CLAAS unveils DISCO 4400 side mower

Forage harvesting manufacturer CLAAS has pulled the covers off its new CLAAS DISCA 4400, a rear-mounted linkage-type side mower that, with an operating width of 4.2m, is the brand’s largest yet.

According to Blair McAlwee, CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager – Greenline, the new DISCO 4400 features the company’s MAX CUT mower bed, along with central pivoting, floating suspension, and a compact vertical transport position.

“MAX CUT has set the standard for chop quality, ultra-smooth running and fuel efficiency since its introduction in 2014,” he says.

“Its innovative design enables the large drive sprockets of the mowing discs to be placed well forward, ensuring maximum possible overlap and surface area with multiple teeth engaging at two points.

“Uniform spacing between the discs ensures a consistent cut.

“The wave-shaped mower bed is forged from a single piece of 5mm thick steel profile, which in conjunction with the skids creates a dirt-repellent tunnel effect.

“The specially hardened inserts are shaped differently to accommodate the mowing discs as they run together and apart.

“This design provides a shear bar for an effective cut and maximum overlap for optimum crop flow without clumping.”

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The DISCO 4400’s PTO speed can be lowered to 850rpm to improve economy in lighter crops without compromising on cutting performance, while the permanently lubricated mower bed is fitted with CLAAS’ SAFETY LINK safety module as standard.

“Each cutting disc is protected by a predetermined breaking point, isolating it from the drive train in the event of contact with a foreign body,” Blair says.

“An axial bolt holds the cutting disc firmly in place to prevent it flying off.”

The blades and covers of the counterclockwise rotating discs are now painted red to avoid confusion during blade changes, while a removable blade box with separate compartments for new and used blades is now fitted as standard.

CLAAS says the optional double-swath laying is especially useful on wet or soft ground as it avoids driving on the forage.

The mower bed is pivot-mounted at its centre of gravity for optimum ground-contour following and an adjustable spiral spring ensures the mower bed comes down evenly during lowering, while two vibration dampers stabilise it as it is raised.

The DISCO 4400 also incorporates an ACTIVE FLOAT adjustable suspension system and CLAAS’ unique hydraulic collision protection.

“ACTIVE FLOAT allows the ground contact pressure of the mower bed to be adjusted from the cab by spool valve while on the move,” Blair says.

“In the event of a collision, the mower bar swings back and over the obstacle thanks to a rotating pin inclined at an angle of 15 degrees.

“Oil from the collision protection system is forced into the suspension ram to further depressurise the mower bed, protecting the mower from serious damage.

“Once past the obstacle, the mower bed automatically swings back to its working position.”

A 4m travel height is achieved through a unique vector folding system that allows the mower to fold vertically to 120 degrees.

“In its transport position, the mower is positioned diagonally behind the tractor and is supported by the headstock, thereby shifting the centre of gravity to the tractor’s longitudinal axle,” Blair says.

“This solution significantly reduces the load on the front axle, which in turn, has a positive impact on the tractor’s steering behaviour.

“It also reduces sway, making it easier to negotiate tight bends, narrow roads or gates, which can be troublesome for linkage mowers that fold behind the tractor.”

The optional storage headstock enables the mower to be parked in its transport position.

The DISCO series spans more than 30 front-mounted, rear-mounted and trailed models with operating widths from 2.2m through to 10.7 m. All CLAAAS DISCO models are fitted with the same MAX CUT mower bed.