CLAAS QUADRANT in next stage of evolution

CLAAS’ QUADRANT big square balers have officially entered their next stage of evolution to offer producers a longer lasting and more durable machine, the German farm equipment specialist said.

For one, the new QUADRANT EVOLUTION baler models have inherited highly-resilient components from CLAAS’ JAGUAR harvester pick-up as well as featuring re-engineered and strengthened bearings, intake panels and other key components. This results in a significant reduction in total cost of ownership, said CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager for Greenline, Blair McAlwee.

“In an internal test involving 40,000 bales per machine under extreme conditions in some cases, the new design was found to reduce wear of key components by up to 40 percent,” he said.

“This has the added bonus of smoother running, reduced noise levels, simplified maintenance and longer service intervals.”

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The QUADRANT EVOLUTION models also have a new mechanically-driven HD pick-up, CLAAS added.

They now boast five rows of 18 double tines.

“That extra row of tines allows the pick-up to rotate more slowly, while the speed of the feed roller has been increased,” McAlwee said.

“The spring-mounted feed roller compensates for uneven swaths and can be fitted with extra paddles when harvesting short-stalked crops.”

The pick-up has a unique two-cam design for maximum torsional resistance and durability. The release torque on the friction clutch has been increased to 1,600 Nm and the diameter of the pick-up main drive shaft has been enlarged.

The new balers also feature semi-automatic chain tensioning for reliable pick-up drive and automatic lubrication as standard.

CLAAS has also made a number of modifications to the QUADRANT EVOLUTION’s bale chamber.

The top section featuring the header plate and side panels has been redesigned and strengthened to produce an even better bale shape and higher bale density.

Optional side knives and deflectors help to reduce material build-up in the ram guide area when baling straw, maize or sugarcane.

An automatic baling pressure control responds more rapidly and more sensitively to twine tension or load in the intake area, CLAAS added.

CLAAS has also used additional Hardox HD bearings for the ram guide to increase durability in the bale chamber, knotter area and intake.

The QUADRANT EVOLUTION 5300 model has a completely new front frame and headstock and a new hitch frame that provides additional hitching positions for drawbar eyes or K80.

Kennfix quick-release hydraulic couplers and a 10-litre hand-washing tank are fitted as standard on the QUADRANT EVOLUTION balers.

CLAAS has also made some modifications to the twine boxes to make life easier for the operator.

“The twine guide swings out and can be locked in position, allowing the operator to thread the twine whilst standing beside the machine without having to use a stepladder,” McAlwee said.

“The twine brakes can also be adjusted from the ground without tools, saving time and increasing workplace safety.”

The bale ramp can now be opened and closed hydraulically from inside the cabin so the final bale can be ejected with ease from the driver’s seat, without the operator having to physically step out to actuate a lever beside the bale chamber.

EVOLUTION models are controlled using the CEMIS 700 terminal or any other ISOBUS-compatible terminal in the tractor.

“The operating system has just two working and three settings menus, meaning the operator can rapidly navigate through the baler settings and performance,” McAlwee said.

“In auto mode, the baler’s capacity utilisation is displayed based on average bale weight and baling pressure.

“In addition, the driver can now monitor the oil temperatures and oil levels in the baler.”

An optional PROFI CAM 4 camera and additional display allows the driver to keep an eye on working areas such as the knotters, the bale chute or the reversing area.

For more information, visit CLAAS Harvest Centre’s website or talk to your local CLAAS dealer.

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