A new system which helps maximize throughput by minimizing blockage risk, CustomSteer™ technology that cuts headland turning time, and refined controls and electronics within a completely revised cab interior are among the key enhancements for 2025 New Holland FR Forage Cruiser self-propelled forage harvesters, which comprise five models from the FR480 (476 max hp) to the FR920 (911 max hp). The enhanced FR models, which incorporate upgraded crop flow wear parts to increase service life and reduce cost of ownership, are being launched following the recent release of the updated 3.0/3.5/4.0m UltraFeed™ grass pick-up, with its new auger design and belt-driven heavy-duty driveline.
New blockage prevention system: an industry first
To help operators exploit the full potential of their FR Forage Cruiser, a new blockage detection and prevention system has been developed in-house at New Holland’s forage harvester Center of Excellence in Zedelgem, Belgium. The first system of its kind in the industry, it is based around a spout-mounted radar sensor that monitors the crop flow leaving the machine, detecting any change in its rate in relation to the machine’s forward speed. If this should drop, the operator receives a warning to reduce the forward speed. This helps reduce blockage likelihood and makes dense blockages far less likely to occur, and in the event a blockage should happen, cleanout and work resumption will be far faster. The system also helps less-experienced operators drive more confidently, ensuring they can confidently maximize output.
IntelliFill™ upgraded
IntelliFill automated trailer filling performance has been enhanced to ensure hands-off trailer filling will work in the most demanding conditions. The system provides automated filling over a 210⁰ arc, moving autonomously from rear to side filling and allowing the operator to keep full focus on the work ahead. A new user interface provides live feedback, with a camera showing the trailer filling progress, overlaid with key system indicators to inform the operator of filling performance.
CustomSteer™ speeds up headland turns
Already proven on other New Holland machines, CustomSteer technology on the FR Forage Cruiser lets the operator set the ratio of the number of steering wheel turns from lock to lock. This means swift turns can be made at the headland with minimal movement of the steering wheel, while on the road the steering sensitivity can be restored. The result is greater operator comfort, swifter in-field operation and maximum road safety.
More precision technology features
With the updated NutriSense™ NIR sensor technology, customers can make accurate and timely visualizations of crop nutrient data collected by their machine, enhancing data processing for field and farm management. This is offered as a factory-installed option and part of the new FieldOps farm management web and mobile platform.
FR Forage Cruisers are compatible with the new Connectivity Included feature, which enables subscription-free connectivity for new equipment purchases. This also works with IntelliField™ functionality, which provides real-time in-field data sharing capabilities for boundaries, guidance lines and coverage data when multiple machines are operating in the same field. Data can be transferred and IntelliField utilized with a one-time subscription.
A quieter, roomier, more informative cab
FR Forage Cruiser cab enhancements provide more space, comfort, visibility and noise suppression. Compared to the previous cab, there is 12.5% more floor space, 6cm more seat travel and revised storage spaces. Dual-layer front and rear windows, plus enhanced sound-dampening materials in the floor, headliner and rear wall, have helped cut interior noise by 2.5dB. Seating has been upgraded, with three new operator seat choices and matching instructor seats. The right-hand console has been revised for more intuitive operation, and an upgraded CommandGrip™ multifunction handle provides enhanced travel and upgraded switchgear.
A 30cm IntelliView™ IV Plus touchscreen replaces the 26cm IntelliView IV, with more processing power that results in a faster boot-up time, improved reactivity and better visibility and legibility in direct sunlight, thanks to enhanced graphics. If desired, it can be complemented with a second display for separate management of mapping, auto-guidance and IntelliFill™ automated trailer filling. For faster reactivity and responsiveness, the complete FR electronics architecture has been updated.
