Agritechnica 2011 will mark the market launch of the Fendt Katana 65 forage harvester. The first small series of production models is already in operation on customers’ fields, and the company hopes to put up to 30 of the foragers into operation during 2012.
The closed chopping cylinder on the Fendt Katana 65 has a 720-mm diameter and is currently the biggest on the market. It ensures a constant, high throughput with optimum chopping quality. The automatic knife sharpening system, which can be controlled from the cab, quickly returns the hardened knives to their full sharpness.
Maize kernels are processed with the new V-disc cracker, which is unique on the market. The meshing cylinders have a special design that provides a large friction surface, so that every kernel is cracked efficiently. The cylinders work at almost the same speed, so the power requirement is lower than in conventional machines, thus significantly lowering fuel consumption.
The headers, which are offered as a factory solution, feature tried and tested technology from Kemper. They are coupled on a swinging frame that pivots around the centre axis of the intake. This keeps crop flow constant, even when the header is tilted or under other difficult operating conditions.
The Fendt Katana 65 is powered by a 16-litre V8 Mercedes engine with 650hp, whose performance curve has been adapted to forage harvester operations. For compliance with the Stage 3B emissions standard, the forager features SCR (AdBlue) technology.
When working in grass, the ECO Power mode is activated, which reduces the engine speed from 2,000rpm to a fuel-saving 1,600rpm. The two-speed gearbox keeps the working speed of the feeding system, the drum and the discharge system constant, which maintains a high cutting frequency and results in optimal throughput.
The rear axle suspension guarantees the best ride comfort, even at a top speed of 40km/hr on the road. Maximum transport speed is already attained at a fuel-saving 1,600rpm. The hydrostatic four-wheel drive ensures that the Fendt Katana 65 drives safely, even under difficult ground conditions, such as on slopes.
The completely newly developed cab provides a large amount of space in combination with the best all-round visibility. The large glass areas give operators an outstanding view to the intake and the entire discharge area of the unloading tube.
The control armrest, tried and proven in the Vario tractors, and the Vario-Terminal, very popular with users, have been adopted in the forage harvester and adapted to its operating philosophy. The armrest is not only a comfortable support, but also an ergonomic control unit with toggle switches and membrane keys for important functions.
The terminal contains specially adapted functions and can be operated with the touchscreen or the keys and rotary control. The joystick lies well in the hand and has been completely newly developed especially for the forage harvester. The conveniently placed cross keys permit easy adjustment of the most important cutting functions. In future models, the Fendt Katana 65 will be equipped with cutting-edge features, such as VarioDoc documentation or VarioGuide automatic steering.
For more information visit: www.fendt.co.uk.
