: 710 R26.5.List price: €160,000 plus VAT.
Twenty-two years on from the initial launch of the Jumbo forage wagon, Austrian manufacturer Pöttinger has just taken the wraps off its third generation series.
The fresh-look model has been in development for over five years and plays host to a suite of new features. At a glance, these include the moveable front panel, a new driveline, a sloping floor, a bigger rotor and faster unloading times.
The manufacturer says that all the core components have been completely redesigned and engineered for tractors with up to 500hp. We took a trip to the southeast to take a look at a pre-series machine in action, the only one in Ireland and one of only a handful built to date.
The new 7000 Jumbo series is replacing the outgoing 20 series and is made up of the 7400 (40m3), 7470 (47m3) and the 7540 (54m3).
Pickup
The machine is fitted with a seven-tine bar double cam track pickup reel with a working width of 2.3m. Pöttinger is now using 6mm tines, up from 5.6mm.
The redesigned drive system is now hydraulically adjustable and is capable of adapting the speed of the pickup automatically in sync to the tractor’s forward speed. The tine speed works from 75rpm up to 125rpm, meaning the faster the tractor drives, the faster the pickup rotates.
The manufacturer claims this creates less drag, reduced flicking of short grass and increasing chop quality. The pickup is now driven off the tractor’s hydraulic system.
A new angle sensor on the pickup detects when the wagon is at a headland and knocks off the drive, before engaging it once again when the pickup is lowered.
Pöttinger says the move away from chain drive has allowed the introduction of more side-to-side movement in the pickup. As a result, the pickup is now pendulum-suspended to a range of ±3.5°, allowing the reel to better follow ground contours.
Meanwhile, two wide steel rollers positioned in the centre rear of the pickup provide extra support.
Fixed jockey wheels come as standard, while hydraulically folding ones come as an optional extra. Although not something so common in Ireland, the pickup can be removed to use the machine for other tasks. This reduces the weight of the Jumbo by 520kg. Pöttinger says it can be removed in 15 to 20 minutes.
The redesigned drive system is now hydraulically adjustable and is capable of adapting the speed of the pick-up automatically in sync to the tractors forward speed.
Power transfer
The machine features a new driveline in which the double wide-angle PTO shaft drives a belt (powerband), which in turn drives the rotor.
The firm says that optimum power transmission to the rotor is ensured by planetary gears in the rotor drive. Pöttinger claims this system provides smoother running, a damping effect in changing load peaks and reduced maintenance.
The machine features a new driveline which sees the double wide-angle PTO shaft drive a belt (powerband), which in turn drives the rotor.
The rotor
The new series is also equipped with a larger diameter (+50mm) and wider rotor. Pöttinger says that 75% of the rotor’s width is fitted with a new high-strength case-hardened steel for higher wear resistance in areas subjected to a lot of wear.
The firm claims this increases service life by 25%. This beefed-up rotor feeds the grass through a 100mm wider feed channel for increased throughput.
The moveable front panel provides an increase in volume of up to 4.3m3 for the same length of wagon.
Chop
The knife bank encompasses 48 knives which offer a theoretical chop length of 34mm. The outgoing machine had 45 knives. Similar to the previous Jumbo series, the knife bank release system can be used without the need for tools, while the central knife release system is operated using a control panel to the side of the machine.
The knife bank encompasses 48 knives which offer a theoretical chop length of 34mm.
Like its predecessor, the new Jumbo features the swing-out knife bank. The pre-series machine we went to see was fitted with a new twin-blade reversible knife. Made from hardened steel, this is a new optional extra and means the operator can turn the knife instead of changing it when a fresh edge is required.
Although not hugely popular in Ireland, a knife-sharpening system which sharpens the knives automatically is available. Fitted to every second Jumbo off the production line, the system has a list price of around €7,000 plus VAT and it is understood to be capable of sharpening all 48 knives in a matter of minutes.
Made from hardened steel, a new twin blade reversible knife now allows the operator to turn the knife instead of changing it when a fresh edge is required.
Moveable front panel
The moveable front panel/headboard is a first for Pöttinger and provides an increase in volume of up to 4.3m3 for the same length of wagon.
The patented intelligent front panel is available as an optional extra. The wagon is capable of measuring loading pressure at the front panel through a combination of three measuring points. A dynamometer bolt measures loading pressure on the drive belt, while load cells on the two main cylinders (loading torque sensor and compression flap sensor) monitor the movement of the front panel.
This allows for the degree of compaction and the desired filling level to be directly regulated. As a result, the parameters can be adjusted to the harvesting requirements.
The moveable front panel provides an increase in volume of up to 4.3m3 for the same length of wagon.
Loading
Depending on the job in hand, three predefined modes can be selected by the operator for loading the wagon, ranging from light loading to medium compression to high compaction. These modes allow for best adaptation to different types of crop, the dry matter content and the degree of filling.
If the scraper floor is engaged by the automatic loading system, the front panel helps push the grass along and then automatically moves back into the loading position.
Two two-speed motors, which are mounted externally on both sides, along with a patented boost function, help to empty the load quickly. The patented boost function is a new valve which tricks the tractor’s load-sensing system to give a full flow of oil only when unloading to increase the speed. Pöttinger says the wagon will fully unload in around one minute.
The company designed the wagon with a sloping front floor (lowered by 250mm) in an attempt to reduce the power requirement when loading.
Due to the sloping nature, the floor is now assembled using steel plates and not timber as previously used. Wide flat square-type link chains with a breaking load of 13t are now being used. The scraper floor slats are now also double-bolted and rest on exchangeable guide bars.
Axle
The manufacturer said the hydro-pneumatic chassis provides good stability on steep ground, and better climbing ability on hills and on rough roads. The hydro-pneumatic axle compensation is designed to maintain uniform wheel pressure in different operating situations. The machine uses a different hydraulic accumulator when the wagon is empty to the one used when full, which increases driving comfort. Four steering modes are available.
Although not currently a legal requirement in Ireland, Pöttinger has a newly designed load retention system to cover the load for transport on the road. The cover consists of two folding frame sections with a hydraulic chain drive mounted at the centre of the shaft.
When we visited New Zealand, contractors told us that this was a requirement and was being heavily policed in some areas.
Controls
Depending on the requirement, the unit comes with the choice of three control terminals – the Power Control, Expert 75 or the CCI 1200 Isobus unit can be specified.
The new 7000 Jumbo series is replacing the outgoing 20 series and is made up of the 7400 (40m3), 7470 (47m3) and the 7540 (54m3). With the additional greedy boards, each wagon can carry an extra 2m3, 2.3m3 and 2.5m3 respectively.
The new model labelling means that for the first time Pöttinger has named the model number after the m3 load capacity and not the compression number as previously.
A limited number of pre-series machines were built this year while the new models will be widely available ahead of next season.
The unit comes with the choice of three control terminals- either the Power Control, Expert 75 or the CCI 1200 ISOBUS unit can be specified.
History of Jumbo
forage wagon
1999/2000: Jumbo 6600/7200: the Jumbo series was first presented2003/2004: First facelift2006/2007: Launch of Jumbo Combiline2009/2010: First relaunch Jumbo 1010 series2012/2013: Second facelift2019/2020: Third facelift Jumbo 1020 series2021/2022: Second relaunch Jumbo 7000 series.Pickup: 2.3m wide on double cam tracks.Knives: 48.Chop length: 34mm theoretical.Standard tyres: 710 R26.5.List price: €160,000 plus VAT.
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