CLAAS reveals upgraded VARIANT round balers
New intake, crop flow, wrapping and maintenance features added for improved productivity
CLAAS has upgraded its VARIANT 400 round baler range to include a series of new features such as an improved rotor structure and edge-to-edge net wrapping.
The range comprises the VARIANT 485 model that is capable of producing bales with diameters between 0.9 and 1.8m, and the VARIANT 460 that can make bales with diameters between 0.9 and 1.55m.
A key upgrade for the 2021 models is the rotor structure that turns through a full 360 degrees instead of the previous 180 degrees.
The rotor comprises pairs of four pointed stars arranged in a helix that feeds the crop into the chamber.
“The rotor achieves 6000 cuts per minute, helping to ensure material is evenly distributed into the bale chamber to create uniformly-shaped bales,” said CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager for Greenline, Blair McAlwee.
“The rotor rotates in the opposite direction to the four hydraulically-tensioned endless belts, which start rolling the bale automatically.
“The operator can control the density and the soft core from the terminal.”
The pick-up has four rows of tines across its 2.1 m operating width. The two castor wheels can be adjusted without tools and can stay on the baler during transport.
The angle of the leading roller can be adjusted without tools to optimise crop flow, and short augers on either side direct the crop to the rotor.
An optional dual roller crop press developed for JAGUAR forage harvesters and QUADRANT square balers, is also available on the new VARIANT models.
“The dual roller crop press is suspended and can be mechanically switched between four different settings without the use of tools,” McAlwee said.
“It allows the intake to be quickly adjusted to suit different operating conditions and ensures a more uniform and faster crop flow, allowing higher operating speeds.”
An optional ROTO CUT cutterbar is available with the balers that features 14 knives that can be easily removed for sharpening.
The PRO specification features an extra-large 2.35 m pick-up width with hydro-pneumatic suspension.
“In these models, the cutting floor automatically drops 30mm when there is a risk of blockage, meaning that the baler can always be driven at its optimal level of performance,” McAlwee said.
“The terminal issues an alarm to warn the operator to reduce forward speed and releases the pressure on the knives.
“Once the floor has slipped back into place, the knives are pressurised again.”
The VARIANT 400 series features edge-to-edge net wrapping as standard, as well as an overhauled netting or twine intake.
“A new plate assists with the insertion of netting or twine into the baling chamber, which means that you can be sure that the tying process will start properly under all conditions,” McAlwee said.
“VARIANT 400 models are specified with a wider 1.3 m netting trough that lays the netting over the edges of the bale.
“Rounded edges are particularly useful if the bales are to be stored outside.”
Other improvements include a reinforced front frame for low-wear belt guidance and the addition of a wide lubricating brush that coats all chains with oil, regardless of the bale count.
A central lubrication system is also available.
CLAAS has also redesigned the pivot of the tailgate for rapid discharge.
“The tailgate can be opened and closed in six seconds, allowing bales to be discharged in a total time of nine seconds,” McAlwee said.
“Each sequence is accurately timed to minimise cycle time.”
CLAAS’ VARIANT balers can be controlled using the Communicator II terminal or other ISOBUS-compatible terminals.
The work platform and fold-down ladder enable operators to fit new rolls easier.
SEE ALSO:
CLAAS VARIANT 400 round balers features at a glance:
- A new 360-degree rotor star structure
- Two models - VARIANT 485 model that produces bales with diameters between 0.9 and 1.8m, and the VARIANT 460 that makes bales between 0.9 and 1.55m in diameter.
- Incorporate edge-to-edge net wrapping and able to take 1.3 netting as standard
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