Harvest Tmes Issue 5

HARVESTTIMES ISSUE /05 SPRING/SUMMER 2016

STRIVING TO BE THE BEST / 3 CONTROLLING THE TRAFFIC / 8 MIXED RATION ON THE MENU / 10 IT’S SNOW TIME! / 11

CLAAS Harvest Centre

FROM WHERE I SIT

Regional General Manager – Western Australia, Andrew Johnston

Greetings, Welcome to Issue No. 5 of Harvest Times. I hope you enjoy reading some of the highlights of the 2016 Strive Annual Excellence Awards, which were presented on 28 July in Christchurch, New Zealand.

These awards gave us a great opportunity to reward and recognise the excellence of our people. It felt really good to be able to come together to celebrate some of the great success stories that are taking place throughout our organisation.

During Strive week, many of our people spent time with US-based international thought leader, John Spence. Over the past 18 months, we have spent a lot of time talking to our customers about what we are doing well and where we need to improve. We have made it our number one priority to provide a better level of service to our customers – in all areas.

The time we spent with John provided us with some insight as to how we might deliver on that priority.

Again, Harvest Times features a number of stories about our extraordinary customers doing some very special things with technology supplied by CLAAS Harvest Centre. In Wanaka, New Zealand, Colin Murdoch is contracting his four CLAAS advanced technology tractors to an award-winning New Zealand automotive testing facility. In central west NSW, Kebby & Watson is using a CLAAS XERION 4500VC to its full capabilities in a large-scale broadacre cropping operation.

In the Waikato, New Zealand, Kelvin and Rita Cutforth are taking the nutrition program of their well-established dairy operation to the next level with a Trioliet Solomix 1200 ZK Mixer Wagon.

In the coming year, we look forward to working with you closely to ensure that we are providing you with the right farm machinery solutions to meet your business needs and all the after-sales support you require to ensure that your equipment serves you well during a busy harvest season.

Best wishes Richard Wilson Group Chief Executive Officer 2/ HARVEST TIMES SPRING/SUMMER 2016

SUN RISING IN THE WEST THE CLAAS Harvest Centre network is gearing up for success in Western Australia, with significant investment in its premises, staff and customer demonstration programs over the past 12 months.

“We want our customers to have complete confidence that we can provide the level of support they expect,” Regional General Manager – Western Australia, Andrew Johnston, says.

“We will do this by employing the right staff and operating well-equipped facilities at convenient locations. To that end, we have upgraded our Geraldton branch, purchased the Katanning premises and moved Esperance to a new location.

“We have also increased our stock levels of equipment – including spreaders, sprayers, cultivators and tractors, right across the range – and spare parts at each branch to give our customers more reasons to deal with us.”

The network has also embarked on a major demonstration program over the past 12

months. “More than 500 farmers in the west have had the opportunity to see AMAZONE, CLAAS LEXION and CLAAS Greenline equipment in action either at a demonstration day or on their own property,” Andrew says.

“We plan to double our footprint in WA over the next five years, starting with the opening of a new branch in Northam. We know that there are many producers in that region who want to deal with us and this new branch will enable us to meet their needs.”

Recent appointments in the west include Esperance Branch Manager, Damian O’Neill, and Geraldton Branch Manager, Blake Basell.

Damian joins CLAAS Harvest Centre after spending the past six years as an account manager with WesTrac in Port Hedland and Perth. Prior to that, he spent a decade with Elders in northern Victoria.

Blake has more than 20 years’ experience in sales, operations and management within the agribusiness sector, including positions with CRT and Nufarm in Geraldton and Perth.

NEW CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE OPENS IN WAIPARA Carrfields Ltd has opened its fifth CLAAS Harvest Centre – and the 29th in the network – at Waipara in North Canterbury.

purchase of one of the first round balers in Canterbury.

Managing Director, Greg Carr, has played a key role in the success of CLAAS in New Zealand over the past 40 years, firstly as a major customer and then as the principal of a highly successful farm machinery dealership.

Over the next 30 years, Greg and his family expanded into other agricultural sectors, including wool, livestock, grain, seed, irrigation, contracting and insurance.

Greg attributes the success of each business to the emphasis his family and staff place on customer service.

