New series of Claas variable round balers
28/09/06

Variable balers offer three benefits: an unlimited choice of bale diameters, significantly increased throughput and higher compression thanks to the fixed chamber. The new series of VARIANT balers from CLAAS combine new innovation alongside tried and tested features giving the customer a completely new level of performance and comfort.

Claas Variant 385

More bales per hour

Compared to other models, CLAAS’ new VARIANT achieves a unique high level of performance with a compression unit speed of 3 m/sec. The high speed of the four high-performance compression belts creates a very thin layer ensuring that compression can be carried out efficiently, even at high working speeds. The high speed bale chamber also shortens the binding stage to around five seconds. This reduces the baler’s idling time to a minimum and increases the available compression time per hour.

Rotor-driven bales

All VARIANT balers are fitted with the special bale start device that force feeds the bales using the built-in rotors, which can also be fitted with a 14-knife ROTO CUT cutterbar. Combined with the clockwise-rotating bale chamber, the VARIANT can form highly compressed bales easily from flat or short straw, which can cause bale start problems on other models. The VARIANT can be operated at maximum speed right from the start.

Always under pressure

The bale compression rate is controlled using the active hydraulics. Two spring-supported tensioning arms apply even pressure on the belt system and guarantee the smooth running of the new VARIANT. CLAAS offers a unique soft core device, which can be adjusted to provide different bale sizes and compression rates according to use. This enables you to produce loose balers for hay or silage or highly compressed bales for dry straw. The compression rate is adjusted simply and conveniently via the new operator terminal.

Extremely user-friendly

The new VARIANTS are controlled via the COMMUNICATOR, depending on the model. Its extremely large display makes driving easier as all of the settings can be adjusted from the driver’s seat. In addition, it offers an innovative job management system for up to 20 different customers.

Hard work a speciality

The 365 RC and 385 RC models have been fitted with a heavy duty drive system. The input drive, drivetrain, cutterbar and overload protection offer a significantly greater power flow without shortening service life. As a result, these machines are ideal for working on rugged contractor and silage applications.

Innovations that increase efficiency

This new VARIANT design not only offers innovation on the outside, but on the inside too – from the optional roller crop press at the pick-up to the new, high-performance ROTO CUT cutterbar and the extremely convenient compression safety switch in the rotor area. The adjustment options for baling pressure and net quantity can be conveniently controlled from the cab and guarantee precise settings for each crop. This in turn helps reduce the quantity of net and fuel consumed per tonne of crop.

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