August 27, 2019
The self-propelled forage harvester business is surprisingly competitive despite the cost of the machines and the targeted market. The rising interest in high-capacity machines that can cover a lot of territory has opened new opportunities for companies competing in the segment. Claas, during the 2019 Farm Progress Show, ups the ante with the new Jaguar 900 Series Terra Trac Forage Harvester.
The company is rolling out the all-new Jaguar 900 Series, 800 Series and the standout Terra Trac forage harvesters. Each aims to boost throughput, chop quality and boost fuel efficiency. The Jaguar 990 and 960 can be outfitted with the optional Terra Trac system, representing the first forage harvester with tracks.
And to complement the higher processing power of the new line, Claas is launching the Orbis row-independent header. This cutting head provides improved ground contour following and consistent crop transfer.
During a media event, the company showed how the new Terra Trac machines provide a smooth ride. The tracks themselves offer low ground pressure – 1 bar of pressure, or about 14 psi – which can reduce compaction and help boost crop productivity.
The Terra Trac options is being offered on two machines – the 990 and 960. The new Jaguar 990 features a 925 hp MAN V12 engine which also powers the 980. The 960 is powered by a 626 hp Mercedes Benz inline 6 engine. The 900 series features eight models ranging from 925 to 462 hp.
The Jaguar 800 series features four models ranging from 626 hp to 408 hp. Each is powered by a Mercedes Benz inline 6 diesel.
The new 900 series features the CEBIS touch screen for control, a redesigned engine air cooling system drive and an improved feeder house and sharpener design. And the fuel tank has been boosted to 396 gallons to keep you in the field longer between fills.
Tracks and capabilities
Adding Terra Trac to the two 900 series models adds about 40 inches to the machine’s length which also offers optimum ballasting, according to the company. And the low-height design of the tracks makes service and maintenance easier too.
Available in three track widths – 25-inches, 29-inches and 35-inches – the tracks are designed to offer road speeds up to 25 mph, which is higher than possible with track conversions. The design with suspension and other features also is designed to make the machine easier on headlines.
Terra trac also offers 120% greater contact area compared to an 800 series on tires. The ground drive Power Trac system, offering all-wheel drive performance for improved work in a range of field conditions. For the rear axles, the machine offers on-the-go tire pressure adjustment and differential lock.
The new Jaguar line offers a range of other features from Dynamic Power Pro, which reduces engine hp to match what is needed to maintain ground speed and engine rpm to optional auto fill, which uses 3D analysis of images to determine the outer edges and the filling level of the trailer alongside.
Other features include a 30% stronger feedroll cabinet allowing for smoother crop flow, more consistent chop quality and industry-leading reliability.
The Jaguar Terra Trac is the first forage harvester with standard tracks. Adds Matt Jaynes, product manager, self-propelled forage harvesters, Claas: “the Jaguar has earned a reputation for setting the industry standard for forage harvesting. We’re excited about these new advancements.”
You can learn more about the 900, 800 and the new Orbis Header at claasofamerica.com.
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