New CLAAS auger ideal for CTF

From 2017, CLAAS' LEXION 700 combine harvesters will be fitted with the longest augers CLAAS has ever installed, as well as a new cutterbar system to suit 12m controlled traffic farming (CTF) systems.

CLAAS LEXION Product Manager, Jono Ham, says the new 7XL unloading auger with a total length of 10.9m was developed specifically to meet the needs of Australian producers.

"The foundation of controlled traffic farming systems is that all vehicles and machinery follow the designated tramlines to minimise soil compaction," he says.

"Until now, chaser bins have been unable to follow these tramlines because the unloading auger on most combine harvesters has had insufficient reach.

"The 10.9 metre reach of the 7XL auger means tractors and chaser bins can now be driven along exactly the same track created by the combine harvester."

The 7XL unloading auger features a 2.11 m folding end-piece mounted to the existing 8.8 m CLAAS 4XL auger, previously the largest available.

Operated using the CMOTION multifunction lever, the end-piece folds 120 degrees around the rear of the combine harvester during transport.

A safety mechanism ensures that the end piece can only be folded or unfolded when the unloading auger tube has been extended into its operating position.

The grain bin has been strengthened to accommodate the extra load.

CLAAS has also improved the VARIO 1230 variable cutterbar for the 2017 CLAAS LEXION combine range.

"With a true cut of 12.27 m, the VARIO 1230 is ideal for controlled traffic farming systems," Ham says.

"VARIO allows the distance between the knife bar and the intake auger to be adjusted ‘on the go’ to suit different crops and harvesting conditions."

On existing models, the table length of the cutterbar can be extended from -10 cm to +20 cm for cereals and up to +50 cm for direct cutting canola via the addition of manually-fitted filler plates.

On 2017 delivery models, the table length can be infinitely adjusted over a range from -10 cm to +60 cm and the cutterbar table incorporates integrated canola plates.

"This new design also means that side-knives can be easily fitted without needing to use tools, saving considerable time," Ham says.

Ham says the two improvements add to CLAAS' LEXION combine harvesters' CTF-friendly features which include its optional TERRA TRAC tracked assembly.

"This technology has proven its worth over the past six years in allowing smoother, faster operation, improving access in wet conditions and reducing soil compaction," Ham says.

"The 635, 735 or 890 mm wide rubber tracks and three-metre centres are ideal for controlled traffic programs."