New Holland, PA (February 13, 2007) -  Custom harvesters and large dairy operators requiring powerful, high-capacity chopping performance can work with a revolutionary new level of performance and capacity with New Holland’s newly redesigned FR9000 Series self-propelled forage harvesters. Designed with higher horsepower, a larger cutterhead and a number of new, advanced features, the five new models are built to work faster and smoother-- with more operator convenience-- in all crop conditions. The FR9090, an 811-hp model powered by a 20 liter, V8 Iveco engine, is currently the most powerful self-propelled forage harvester available from a major manufacturer.

VariFlow™ crop processor and accelerator

The new FR9000 Series forage harvesters offer the industry-exclusive, patented VariFlow™ crop processor and accelerator system for smoother operation. The VariFlow system allows the accelerator to be lowered closer to the cutterhead when the crop processor is not in use. The crop processor is removed and the accelerator is lowered all in one simple process within a few minutes. Bringing the accelerator closer to the cutterhead without loss of blower speed keeps the crop moving and greatly reduces the possibility of plugging in tough, gummy conditions. This patented design is a standard feature on all New Holland FR9000 Series forage harvesters.

Wide feedrolls built for productivity

The extra-wide, 34-inch feedrolls on the new FR9000 Series are four inches wider than on previous New Holland models for larger capacity and throughput. Heavy, stainless steel rolls are wear resistant and highly durable. The MetaLoc™ system, located in the lower feedroll, protects the machine from ferrous metal intake by keeping metal out of the feedrolls to protect vital components. MetaLoc™ now features the ability to show where the metal detection occurred on the roll, making it quick and easy to find the problem piece of metal.

In-cab adjustments

For operator convenience, the FR Series can now be adjusted from the comfort of the cab for the most efficient crop intake. The HydroLoc™ system allows for easy length-of-cut adjustments, while the optional dual feedroll drive system has a second hydrostatic drive motor so the operator can make independent feedroll speed and header speed adjustments from inside the cab.

New Holland’s new hydraulic-drive sharpening system permits fast, in-field reverse cutterhead sharpening from the cab. Shearbar adjustments can be made quickly to provide clean cutting of the crop. This system works quickly, so the operator can sharpen knives frequently to increase chopping efficiency.

Cutterhead built to chop and chop

To match the wide feedrolls, the 34-inch wide cutterhead turns at 1132 rpm. The 992 lb. cutterhead has 16 knives and delivers up to 9,056 cuts per minute. With the HydroLoc™ system and cutterhead working together, an infinitely variable length of cut is created that can range from 6 mm to 33 mm. PowerCruise™ allows the machine to manage engine load and automatically change ground speed to match crop conditions.

Cab comfort

A new cab design of the FR Series makes it easier on the operator when putting in long hours in the field. Easy-to-climb stairs, large power mirrors, automatic temperature control, deluxe seat, large curved windshield, tall side windows, and a floating armrest with controls all make the operator’s time in the cab more comfortable and less stressful.

Sight lines for the operator are now unobstructed due to cab wiring running through a center rear cab post. The roof line has also been raised in the rear to allow the operator to see the spout. Standard HID lights permit work into the night.

New grass pickup headers

Redesigned grass headers have been made to match the capacity of the new FR. The windguard hydraulic flips open when the header is reverse for easy removal of crop. The reel is hydraulically driven and automatically adjusts as the ground speed is changed on the base machine. Heavy duty drives provide excellent durability in the toughest conditions. Two models are offered, one 12 foot and one 15 foot header.

New Holland is a brand of CNH, a global leader in agricultural and construction equipment and financial services. New Holland sells and services an innovative and diverse line of agricultural equipment, including a full line of tractors as well as hay and forage equipment, harvesting, crop production and material handling equipment.

Sales, parts and service are provided to customers by New Holland dealers throughout the United States and Canada. There are more than 1,200 New Holland dealerships located throughout North America.

For more information on New Holland products, contact your local New Holland dealer or visit the New Holland Web site at www.newholland.com/na.