Production years
1996; confirm the machine by serial number, as New Holland subsequently used FX48, FX58, and later FX models.
New Holland forage harvester ยท 1996
New Holland FX45 Forage Harvester
The New Holland FX45 is a 450 hp self-propelled forage harvester from the first FX generation. It was a high-horsepower chopper for its mid-1990s era and is remembered as a capable, rugged machine for contractors and larger livestock operations.
Machine type
Self-propelled forage harvester
Engine
Fiat/Iveco six-cylinder diesel, commonly cited at 450 hp; verify exact engine and rating from the engine plate.
Cutterhead/drum width
Confirm from the operator manual or dealer by serial number; the FX45 was fitted with a multi-knife forage cutterhead.
New Holland FX45 specifications
| Production years | 1996; confirm the machine by serial number, as New Holland subsequently used FX48, FX58, and later FX models. |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Self-propelled forage harvester |
| Engine | Fiat/Iveco six-cylinder diesel, commonly cited at 450 hp; verify exact engine and rating from the engine plate. |
| Cutterhead/drum width | Confirm from the operator manual or dealer by serial number; the FX45 was fitted with a multi-knife forage cutterhead. |
| Typical headers | Grass pickup and corn-head configurations were offered; confirm compatible head and row count for the individual machine. |
| Crops | Grass silage, corn silage, whole-crop cereals |
| Feed/processor | Feed-roll crop channel; crop processor availability and fitment should be verified on the individual machine. |
| Weight | Approximately 27,600 lb is commonly cited; configuration and ballast can materially change operating weight, so confirm in the manual. |
What the FX45 is used for
The FX45 was built for high-output silage chopping in grass and corn, particularly for larger livestock farms and custom operators of the period. Its 450 hp rating gave it the power reserve to work with substantial headers when matched to adequate hauling capacity.
Today it appeals mainly to experienced owners who understand the older FX platform and have a dependable source of parts and service. A sound example can still be productive, but header compatibility and the condition of wear components matter far more than the model badge.
Why the New Holland FX45 stands out
The FX45 stands out as an early 450 hp New Holland forage harvester from the FX era, a major power level for the mid-1990s. Its importance is historical as much as practical: it represented the move toward the high-output, contractor-oriented forage harvesters that later FR models expanded on.
Buying a used New Holland FX45
Treat the exact serial number, engine, cutterhead, and header package as essential inspection information because FX45 documentation is model-year specific. Carefully inspect cutterhead knives and shearbar, feed rolls, any fitted processor rolls, blower and accelerator wear, main driveline and hydrostatic system, cooling package, engine-hour credibility, and the included pickup or corn head. Confirm specifications and obsolete-parts support with a New Holland dealer before purchase.
New Holland FX45 frequently asked questions
How much horsepower does a New Holland FX45 have?
The FX45 is commonly cited as a 450 hp machine. Verify the rating and engine details from the machine's plate and operator manual.
What years was the New Holland FX45 built?
New Holland parts documentation identifies the FX45 as a 1996 model. Do not confuse it with the later FX48, FX58, FX40, FX50, or FX60 models.
Are parts still available for an FX45?
Some service and wear parts remain available through dealer and aftermarket channels, but availability varies. Check support for major driveline, cutterhead, and header components before buying.
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.