New Holland is introducing a renewed version of its grass pick-up, the UltraFeed™,
on its refreshed FR forage harvester range for 2024. Presented in 3.0m, 3.5m and
4.0m working widths, the UltraFeed™ pick-up is designed to enhance crop flow to allow
each FR forage harvester model to handle the biggest crop volumes and exploit the full
capacity of the large chopping cylinder and the engine that powers it.
“We have used our vast worldwide experience in all kinds of swathed crops to design
this new grass pick-up,” says Henrik Aaskov Hansen, Global Product Manager for New
Holland self-propelled forage harvesters and headers. “Our engineers’ aim was to perfect
the crop flow, with an even, direct feed to the forage harvester, for greater throughput
and more productivity.” The result is a pick-up that will enhance the already
outstanding performance of New Holland’s current FR and grass pickup family.
A new auger design with a belt driven, heavy-duty driveline matches the capacity
and reduced maintenance needs while minimizing risk of crop wrapping. Other
advantages include reduced maintenance need, longer service life and greater
operator comfort during long days, from the even crop flow when chopping.
A single large roller windguard provides swath pre-compression, for even feeding in light
crops and helping avoid bulldozing in dense swaths. It opens up to 160 cm for easy
access to the header if necessary. A see-through mesh provides a clear view of crop flow
into the header, and LEDs illuminate the auger and feed rolls in low light conditions.
Upgraded hardware on the new cam-track pick-up reel eases replacement tine
installation, cutting replacement time to just 1.5 minutes. A more compact reel gearbox
provides a 25% increase in reel speed where needed, matching the pick-up’s higher
capacity. For hands-off servicing, optional auto-greasing ensures exactly the right
amount of grease is applied at exactly the right intervals.
New Holland test results underline the capacity benefits of UltraFeed upgrades, says Mr
Aaskov Hansen: “During our extensive validation campaign, we have seen significant throughput improvements in all crop conditions and at all chopping lengths. “Our
heritage and long experience in forage harvesters shows that customers want to have
more and more horsepower, and that it is crucial that all machines run at highest
capacity and speed without blockages, spillages or risk of failure - or extended planned
or unplanned maintenance stops. Therefore, UltraFeed designers focused on maximising
daily productivity, resulting in up to 10% more productive time during a day’s work.”
Feedbacks from customers during trials and test held all over the globe confirmed
improvements both in productivity, operator experience, and in-cab comfort, with
statements made expressing accolades for the design and performance of the
UltraFeed™ pick-up.
Sharp new look for FR models in line with other New Holland equipment
Having evolved significantly since their 2007 launch, the latest New Holland FR series
forage harvesters have undergone a complete design revolution, with significant
technical, structural and aesthetic advances. Revealed at Agritechnica 2023, the updated
2024 FR series are identifiable by their refreshed ‘Inspired by Nature’ New Holland
signature styling, concealing multiple technology updates. These include the VariBlade
variable pitch/reversible engine fan, updated DuraCracker™ crop processing rolls,
coated for extended wear resistance, and IntelliField inter-vehicle data-sharing, plus an
updated NutriSense™ system to help produce full overview of nutritional value of the
crop going into the clamp, for the best possible silage.