From a family farming background, Greg left school in 1970 and started his working life as an apprentice mechanic, carting hay during the evenings and weekends. In 1978, he established a hay contracting business with the

In recognition of the dealership’s opening, Greg Carr was presented with a certificate signed by CLAAS Group Supervisory Board Chair, Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, at the Strive Annual Excellence Awards held in Christchurch recently.

STRIVING TO BE THE BEST THE very best dealerships, teams and individuals from throughout Landpower and the CLAAS Harvest Centre network have been recognised at the inaugural Strive Annual Excellence Awards.

Group Chief Executive Officer, Richard Wilson, says the awards are an important way to encourage and recognise improvements across the network. “As our organisation grows, it is important that we recognise the hard work and achievements of dealerships, teams and individuals every year,” he says.

respected and trusted source of technology, knowledge and service that gears up farmers for success. We want to be the organisation that farmers and contractors want to deal with and that the best people want to work for.”

CLAAS Harvest Centre is Australasia’s largest privately-owned farm machinery distribution network. The organisation traces its origins back to 1975, when Herby and Pam Whyte established a farm machinery dealership to source machinery for their potato growing operation in Lochiel, Southland.

equipment, Grégoire Besson tillage equipment and Fliegl agricultural trailers and wagons.

They also stock and service a range of other leading farm machinery brands, including JCB telehandlers and agricultural loaders and Trioliet mixer wagons in New Zealand and Seed Hawk precision seeding equipment and Balzer grain carts in Australia.

Today, it represents some of the world’s leading brands of farm machinery via a network of 30 owned and franchised CLAAS Harvest Centres throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Landpower employs 85 staff across a range of sales, marketing, technical support, parts and administrative roles in Christchurch and Melbourne. A further 300 are employed across the CLAAS Harvest Centre distribution network in New Zealand and Australia.

“Our goal now is to keep working to improve. Our customers have told us we are doing a good job but they want us to keep getting better. Our goal is to be a

Each dealership represents the complete range of CLAAS grain and fodder harvesting technology and tractors, AMAZONE cultivation, spreading and spraying

More than 120 employees in New Zealand and Australia attended the gala function at the stunning Transitional Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand.

CLAAS UK CEO and Regional Director, Trevor Tyrrell (left), and CLAAS Global Export Manager, Elke Hoyermann (right), congratulate CLAAS Harvest Centre – WJ Matthews Managing Director, Jeremy Matthews, whose dealership won the Strive After Sales Team of the Year award.

Dealer Principals of CLAAS Harvest Centre, Echuca, Brendan and Marcella Caffery, who won the Strive Dealership of the Year award.

CLAAS Harvest Centre Group CEO, Richard Wilson (centre) congratulates Lance and Glenn Dear from CLAAS Harvest Centre, Hawke’s Bay, whose dealership won the 2016 Strive Customer Engagement Excellence Award.

“Our organisation is an evolving business and we have come a long way in making sure we have the products our customers want, a network of focussed dealerships in place, the right people in the right positions and common processes and systems.

AND THE WINNERS ARE . . .

THE evening’s premier award went to CLAAS Harvest Centre in Echuca, which was named 2016 Strive Dealership of the Year. In a little more than seven years, Brendan and Marcella Caffery have grown their startup business into a thriving venture that now employs 16 people and services 500 farmers and contractors throughout northern Victoria.

The Cafferys have successfully differentiated their business in the highly competitive farm machinery market by providing exceptional customer service, including 24/7 service and parts support during the busy harvesting period.

“To be successful in this industry, it’s not necessarily about having the best machinery or offering the best deals – it’s about providing the best service,” Brendan says. “In many ways, farmers aren’t buying a machine but rather the team behind it.

“Farmers and contractors want to know that you will be there when they need you. Every machine needs fixing sooner or later, so it really comes down to how quickly you can get that machine going again.”

Northern NSW dealership, CLAAS Harvest Centre – WJ Matthews, won the prestigious Strive After Sales Team of the Year award. Known far and wide as ‘WJs’, the third-generation family-owned business employs more than 35 staff across two branches in Moree and Narrabri.

“We are fortunate to have a lot of clever people who are genuinely concerned about their customers,” Managing Director, Jeremy Matthews, says. “We are absolutely passionate about what we do and our reputation for service.

