AN expanded range of options for the front attachment drive is just one of the improvements CLAAS has made to the 2022 delivery Jaguar 900 forage harvesters.
CLAAS Harvest Centre Jaguar product manager Luke Wheeler said the new twin hydraulic drive system was a game changer for pick up work.
"In addition to the all-mechanical drive and the variable drive used with Orbis maize fronts pick ups, it is now possible for customers to specify a twin hydraulic drive," Mr Wheeler said.
"The twin drive offers particular benefits when working with the pick up.
"With this option, the pick up intake auger continues to be driven via the quick-release coupler and can adjust its speed in accordance with the feed intake rollers, which is dependent on the length of cut setting.
"The all-new hydraulic drive means the speed of the reel can now be automatically adjusted to match ground speed of the harvester independently of the speed of the intake auger.
"This means the rotational speeds of the pick up reel and intake auger can be matched exactly to the prevailing harvesting conditions for more consistent crop flow and higher throughput.
"This is particularly important when harvesting high yielding crops at low ground speeds or vice versa."
United States studies have shown the new hydraulic drive in connection to the new front can increase throughput by up to 13.7 per cent compared with the existing mechanical constant drive in heavy harvesting conditions.
CLAAS will also introduce an app to help manage its factory-fitted forage inoculant dosing system.
The app helps the operator to determine the correct dosage settings based on crop yield, crop type, operating width, working speed and the recommended dosage.
"This simple app avoids underdosage, which can have a significant impact on silage quality and overdosage, which leads to excess use of expensive inoculants," Mr Wheeler said.
"Once the data has been entered, the operator can implement the recommended settings using the CEBIS terminal.
"Settings can be adjusted at any point while chopping is underway, for example if the machine is operating faster or slower than anticipated."
Operators can decide whether to use the Actisiler 37 litre tank or the 375L water tank and whether dosage is determined in litres per tonne or litres per hectare.
The app is available for Android and Apple operating platforms and can be downloaded via connect.claas.com
CLAAS has also announced a new water injection system, for difficult harvesting conditions, such as high sugar content grass and high dry matter content lucerne.
The system automatically injects water into the feeder unit, guide plate area, accelerator and discharge chute whenever there is no crop flow, such as at headlands or during forage trailer change-overs.
"This new system helps to stop the build-up of sticky material in crop flow area as well as helping to keep the dry matter sensor or NIR sensor clean," Mr Wheeler said.
The system is controlled via the CEBIS terminal and utilises the on-board 375L water tank.
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