Much of the spec of the Jumbo 8000 forage wagons is under wraps until the official launch this summer, but what we can reveal is that Pöttinger’s new flagship range achieves a theoretical chop length of 25mm.
While based on the Jumbo 7000, all core components on the 8000 models have been completely redesigned, including the chopping system and the rotor. Designed for tractors from 230-500hp, the capacity of the new models; 8380 DB (38m³), 8400 (40m³), 8450 DB (45m³), 8470 (47m³), 8520 DB (52m³) and 8540 (54m³), is the same as the Jumbo 7000 series.
The main differences on the newcomers is the 850mm diameter rotor and the 65-knife (48 on the 7000) chopping system. With a theoretical chop length of 25mm (34mm on the 7000), Pöttinger says the Jumbo 8000 can chop almost 30% shorter for just 15% more power. The Austrian company says the shorter chop results in 10% higher loading density, easier to manage material on the clamp and a higher quality silage.
The blade protection system is worth a mention. Blades are individually protected by a patented system with trigger mechanism and despite the narrower 25mm knife spacing, it is still possible to use the Autocut automatic knife sharpening system.
Options carried over from the 7000 series include the electronically-steered axles, which eliminate the need for mechanical steering angle sensors between the tractor and the wagon.
The automatic loading system on 8000 models features an additional optional fourth sensor on the rotor scraper carrier. The new sensor measures the pressure exerted by the crop inside the loading chamber. If the pressure is too high, the scraper floor switches on automatically before any mechanical damage can occur.
Unladen weights range from 11.6-14.4t and maximum total weights from 24-34t. Protected to a torque of 3,500Nm (7000 is 3,000Nm), the 8000 is described as a cost-effective alternative to a self-propelled forage harvester. Available from August, there are a wide range of chassis and tyre options.
