CLAAS of America Adds Game-Changing Hydraulics to the JAGUAR and PICK UP Header

The dual variable speed header drive for PICK UP increases throughput and harvest efficiency

This item has been supplied by a forage marketer and has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hay & Forage Grower.

The newly refined CLAAS PICK UP head, designed for the JAGUAR forage harvester, features a variable, independent drive of the intake auger and pick-up reel that reduces fuel costs and improves pickup capacity.

The redesigned header takes an existing pickup reel and adds a new hydraulic drive, giving it greater adaptability in the field. This allows the pickup reel to be adjusted automatically to the ground speed to match the harvest conditions in the field and the auger speed adjusted automatically to the feed roll speed. In challenging harvest conditions, both speeds can be adjusted manually from the cab, allowing even more accurate crop feeding and consistent crop flow overall.


In order to operate with the dual variable speed header concept, the JAGUAR forage harvester is equipped with an optional dual hydraulic drive, which performs particularly well with the PICK UP. The mechanical drive remains the standard drive option.

While the dual variable speed header drive is designed specifically for use with JAGUAR 502 or 499 models, kits are available to fit other models.

“The ability to adjust your pickup and auger speeds independently is a game-changer for farmers,” says Matt Jaynes, CLAAS Product Manager, Forage Harvesters. “Designed with the farmer in mind, the new PICK UP header saves time and money, and leads to improved harvest results.”

Run the Numbers
Recent North American studies have shown that silage harvesting using the new hydraulic drive resulted in an increase in throughput levels of up to 5.5% in extreme conditions compared to a mechanical drive, along with improved fuel efficiency.

Additional features include:

  • New Tires
    New heavy-duty tire for rough conditions.
  • Five tine rows
    With improved mountings for longer service life and extremely clean crop take-up.
  • Adjustable roller crop press
    With both impressive and effective optimal material transport, the roller crop press is located closer to the intake auger, providing even crop flow.
  • Intake Auger
    Equipped with a special wrapped auger tube for stronger forces, two paddles and tension springs, the intake auger are designed for demanding use.
  • Optimal ground contouring
    Using an angle sensor, ACTIVE CONTOUR senses ground irregularities in advance, enabling fast operation over hilly terrain while keeping the rake at the proper distance from the ground.
  • Ideal accessibility
    With the ability to raise the header hydraulically, it’s more convenient to access the roller crop press and inspect for metal or rocks.

There are more improvements to come for the JAGUAR and headers in 2022, such as standard downed crop drums on the ORBIS headers, optional higher volume silage additive pump and optional special water injection for the JAGUAR crop flow.


For more information about the new PICK UP attachment, visit the product page.

About CLAAS of America Inc.:
CLAAS of America Inc. offers a wide variety of technologically innovative tractor, combine, forage harvester, baler and hay tool products to provide growers optimum performance in the field. These premium equipment lines are designed by a dedicated engineering staff located at numerous factories worldwide and focused on the production and design of harvesting equipment. The design, performance and reliability of this equipment have made CLAAS an international market leader. For more information, visit www.claas.com.