Forage Harvester
Chops crops/grass into chaff or forage and unloads continuously through a discharge pipe.
What it is used for
Chops crops/grass into chaff or forage and unloads continuously through a discharge pipe.
How to operate it
Attach the correct header, open/aim the discharge pipe and keep a trailer within range while harvesting. The machine normally does not store a large crop tank.
Selection and setup
Check the in-game shop for power requirement, working width, capacity, supported fill types, hitch/header compatibility and optional configurations before purchase or leasing.
Base-game examples
CLAAS JAGUAR 990 TERRA TRAC • Fendt Katana • John Deere 9000 Series • KRONE BiG X 1180 • New Holland FR 780 • Lacotec LH II (tractor-mounted)
Operating procedure
Before starting, confirm the machine is compatible with the crop/material and that the power unit meets the shop requirement. Attach or enter the machine, unfold/prepare it, position at the start of the work area, lower/activate the working components where applicable, then work consistent passes at the machine’s rated working speed. Monitor fill level, material type and missed strips. Stop/lift the working parts before tight headland turns, reposition, then resume.
Before you buy or lease
Check working width, working speed, power requirement, capacity, supported fill/crop types, hitch/header compatibility, wheel/tyre options and whether the tool combines another field operation. Lease highly specialised equipment when it will only be used for a small acreage.
Compatibility & attachments
This shows what the equipment connects to, which attachment families work with it, and what each combination is used for. For a specific model, the in-game shop Combinations panel is the final compatibility check.
| Compatible connection / attachment | Used for | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup header | Pick up grass or compatible crop swaths and chop them. | Useful after mowing/windrowing or swathing. |
| Direct-disc / forage header | Cut standing grass and suitable crops directly into chaff. | Crop support depends on the header. |
| Corn forage header | Cut corn and other supported standing crops into chaff. | Header family must match the forage harvester. |
| Trailer driven alongside | Receive chaff because self-propelled forage harvesters normally discharge continuously. | Use a second vehicle or AI/helper workflow for transport. |
Base-game equipment examples
| Machine / tool | Compatible with | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| CLAAS JAGUAR 990 TERRA TRAC | Pickup, direct-disc and corn forage-header families supported by the machine | Produce chaff from grass/crops |
| Fendt Katana | Pickup, direct-disc and corn forage-header families supported by the machine | Produce chaff from grass/crops |
| John Deere 9000 Series | Pickup, direct-disc and corn forage-header families supported by the machine | Produce chaff from grass/crops |
| KRONE BiG X 1180 | Pickup, direct-disc and corn forage-header families supported by the machine | Produce chaff from grass/crops |
| New Holland FR 780 | Pickup, direct-disc and corn forage-header families supported by the machine | Produce chaff from grass/crops |
| Lacotec LH II | Mounted forage-harvester setup on a suitable tractor | Tractor-mounted forage harvesting |
Procedure
- Choose the correct header: a maize/forage header for standing compatible crops or a pickup header for prepared windrows.
- Because a forage harvester normally has no grain-style storage tank, arrange a trailer/hauling vehicle before you begin.
- Attach and activate the header, then begin straight harvesting passes.
- Keep the discharge spout aimed into the receiving trailer and coordinate speed/position so material is not lost.
- Swap or unload trailers without leaving the harvester waiting for long periods.
- Deliver the resulting chaff/forage to the bunker, animal feed route or other intended destination.
Detailed procedure guides
Alternative options
Tow a trailer directly where the machine supports it.
Run a second tractor/trailer alongside.
Practical tips
- If no receiving trailer is under the pipe, material can be lost.
- Operate at the tool’s rated working speed and allow space at headlands for clean turns.