Buyer’s guide: Type 492 Claas Jaguar 890

If you are looking to take silage-making back in-house, then a secondhand self-propelled
forager looks an attractive buy. Though there could be some high running costs attached.
Matt Temple-Fry of Claas Western guides Geoff Ashcroft around a popular type 492 Claas

Jaguar 890.

In 14 years of production over 10,000 type 492 Jaguars were sold worldwide.
Claas’ type 492 self-propelled forager series was first introduced in 2000 and ran up until
2014. In that time, the German maker supplied over 10,000 models to a worldwide market,
making it one of the firm’s most popular types.

Changes were minimal throughout its lifecycle, with the firm’s proven four-feed roller
intake, Classic-spec chopping cylinder and crop accelerator remaining largely unchanged
across the range. More automation and convenience was added to the options list on later
models.

www.globalequipmentllc.us - 3764 US 75 Ave. Sioux Center | Iowa 51250 | USA

Jaguar 890 Specifications

 Model: Claas Jaguar 890, type 492

 Engine: Mercedes V8 twin turbo
 Maximum power: 507hp @ 1,800rpm
 Maximum torque: 762Nm @ 1,500rpm
 Transmissions: SpeedStar 40kph two-range hydrostatic
 Chopping cylinder: Classic drum, 20 or 24-knife
 Crop intake: Four feed rollers, mechanical drive to top pair

There were five models, badged 830, 850, 870, 890 and 900. Six-cylinder engines featured
in the 830 to 870 models, with 870 (from 2006), 890 and 900 models getting V8 power.
Peak power spanned 345hp to 623hp across the range.

In 2005, the rear-end gained rounded styling and better airflow through the engine bay,
and Claas introduced the SpeedStar 40kph transmission above the 30kph ProfiStar spec.
‘Green eye’ models saw a change of joystick controller.

Despite their attractive purchase price as a secondhand buy, you can be sure a used self-
propelled forager will have been worked hard, so go in with your eyes wide open. Be
prepared to budget for hefty running costs.

Crop Intake

Crop presentation is essential if performance, productivity and consistent chop length are
to be maintained, says Claas.

With the header removed, take a good look at the four feed rollers. The top pair is driven
by a gearbox, which is shaft driven over the top of the upper rollers, from the left-hand
side. Give the shaft and yoke a good tug to feel for free play in the input shaft.

www.globalequipmentllc.us - 3764 US 75 Ave. Sioux Center | Iowa 51250 | USA

Bearings in the gearbox can
wear, as can the seals letting
oil out. A semi-fluid grease was
a common replacement for oil,
so check for content. A series
of springs provide crop
compression, along with a
damper - if the latter has lost
its mojo, the gearbox can
bounce, and springs break. Check feed roller condition; the smooth roller’s scraper can
wear away causing grass to build up and impede crop flow. If any of the rollers need
attention, be warned, says Mr Temple-Fry, the lower front roller contains the metal
detector, so avoid welding anywhere in here without taking advice on magnetism.

Knife sharpening and metal detection

Where later 494 models gained swing-out

feed rollers to access the chopping cylinder,
type 492 models used a bolt-clamp
mechanism. It is possible to detach the
feed rollers with the header, for simple
removal. Once removed, check chopping
cylinder drum bearings for end-float and
movement. You will need a big pry bar, and
inspect blades too for damage and excess
wear. Steel grease pipes for the autolube
system can also crack which means less
lube where it is needed.

Inspect the shearbar too, and the amount of material left on the sharpening stone. The
stone should be replaced when its rubber retaining rings are visible. This model features
optional auto-shear bar setting, allowing adjustments to be done from the cab - though
knives have to be sharpened before the shearbar can be auto-adjusted.

www.globalequipmentllc.us - 3764 US 75 Ave. Sioux Center | Iowa 51250 | USA

Cab

A tough cab interior can easily hide the Jaguar’s

overall condition and hours done. Other than
checking all the controls, there is little to worry
about in the cab, but it is worth checking the air
conditioning works properly - all that glass
means you will be sat in a mobile greenhouse
when it goes wrong.

Claas’ information system offers a host of

machine information and is where you will find
engine hours and drum hours.

Crop Flow

Check all aspects of the crop channel including

chopping cylinder concave, grass box and
accelerator. Removing the grass box lets you slot
in the corn cracker for maize or whole crop. Later
models used a modular corn cracker with bolt-on
pulleys, simplifying changes for different forage
and cracking performance.

An access panel also lets you assess accelerator

paddle condition and internal wear plates. All are
replaceable. Look for smooth surfaces - any
rippling to wear plates will cause crop to stumble
and roll, impacting crop flow. An external spout liner is bolted in place. Other pieces are
bolted internally. There is no liner on the hydraulically adjustable end flap, though it can
be plated when it wears through. Check the base of the spout for wear - excess movement
can be taken up with shims.

www.globalequipmentllc.us - 3764 US 75 Ave. Sioux Center | Iowa 51250 | USA

Powertrain and hydraulics

Mercedes V8 power
in this 890 model
uses two
turbochargers,
which should be
inspected for
excessive wear on
high hour machines.

Keeping the engine

bay clean is key to
prevent hot spots or a fire. The shaft-driven engine cooling fan has a 90-degree gearbox - if
it loses its oil and fails, it will be costly.

The main power drive belt runs forward along the left-hand side of the forager. It is
tensioned mechanically, so inspect the belt for signs of pending failure. It is also where you
will find most electro-hydraulic control valves. Check pipes, hoses and wires for chaffing
and general condition, to avoid a costly repair.

If four-wheel drive is fitted, make sure it is complete and operational - diff failure is not
uncommon, so take a look at diff oil and planetary hub oil levels too. There is a chance that
parts might have been removed completely, awaiting a later repair, so work can continue -
albeit in two-wheel drive.

www.globalequipmentllc.us - 3764 US 75 Ave. Sioux Center | Iowa 51250 | USA