Updated Jaguar harvester unleashed
CLAAS has released a new flagship for its Jaguar forage harvester, as well as announcing a host of improvements right across the 900/800 series.
“This new header offers the opportunity to make better use of the high threshing capacity of the latest Case IH combines and further increase harvesting efficiency,” explains Tim Fanning, operations manager for Case IH.
“Furthermore, this new 12.5m VariCut header offers the optimum working width for Controlled Traffic Farming systems based on 12m widths, which are becoming increasingly popular on larger farms across Europe.”
The new header features several new developments and innovative technologies. In addition to the rugged frame and the double floor design, a one-piece reel is used. This allows for an optimum field of vision, even with such a large working width.
Short or long grain dividers, as well as side-knives for oilseed rape, are available as options. Header knife position can be adjusted within a 57cm range, allowing for optimum adaptation to different crop situations and the hydraulically-driven reel can be operated above or below the level of the knife, with a patented reel protection system avoiding contact between reel and knife, particularly during knife extension or retraction. Without using tools, the angle of the reel tines can easily be adjusted from the side of the header. All these VariCut features are designed to ensure the engine and the threshing and cleaning systems – and hence the combine as a whole – operate at full capacity and efficiency.
Optimum protection of the auger is achieved through a centre mounted support assembly, says Fanning.
“With the huge volumes of crops we must also ensure we optimise the crop flow as it transitions from the auger to the intake elevator,” he says.
“Our split auger design ensures this happens. In order to reduce power consumption and balance the header, the knife is separated in two halves, one being driven from the left and the other from the right, thus reducing the strain on the cutter bar and enhancing reliability.”
Auger retracting tine guides are now made of high-strength polyethylene, with improved wear-resistance properties and new geometry, for prolonged replacement intervals. Case IH engineers have also improved the Field Tracker system, with four sensors now providing enhanced ground hugging on hillsides and in uneven fields.
“The new header not only optimises the throughput of our Axial-Flow combines, but also opens new pathways to more sustainability and improved soil protection, not least from fewer field passes, shortened turnaround time and – in conjunction with the track systems available for the front axles of Case IH Axial-Flow combines – markedly lower soil pressure”, says Fanning.
The new header can now be ordered for the 2014 harvest season.
Case IH is imported in New Zealand by C B Norwood Distributors Ltd.
(0800) CASE IH or visit www.caseih.co.nz
