CLAAS releases special edition JAGUAR harvester

CLAAS is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its JAGUAR forage harvesters with the release of a special edition JAGUAR 990 TERRA TRAC model at the Agritechnica trade show in November 2023.

Boasting a 24 litre, V12 MAN engine that delivers a whopping 925 hp, the harvesting behemoth is capable of processing 400 tonnes of forage per hour, CLAAS claimed.

The special anniversary models also sport an exclusive anniversary colour scheme and graphics, as well as all of CLAAS’ latest operator assistance systems, including CEMOS AUTO Performance.

In 50 years, CLAAS has produced over 45,000 units of JAGUAR forage harvesters, earning a reputation for productivity, efficiency and reliability.

It all started in 1973 when CLAAS released the JAGUAR 60 SF, which was a hybrid of components from the company’s existing trailed drum foragers and combine harvesters.

More than 500 of the 120 hp units were sold within three years, marking the start of CLAAS trailblazing journey in the forage harvesting market.

In 1975, CLAAS released the JAGUAR 80 SF, the world’s first four-row forage harvester.

Powered by a 213hp V10 diesel engine, the 80 SF introduced a discharge blower, automatic steering and the ability to separate the feeder and chopping cylinder housings for easy maintenance.

The following year, it was joined by the JAGUAR 70 SF, which was capable of supporting a then ground-breaking throughput of 75 tonnes per hour.

In 1983, the JAGUAR 600 series was released, which was also the world’s first six-row maize forage harvester.

Powered by a 300hp high-torque Mercedes-Benz engine, the series incorporated an all-new processing centre that incorporated a multi-knife chopping cylinder, corn cracker, crop accelerator and a metal detector.

Adapted from DOMINATOR combine harvesters, the impressive cab was the first to incorporate electronic controls, including a multi-function lever that gave the operator single-handed control of all the machine’s key functions.

The introduction of the 800 series in 1994 cemented CLAAS’ leadership in forage harvesting technology.

The flagship 880 model was the world’s first eight-row harvester.

Its 481hp engine was mounted transversely behind the rear axle, with power transferred to the chopping cylinder via a powerband.

The rear-mounted engine also acted as a counterweight to the much wider and heavier front attachments being used.

Other improvements included the addition of a more powerful crop accelerator for accurate discharge to trucks and trailers.

In addition, the corn cracker could be rolled out of position quickly and easily when switching from maize to grass harvesting – or vice versa.

The high visibility, spacious cab was also the first to incorporate an instructor's seat.

The launch of the JAGUAR 900 series in 2001 pushed power output to a new high of 623hp. It boasted a 40 km/h road speed, a new cab and the introduction of the fully-integrated CEBIS operating system and multi-function control lever.

In 2008, CLAAS smashed performance levels even higher with the introduction of the twin-engine JAGUAR 980.

With a combined maximum output of 830 hp, the engines were controlled by a dynamic engine management system that automatically adjusted power output to load whilst reducing fuel consumption by up to 10 percent.

The new-design V-MAX chopping cylinder with its paddle-type knives further improved chopping quality, efficiency and maintenance.

The introduction of a new-generation cab and operator assistance systems, such as the AUTO FILL automatic discharge system, NIR dry matter sensor and variable tyre pressure control system, provided greater operator comfort and convenience.

In 2015, CLAAS acquired the US-developed SHREDLAGE maize processor, which intensively processes corn kernels and long-chop maize to improve the digestibility of starch and fibre.

This was followed by the development of a new generation of ORBIS maize headers with working widths of up to 9m.

In 2019, CLAAS launched the JAGUAR 900 TERRA TRAC with its innovative crawler tracks and the CEMOS AUTO Performance system, which automatically adjusts engine power curves and forward speed for optimal productivity and efficiency.

More recent improvements across both the 900 and 800 series include the Actisiler 37 silage additive system, water injection system and the CEMIS 1200 terminal for automated steering and precision farming applications.