14 October 2016, 08:05
Intelligent technology for enhanced performance and convenience
Already successfully established for many years, the JAGUAR 900 model series from CLAAS has been enhanced and is now available with many new equipment features. These include a continuously variable front attachment drive, a further enhanced crop flow system, redesigned running gear and the CLAAS AUTO FILL system for loss-free offloading to the side and rear.
Hydrostatic drive adjusts front attachment speed automatically
The all-hydraulic continuously variable front attachment drive enables efficient power transmission at varying speeds. This is particularly advantageous when harvesting with the PICK UP and the ORBIS maize front attachment. If the chop length changes, the system automatically makes a corresponding adjustment to the front attachment speed. The result is a very even crop flow and consistently good chop quality. Furthermore, the operator can react to changing harvest conditions at any time by manually adjusting the automatically controlled front attachment speed.
Efficient front attachment drive for every requirement
The constant-speed mechanical drive which has proven itself over many years of practical use remains available. The mechanical drive can now also be combined with the continuously variable drive. This split-power variant with mechanical and hydraulic drive provides high power transmission at a constant speed. This allows the direct cutterbar DIRECT DISC and the maize pickers to be driven powerfully and extremely efficiently.
Optimal crop flow through automatically adjusting drum concave
All new JAGUAR 900 models also have an enhanced crop flow system. One of its key features is the hydraulic clamping system for the shear bar which allows the shear bar to be adjusted considerably faster than before. Following adjustment, the shear bar is clamped in place hydraulically and remains in the required position reliably. This makes for consistently high chop quality. As before, the operator can control this function from the cab.
The new models also work with an automatically adjustable drum concave. The drum concave is attached directly to the mounting block and another pivot point and is automatically moved with the shear bar when the latter is adjusted. This means that the distance between the concave and the chopper knives remains constant over the entire length of the drum concave, thereby ensuring an even crop flow, regardless of the condition of the knives. Furthermore, this arrangement saves fuel and reduces wear.
AUTO FILL now also allows offloading to the rear
The CLAAS AUTO FILL system for offloading to the side during chopping keeps losses to a minimum during the offloading process while also significantly reducing the respective workloads of the operators of the forage transport wagon and the forage harvester. A high-resolution camera on the discharge spout captures the contours of the forage transport wagon continuously during the run and automatically adjusts the crop discharge direction to the contours and the load situation. A new feature is support for offloading to the rear, a function which is used when starting chopping or dividing the areas to be harvested. The enhanced AUTO FILL system provides a considerable reduction in operator workload.
New running gear
The running gear of the new JAGUAR 900 models also offers greater comfort and convenience for the operator. The new hydrostatic motor, a variable hydraulic motor with two-position control, has a wide speed range. This enables on-road travel at very low motor revs, which in turn has a positive effect on diesel consumption. Fuel is also saved during harvesting thanks to an automatic motor speed reduction function when turning at the headland.
High tractive power and optimal responsiveness
Operating in the field in first gear, the powerful ground drive allows the machine to run at up to 22 km/h. Furthermore, all the new JAGUAR 900 models offer very high tractive power and steady responsiveness, factors which come into their own when the forage harvester is moving off on an uphill slope or accelerating. A differential lock enables optimal traction at all times, even under difficult conditions. It can be controlled either manually, in automatic switch-on mode which is triggered when wheel slip is detected or in automatic switch-off mode when a given steering angle and speeds greater than 15 km/h are attained. Furthermore, all models have a convenient automatic parking brake which is applied when the operator places the control lever in the neutral position.
All JAGUAR 900 models are now equipped as standard with the CRUISE PILOT forward travel control.
Additional new features exclusively for the North American market
The front axle of the new JAGUAR 900 models can be used as a dual axle permanently fitted with American twin tyres. In this form, it is suited to harvesting ridge-planted crops. It offers greater stability, on slopes for example, protects against soil compression and is characterised by very good traction and easy handling. The JAGUAR 980 and 970 models are also available with exhaust aftertreatment and therefore comply with the North American exhaust emissions standard for engines above 560 kW. Both models are equipped with a V12 MAN engine with SCR technology. The output of the JAGUAR 970 has been increased to 588kW/800 hp.
New developments in front attachments
In future, the PICK UP can be equipped with a new option to improve ground tracking. The ACTIVE CONTOUR function enables fast adaptation to changing ground contours and so reduces crop losses in very hilly terrain. The ORBIS maize front attachments and the PICK UP can now also be equipped with a front attachment module which, after one-time programming, does away with the need for future programming procedures. Furthermore, operating hours are recorded separately. In combination with the variable front attachment drive, the module monitors the front attachment to ensure that it is correctly adjusted for reliable operation in the field.
CLAAS is offering three JAGUAR model series for the 2017 business year. The familiar JAGUAR 800 series (Type 496), the existing JAGUAR 900 series (Type 497) and the new JAGUAR 900 series (Type 498).
Source: CLAAS