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The Claas Legacy in Agricultural Engineering
Claas, founded in 1913 in Germany, has long been a pioneer in agricultural machinery. Known for its innovations in combine harvesters, balers, and forage harvesters, the company has built a reputation for precision, durability, and operator-focused design. The Jaguar series, introduced in the 1970s, revolutionized forage harvesting with its high-throughput capacity and modular configuration. By the time the Jaguar 980 was launched, Claas had already sold over 40,000 forage harvesters globally, making it one of the most successful product lines in its category.
The Jaguar 980 represents the pinnacle of this evolution. Designed for large-scale dairy and silage operations, it combines raw horsepower with intelligent crop processing systems. With a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine producing up to 884 horsepower, the 980 is engineered to handle the most demanding field conditions with ease.
Performance and Field Application
The Jaguar 980 is built for speed and efficiency. Its throughput capacity exceeds 400 tons per hour under optimal conditions, making it ideal for farms with large herds and tight harvest windows. The machine features the Claas V-MAX chopping drum, which offers up to 42 knives for fine, consistent chop quality. This is critical for dairy operations, where forage particle size directly affects rumen health and milk production.
One operator in northern New York, working on a farm milking over 1,600 cows, described the Jaguar 980 as “a beast that never hesitates.” During peak harvest, the machine ran 12-hour shifts without overheating or clogging, even in dense corn stands. The operator noted that the auto-fill system and cruise pilot allowed him to focus on steering while the machine adjusted speed and chute position automatically.
Cab Comfort and Operator Experience
The cab of the Jaguar 980 is designed for long days in the field. It features climate control, ergonomic seating, and panoramic visibility. The CEBIS touchscreen interface provides real-time data on throughput, fuel consumption, knife wear, and crop moisture. Operators can adjust settings on the fly, optimizing performance without leaving the cab.
Key operator features include:
Terminology Notes
The Jaguar 980 is designed for minimal downtime. Daily maintenance points are accessible from ground level, and the machine includes automatic lubrication systems for key components. The V-MAX drum and kernel processor are built for durability, with hardened steel and reinforced bearings.
Recommended maintenance practices include:
Crop Processing and Feed Quality
The 980 can be equipped with the MCC MAX kernel processor, which crushes corn kernels to improve digestibility. This is especially important for high-producing dairy herds, where starch availability affects milk yield. The processor features saw-tooth rollers and adjustable gap settings, allowing customization based on crop maturity and moisture.
In trials conducted by agricultural universities, silage processed by the Jaguar 980 showed higher kernel damage scores and improved fiber digestibility compared to competitive models. This translates to better feed conversion and reduced supplementation costs.
Real-World Anecdotes and Operator Stories
In 2021, a farm in Ontario upgraded from a Jaguar 900 to the 980 after expanding their herd. The new machine reduced harvest time by 30% and allowed them to chop wetter corn without plugging. The operator recalled a storm approaching during harvest—thanks to the 980’s speed and reliability, they finished the field before the rain hit, saving the crop from spoilage.
Another story from Germany involved a contractor who ran three Jaguar 980s across 5,000 hectares during maize season. He noted that the machines maintained consistent chop quality even in variable terrain, and the telematics system allowed him to monitor fuel usage and service intervals remotely.
Final Recommendations
For large-scale forage operations, the Claas Jaguar 980 offers unmatched power, precision, and operator comfort. Key advantages include:
Claas, founded in 1913 in Germany, has long been a pioneer in agricultural machinery. Known for its innovations in combine harvesters, balers, and forage harvesters, the company has built a reputation for precision, durability, and operator-focused design. The Jaguar series, introduced in the 1970s, revolutionized forage harvesting with its high-throughput capacity and modular configuration. By the time the Jaguar 980 was launched, Claas had already sold over 40,000 forage harvesters globally, making it one of the most successful product lines in its category.
The Jaguar 980 represents the pinnacle of this evolution. Designed for large-scale dairy and silage operations, it combines raw horsepower with intelligent crop processing systems. With a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine producing up to 884 horsepower, the 980 is engineered to handle the most demanding field conditions with ease.
Performance and Field Application
The Jaguar 980 is built for speed and efficiency. Its throughput capacity exceeds 400 tons per hour under optimal conditions, making it ideal for farms with large herds and tight harvest windows. The machine features the Claas V-MAX chopping drum, which offers up to 42 knives for fine, consistent chop quality. This is critical for dairy operations, where forage particle size directly affects rumen health and milk production.
One operator in northern New York, working on a farm milking over 1,600 cows, described the Jaguar 980 as “a beast that never hesitates.” During peak harvest, the machine ran 12-hour shifts without overheating or clogging, even in dense corn stands. The operator noted that the auto-fill system and cruise pilot allowed him to focus on steering while the machine adjusted speed and chute position automatically.
Cab Comfort and Operator Experience
The cab of the Jaguar 980 is designed for long days in the field. It features climate control, ergonomic seating, and panoramic visibility. The CEBIS touchscreen interface provides real-time data on throughput, fuel consumption, knife wear, and crop moisture. Operators can adjust settings on the fly, optimizing performance without leaving the cab.
Key operator features include:
- Automatic sharpening and shear bar adjustment
- LED lighting for night operations
- Joystick control with programmable functions
- Integrated camera system for chute and trailer monitoring
Terminology Notes
- Forage Harvester: A machine that chops crops like corn or grass into silage for livestock feed.
- Chopping Drum: The rotating cylinder with knives that cuts the crop into uniform pieces.
- Auto-Fill System: A feature that automatically adjusts the discharge chute to fill trailers evenly.
- Cruise Pilot: A system that adjusts ground speed based on crop density and engine load.
- CEBIS: Claas Electronic On-Board Information System, a touchscreen interface for machine control.
The Jaguar 980 is designed for minimal downtime. Daily maintenance points are accessible from ground level, and the machine includes automatic lubrication systems for key components. The V-MAX drum and kernel processor are built for durability, with hardened steel and reinforced bearings.
Recommended maintenance practices include:
- Daily inspection of knives and shear bar
- Monitoring wear indicators on the drum and processor
- Cleaning air filters and radiator screens
- Checking hydraulic fluid levels and belt tension
Crop Processing and Feed Quality
The 980 can be equipped with the MCC MAX kernel processor, which crushes corn kernels to improve digestibility. This is especially important for high-producing dairy herds, where starch availability affects milk yield. The processor features saw-tooth rollers and adjustable gap settings, allowing customization based on crop maturity and moisture.
In trials conducted by agricultural universities, silage processed by the Jaguar 980 showed higher kernel damage scores and improved fiber digestibility compared to competitive models. This translates to better feed conversion and reduced supplementation costs.
Real-World Anecdotes and Operator Stories
In 2021, a farm in Ontario upgraded from a Jaguar 900 to the 980 after expanding their herd. The new machine reduced harvest time by 30% and allowed them to chop wetter corn without plugging. The operator recalled a storm approaching during harvest—thanks to the 980’s speed and reliability, they finished the field before the rain hit, saving the crop from spoilage.
Another story from Germany involved a contractor who ran three Jaguar 980s across 5,000 hectares during maize season. He noted that the machines maintained consistent chop quality even in variable terrain, and the telematics system allowed him to monitor fuel usage and service intervals remotely.
Final Recommendations
For large-scale forage operations, the Claas Jaguar 980 offers unmatched power, precision, and operator comfort. Key advantages include:
- High throughput and consistent chop quality
- Advanced automation and control systems
- Durable components and easy maintenance
- Superior feed processing with MCC MAX
