We are looking at upgraing to a self propelled chopper soon. I have a few questions.  We currently use a case FHX300 (same as NH FP240) behind a 8400. We had a Deere 6850 help with corn silage last year.  I like that size, ran an 8 row head.  Deere dealer is closer than Claas, 40-45 min compared to 1.5 hrs+.  We currently chop 300+ alfalfa, 4 crops.  200-250 corn silage.  We will be adding alfalfa acres as cow numbers are climbing.  We may double herd in next few years also.

1) What newer model compares to the 6850? How does the 7400 compare size wise?

2)Is it worth the extra money to go from the 6850 to the next series newer? Looks to be about $30-50k more.   What are some of the things that are upgraded.

3)What are the weak/wear areas to look at on these choppers?

4) Would I be happier in a Claas?     


I don't care about color, just want reliability.  

The 7400 is the 6850 replacement model, but probably performs more comparably to a 6950.   Would definitely be worth upgrading to the 7000 series, some improvements that come to mind are:

Automatic sharpening and shearbar adjustment
Variable length of cut on the go
Improved crop path, kp, and kp adjustment on the go
More erganomic control stick
Better cooling system

Never ran a Claas, but the ones I've ridden in and beside don't have me convinced of any reasons to change. 

That is true, I just wanted say that the current ones are much better in case somebody didn't know.