The model year 2016 New Holland FR Forage Cruiser self-propelled forage harvesters deliver consistently high forage quality and industry-leading crop processing efficiency. Its exceptional productivity is further enhanced by the powerful and fuel efficient performance of new engines with horsepower ranging from 476 to 775 and ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR Tier 4B technology. The top model retains the 20.1 liter 824hp engine. The new five-model line-up offers superior comfort in the spacious cab, enabling operators to make the most of the forage harvester’s exceptional productivity with its ergonomic layout and intuitive automation. 

“The performance and efficiency of the FR Forage Cruisers represent the culmination of over 50 years of experience in the forage harvesting industry and are a testament to New Holland’s commitment to innovation,” said Ron Shaffer, New Holland’s Director of Specialty Business Units and West Region Sales for North America. “The new FR Forage Cruiser builds on this strong heritage to deliver the productivity, efficiency, and comfort that large scale contractors require.”

Consistent top chop quality from the widest crop channel in the industry
The new FR Forage Cruiser features the largest cutter head in the industry – both in width and diameter – that powers through crop slugs effortlessly. The proven chevron knife design chops cleanly, quickly and uniformly. The cutter head is available in three configurations to match the specific chopping requirements: 2x8, 2x10 and 2x12 knives for a length of cut range of 6 to 33 mm, 5 to 27 mm and 4 to 22 mm respectively. The proven Hydroloc feedroll drive system enables the operator to adjust the length of cut to match crop conditions on the go.

The large processing rolls, the widest in the industry at 29.5 inches wide, maximize throughput. The exclusive Variflow™ system enables the operator to change effortlessly from grass to corn configuration and back, as well as optimizing crop flow in difficult to blow conditions for maximum throughput.

The new FR Forage Cruiser further improves on the spout. Already the widest, easiest to access in the industry, the spout now features full-length replaceable top and side liners, a new hard-faced flipper, stronger flipper cylinder and improved spout base lubrication. Operator efficiency can be further increased by automating trailer filling with the award-winning Intellifill™ spout guidance system: it guides the crop accurately into the trailer whatever the weather conditions, time of day or type of trailer.

Award-winning engines with ECOBlue™ Hi-eSCR Tier 4B technology
All models of the new FR series feature engines developed by FPT Industrial. The two smaller models run versions of the proven Cursor 13 engine tuned to the constant high loads experienced when harvesting forage.  The FR650 and FR780 mount the new Cursor 16 engine, recently named “Diesel of the Year 2014” by Diesel Magazine. Both engines deliver powerful performances with exceptionally low fuel and DEF consumption. Tuning specific to forage harvesting delivers almost instantaneous transient response, making the Forage Cruisers able to handle sudden changes in load without stopping or plugging, therefore increasing capacity up to 15% vs. the previous model. Fuel and DEF tank capacities are increased on all models to provide the autonomy customers need for long harvesting days. The top model FR850 runs a 20.1L Vector engine. 

All but the largest model feature ECOBlue Hi-eSCR technology to meet Tier 4B emissions standards. As the engine design optimizes combustion, particulate formation is very low. The after-treatment system cleans up the NOx created by the high combustion temperatures. The result is powerful performance combined with exceptional fuel efficiency.

ECO mode helps optimize fuel consumption
For our customers, their forage harvester’s capacity is just as important as chopping quality – and they seek to minimize operating costs where possible. The combined effect of the new Cursor engines and the ECOBlue Hi-eSCR technology enables the new FR models to use on average 13% less fuel than the equivalent Tier 3 model at the same length of cut.  A new standard ECO mode setting can reduce fuel consumption in field conditions where it is not possible to load the engine fully, for example when harvesting low yield crops or in muddy fields. When engaged, the intelligent engine management system controls the engine’s speed and reactivity to minimize fuel use.

New Holland’s PowerCruise™ system maximizes productivity by continually monitoring the actual power required and adapts the forward speed of the FR Forage Cruiser to reach the highest possible work rate through variations in crop conditions in the field.

Premium comfort in the newly updated cab
The new cab of the new FR Forage Cruiser provides operators with a comfortable work station. The ample and quiet cab provides exceptional 360-degree panoramic visibility, with curved windows offering a perfect view of the header and spout, whatever its position. The new Deluxe air-suspended seat features automatic weight adjustment and variable shock absorption. The backrest, lumbar support, seat pan angle, and height are all adjustable to provide the perfect seating position for the operator. A new leather and cloth luxury seat with heated and ventilated cushions and suspension upgrades is also available as an option on the top three models. The new slim steering column with a double-jointed design makes it easy to position the steering wheel for the best view of the header and maximum comfort.

Operator comfort and productivity is further enhanced by the intelligent and intuitive automation. All key machine parameters such as header control, spout engagement and Power Cruise II™ activation, are controlled through the CommandGrip™ multi-function lever. The IntelliView™ IV monitor provides a view of machine functions at a glance.