Claas Jaguar 980 Forage Harvester
The Claas Jaguar 980 was the flagship of the 2007-2011 Jaguar range, built for the biggest corn and grass silage campaigns. Its commonly cited 830 hp class output made it one of the era's most powerful forage harvesters, with a reputation for exceptional capacity.
Claas Jaguar 980 specifications
| Production years | 2007-2011 |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Self-propelled forage harvester |
| Engine | MAN V12 diesel, commonly cited at about 830 hp; confirm rating by year and market |
| Cutterhead/drum width | Approximately 750 mm (29.5 in) cutterhead width; confirm drum arrangement by serial number |
| Typical headers | About 3.0-3.8 m grass pickup; ORBIS corn headers around 8-12 rows equivalent |
| Crops | Grass silage, corn silage, whole-crop cereals |
| Feed/processor | High-capacity feed rolls; kernel processor available for corn |
| Weight | Approximately 15-16 tonnes without header, depending on configuration |
What the Jaguar 980 is used for
The Jaguar 980 was intended for very large farms and contractors running large hauling fleets in high-yield corn and grass. Its output is most useful where crop logistics, packing capacity, and fuel supply can keep pace with the machine.
It remains a sought-after specialist used chopper when well maintained, but it is not a casual ownership proposition. A buyer should expect professional-level inspection and budget for major wear components when needed.
Why the Claas Jaguar 980 stands out
The 980 stands out as a landmark high-horsepower Jaguar, combining a MAN V12 with a wide crop-processing system and large corn-header capability. Its capacity and prestige support interest in good examples, while neglected machines can carry substantial repair exposure.
Buying a used Claas Jaguar 980
Give priority to a thorough inspection of cutterhead knives, shearbar and bearings, feed rollers, processor rolls, accelerator/blower liners, and all major driveline components. Review engine and cooling-system records, verify actual hours, inspect the header and row units, and have a dealer confirm serial-number-specific specifications and fault history.
Claas Jaguar 980 frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does the Jaguar 980 have?
The 2007-2011 Jaguar 980 is commonly cited at about 830 hp from a MAN V12 diesel. Verify the exact rating for the machine's market and year.
What headers are typical on a Jaguar 980?
Large grass pickups and ORBIS corn headers, commonly in the 8-12 row equivalent class, were typical depending on crop and local conditions.
Is a Jaguar 980 a good used purchase?
It can be an excellent high-capacity chopper if its service history and major wear components check out. A pre-purchase inspection is essential because repairs are expensive.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and serial number, so confirm against TractorData.com and the machine's records. Values and prices of used forage harvesters vary by condition, use, and region. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.