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With ten models covering 884 to 400hp, it's fair to say the Claas Jaguar range of forage harvesters is the world's largest.
And recently announced upgrades for the coming season will keep them at the front of harvesting technology.
In the engine department, seven models are available with the maker's Dynamic Power function which automatically controls engine output to suit the prevailing conditions.
In practice the operator can select either maximum power, full power or normal power. The engine management system will then match power to load in ten incremental steps, maximising output and optimising fuel consumption.
For example, the flagship 980 model can attain 884hp when used in the maximum setting, or as little as 272hp depending on load, and over 10 steps. By contrast, in the normal mode it can operate between the minimum outputs of 272hp, up to 450hp in three steps.
Another added function allows the operator to enter the crop at maximum engine power, from where the system will automatically match engine speed for the most efficient setting, whilst the cruise pilot mode can be set to maintain forward speed, engine speed or throughput as required.
Other improvements for 2016 are the C-Motion control lever, already seen on some tractor models, and offering fingertip control of up to 13 functions, making life easier for operators who shift between machines or tractors.
Optional leather drivers' seats with integral heating and cooling ensure comfort, LED lighting improves visibility and keyed locks improve security of the ignition system, cab and fuel tanks.
To help improve traction an optional automatic tyre pressure control system can be specified on the 900 series machines; this monitors pressures every 30 minutes to suit field or road.
Silage making is both a science and an art, but Claas says it offers onboard technology featured in its Claas Perfect Partners to help farmers make silage more efficiently and effectively.
Claas has recently celebrated the 250,000th CLAAS mower – a Disco 3200 FC – rolling off the production line in Bad Saulgau, south-west Germany.
Christchurch-headquartered Landpower and its Claas Harvest Centre dealerships has taken out the Global After Sales Excellence award in Germany, during the annual Claas after sales meeting at the end of January.
January to March is the heart of New Zealand’s ‘golden’ harvest, but also the time of the year when Landpower and Claas Harvest Centre welcomes two optimisation specialists from Germany to support Claas combine customers in the cab of their machine.
Creating perfect silage is both a science and an art, and it all begins with the right tools, according to machinery maker Claas.
The chair of Beef + Lamb NZ, Kate Acland says the rush appears to be on to purchase farms and convert them to forestry before new rules limiting this come into effect.
New Zealand farmers will face higher urea prices this year, mainly on the back of tight global supply and a weak Kiwi dollar.
Andy Caughey of Wool Impact says a lot of people in NZ have been saying it's crazy that we are not using natural fibres in our buildings and houses.
Former chief executive of Beef+Lamb New Zealand Scott Champion will head the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) from July.
Avian flu getting into New Zealand's poultry industry is the biosecurity threat that is most worrying for Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard.
The annual domestic utilisation of wool will double to 30,000 tonnes because of the edict that government agencies should use woollen fibre products in the construction of new and refurbished buildings.
