If you did not make it to LAMMA earlier this year then next month’s Grassland & Muck event provides another opportunity to see the latest Claas Variant 400 variable round baler range and Quadrant 5200 big square baler – this time in action. Four models and two bale sizes are available in the Variant 400 range. Standard on all four is a 2.35m wide pick-up. Fitted with a dual Roller Crop Press, four height settings allow quick and easy adjustment for a more uniform and even crop flow, which says Claas, allows for faster forward speeds. The 480/460RF is fitted with the same Roto Feed rotor system as before but 485/465RC models feature a new 14-knife Roto Cut system. The newly-designed star rotor results in an improved feed (especially in wetter crops) into the 6,000 cuts per minute Roto Cut unit. All four models feature a strengthened bale chamber, and a redesigned tailgate (opens and closes faster). The redesigned net spreading system incorporates a stainless-steel plate over which the net is fed into the bale chamber. Improving net coverage across the full width of the bale, the new system also allows dust and dirt to fall away easily, which says the company, results in more reliable netting. An extra wide netting trough is a new option. This allows 1.30m wide netting to be used for better weather proofing when bales are stored outside.
The latest Quadrant baler features the patented APC (Automatic Pressure Control) system. Standard on the Quadrant 5300/5200 (option on the 4200), APC ensures that bale weight is maintained by automatically monitoring the knotters and the stress on the drive system. The KCS (Knotter Control System) is also new. Standard on the 5300/5200 (option on the 4200), sensors on each knotter monitor stress to detect any broken strings or a missed knot. Operators are alerted by an alarm on the control terminal.
The length of the strengthened bale chamber has been increased by up to 15%, and the hydraulically powered knotter cleaning Turbo Fan system fitted to all three new Quadrants, is similar to that used for the Lexion Jet Stream system.Claas will also bring mowers, rakes and tedders to the event, and for harvesting either the Cargos forage wagon or models from the Jaguar 800 and 900 ranges.
