Vincent from a French agricultural cooperative demonstrates the new SPFH F8 500 forage harvester for corn silage. The 240-kernel processor is 40% larger than previous models, and new features like AutoTrac RowSense reduce operator fatigue. The cab has enhanced sound insulation and a living-room-like seat for all-day comfort.
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I had the chance to try out the new F8 500 forage harvester. I'm Vincent, an operator at the Union Illérienne Agricultural Equipment Cooperative, CUMA, in Saint-Hilaire-des-Landes near Fougères in the department of Villers-Velin. So the CUMA has around 40 members. We offer a fairly comprehensive service focusing mainly on corn silage. We harvest between 700, 750 to 800 hectares depending on the year and the corn silage area. We currently operate 3 forage We've had the large harvesters, a 7500 with a 10-row header, and since 2020, the 8600 also with a 10-row header. And so, with this new machine, you can clearly see major improvements in terms of the cab and user-friendliness, in terms of handling, and the same applies to the displays. It's pretty user-friendly. You also notice differences in the sound insulation and comfort. Well, the seat, it's extremely comfortable. It feels like sitting in your living room. The sun visor works perfectly. It's also been improved. I'm small, sitting in the cab, the sun visor works very well. The new spout, which is pretty good, can extend much further. It's true that sometimes when the trailers move quickly, this feature is very helpful. And then there's the steering angle, which has also changed. In terms of quality of work, this machine, compared to our current machines, features a slightly larger kernel processor. Between 200 and 250, I think, from memory. We're at 240, with a 40% difference. So, the new JDX 14 13-litre 6-cylinder engine runs at lower engine speeds and is therefore more economical. The cutter head always operates at constant speed and the chop quality is excellent. When it comes to new technologies, we have Active Field Control and the inoculant dosing system. Also, a real advantage is AutoTrac RowSense when you're working long days covering 35-40 hectares. Well, in the evening it can be a relief, I think, so you're less tired. What's good for lodged corn is quick dismantling and unblocking. Everything's much easier to take apart and put back together. The drums are very efficient. This works well in large and small corn. To sum it up, the machine, well, it's great to handle, user-friendly, simple to operate, and features a new design. You can clearly see that the new cab has been significantly improved. We already had something good before, but now it's even better.
