New Holland Adds ForageCam Grain Processing Monitor to FR Forage Harvesters
Machinery maker New Holland will offer its self-propelled FR Forage Cruiser forage harvesters with ForageCam for the 2027 model year. The camera system rates how well maize kernels are processed and can adjust the kernel processor gap automatically.
Machinery maker New Holland is developing its FR Forage Cruiser series of self-propelled forage harvesters, machines used to chop green crops for silage. The main novelty for the 2027 model year is ForageCam, a system aimed at automating harvesting and monitoring how well grain is processed. Journalists were shown the new features at the company's plant in Zedelgem, Belgium, where the FR machines are built and which is marking 120 years of operation.
A camera rates kernel processing
ForageCam is a camera mounted on the harvester's discharge spout. During maize harvest it analyses the material flowing past and assesses how well the kernels are broken. The result is given as the KPS (Kernel Processing Score), which the operator watches on a monitor in the cab. The data can also be sent to the FieldOps platform to build maps and analyse crop quality later.
Previously, checking kernel processing mostly meant taking samples and running extra analyses. The new system allows the parameter to be monitored continuously without stopping work. This matters mainly for dairy cattle feeding: the degree of kernel damage affects the availability of starch and other nutrients, and therefore the nutritional value of the silage.
Automatic kernel processor adjustment
The data from ForageCam is analysed by a computer, which can automatically adjust the gap between the kernel processor rollers. The operator still sets the desired quality level, and the system then adapts the settings based on the live KPS reading. If processing quality is sufficient, the gap can be widened, reducing resistance to material flow and power demand, and thus cutting fuel use and wear on working parts. If quality drops, the gap can be narrowed again. Without such solutions, a machine often runs with fixed settings for a field, or even most of a season.
Technologies already in place
ForageCam adds to systems introduced earlier. NutriSense NIR uses near-infrared spectroscopy to analyse the harvested material and can be calibrated for 12 crop types. IntelliFill automates trailer filling by recognising trailer edges and steering the discharge direction. CropSpeed uses radar to monitor crop flow and warns the operator of possible spout blockages.
The manufacturer also stresses easier servicing, component durability and lower fuel use per tonne of harvested material.
