In-field analysis of maize crop processing in a matter of minutes is a new feature that enables forage harvesting contractors operating Claas Jaguar choppers to consistently and accurately meet customer requirements.

Thanks to the Claas Connect cloud-based digital management platform that went live in early October, the process that previously involved sending samples to a laboratory can now be completed using an A4-size sample tray and a mobile phone.

See also: Contractor retrofits nutrient analysis to Claas Jag 830

Online rapid analysis of forage maize processing uses phone images © Claas

Images of five individual processed maize samples are uploaded to the Connect app, and a corn silage processing score (CSPS) is calculated and sent back to the phone within a few minutes.

Contractors can then adjust the kernel processor if necessary, and further checks can be made when needed throughout the harvest.

Cracker upgrade

Claas has given processing intensity an up-lift by increasing the speed differential of the two multicrop cracker rollers from 30% to 40% on the MCC Max, which has cutting and shearing ring segments, and on the MCC Classic where a more aggressive 190 sawtooth profile is available.

Extra space has been found in the maintenance compartment for fitting and removing the corn cracker units more easily, too.

There is also a new chopping cylinder option for Jaguar 900 forage harvesters as a heavier-duty alternative to the V-Max.

The new V-Flex drum and blades for Claas Jaguar 900 choppers © Claas

The V-Flex is available with half- and quarter-width blades arranged in an alternating ‘V’ pattern and can be run with a full or partial complement of blades to suit different crops and a broader range of chop-length preferences.

Half blades are bolted and supported at three points in a pre-determined location and angle, so they do not have to be adjusted.

The patented design sets them at an “optimised” 10deg angle to the shear bar, with an extended 23mm-thick, anti-wear coating intended to make the blades more durable and capable of handling a greater volume of crop before being replaced.

The triple-bolted installation allows the blade-to-shear bar distance to be reduced even further for efficient chopping, which Claas says translates into improved fuel economy, lower noise levels, and more consistent crop flow, especially with material chopped to more than 12mm.

Other upgrades include a combined knife sharpening and shear bar adjustment option in the Cebis display menu, and a quick-flick discharge flap command when switching trailers.

Up front, there is a revised 3m grass swath pick-up with a full-width dust screen and an auger now fitted with crop-accelerating paddles at the centre. And at the rear, a new 10-stud drive axle that can be engaged under load and available with track-width adjusting spacers.