The new Fendt Katana 650 self-propelled forage harvester is now available to order following its UK launch at LAMMA and world debut at Agritechnica.
Replacing the Katana 600, the 650 offers more power, with 25hp added to the existing MTU six-cylinder in-line engine, to bring it up to 650hp overall.
The new intake and processing system is claimed to improve crop flow and increase cutting capacity, and the 650 also benefits from new roller conditioner crackers to improve crop quality.
The cutting speed, efficiency and longevity of the knives has also been enhanced. Two new roller conditioners, new crackers that expand the cut length to 30mm, and an enlarged 300mm roll diameter have increased the flow capacity by a claimed 21%, and the new machine also boasts a 12% drop in fuel consumption. New service openings giving direct access to the knives and the 650 comes with a new knife sharpening system.
The BalancedGrip all-wheel drive system, which actively regulates the driving torque between the front and rear axles, provides increased stability in undulating fields.
The new cab benefits from an improved ventilation system and coated glass has reduced noise levels by three decibels. The ergonomics of this latest Katana is a feature Fendt believes will help position it as a potential market leader. “The seating position and controls are designed around the operator to the extent that even the thumb controls for the header and spout have been reversed to make them more intuitive,” comments Dan Woodward, Fendt forage products specialist.
Mr Woodward reckons that the combination of power improvements, cab refinements and enhanced cutting ability make this machine a real step forward for Fendt.
“I don’t think an operator using a 700hp alternative would find the Katana any less powerful in the real world. We are really excited to bring this new model to the UK.”
Available to test this summer for delivery 2021, the Katana 650 costs exactly £418,263.