“Our business is deliberately ‘bottom heavy’, with the vast majority of our staff in service roles. We have 18 service vans on the road every day because our business is out on our customers’ farms, not here in town.”

CLAAS Harvest Centres in Southland and Central Districts claimed top honours among the 15 dealerships in New Zealand, being placed second in the Dealership of the Year and After Sales Team of the Year awards, respectively. CLAAS Harvest Centre in Tasmania, had the distinction of claiming third place in both categories.

HARVEST TIMES SPRING/SUMMER 2016 /3

CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE POWERS LINCOLN RESEARCH PROGRAM CLAAS Harvest Centre is proud to be part of the provision of more than $850,000 of high performance agricultural technology, service and advice to Lincoln University as part of a three-year research program that aims to improve the performance and viability of New Zealand dairy farming systems.

The project will be conducted at Ashley Dene Research and Development Station, a worldclass complex, which is currently nearing completion. It includes a 175 hectare milking platform, 530 cow herd, a 54 bail rotary dairy, a feed pad and stand-off pad.

The facility is divided into a suite of dairy farming systems, with close integration of the arable and livestock sector. Lincoln University Farms Director, Dr Teresa Moore, says the research program will include a number of projects examining farm profitability, animal welfare and environmental performance.

“It has been a great pleasure to engage with our supporters over this dairy conversion and

what it means to New Zealand,” she says.

“These supporters wanted to get in behind Lincoln University and enable us to undertake the valuable environmental research that is needed to ensure everyone’s longevity in farming.

“They saw great merit in what our objectives are for this farm and wanted to provide the support they could to make it worthwhile and effective. We have an impressive group of supporters that we really look forward to working with to make this research and development dairy farm a success.”

Under the arrangement, two CLAAS ARION 430 CIS tractors, a JCB Loadall 536−60 Agri Super telehandler and a Trioliet Solomix 1 ZK mixing wagon have already been delivered.

Landpower Chief Executive Officer, Richard Wilson, says the research project offers a number of significant benefits for all stakeholders.

“The outcomes of this research will help to build a stronger and more sustainable dairy industry in New Zealand and that’s good for everyone,” he says.

“This is a great opportunity to showcase how our technology and service can support dairy producers at open days and workshops throughout the year. In turn, the next generation of agricultural students will gain a first-hand appreciation of cutting-edge technology during their education, which they will carry with them into their first job and subsequent careers.”

A Fliegl VFW slurry wagon, AMAZONE ZA-TS Super fertiliser spreader and CLAAS DISCO 3600 Contour mower will also be delivered in the coming months. Service and support will be provided by CLAAS Harvest Centre in Templeton.

POCKET ROCKET DESPITE measuring just 1.8 metres tall and 1.56 m wide, the allnew JCB 516-40 Loadall telehandler is capable of lifting 1.6 tonnes to a maximum height of 4 m.

The smallest model in the Loadall range, this ‘pocket rocket’ boasts a swag of features normally only found on larger machines, including four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and a variable transmission.

Product Manager – JCB, Steve Gorman, says the compact size of the 516-40 is deceiving. “This model has been engineered to 4/ HARVEST TIMES SPRING/SUMMER 2016

deliver high levels of performance, efficiency, manoeuvrability and comfort within confined spaces,” he says.

“It can lift 1600 kg through the entire arc of the boom to a maximum of height of 4 m,” he says. “It has a 1000 kg lift capacity at a 2 m forward reach, making it ideal for loading or unloading hay.

“This model should find immediate appeal with poultry farms or horticultural enterprises where operating areas are often restricted or on dairy farms that don’t require the extra lifting capacity or height of the larger Loadall models.”

McPherson Parts & Service Sales Representative, Dave Thompson, and Mark Swift with Kebby & Watson’s new CLAAS XERION 4500 tractor.

SUPER EFFICIENT SUPER VERSATILE A LARGE-scale farming operation in central west NSW has taken delivery of one of the first CLAAS XERION 4500 tractors equipped with a variable cabin in Australia. Boasting permanent 4x4 drive, all-wheel steering and continuously variable transmission, the 483 hp tractor is arguably one of the most technologically advanced tractors available.

However, it is the machine’s unique rotating cabin that has heads turning. With the cab mounted in its forward-facing position, the XERION can be used as a conventional tractor for cultivation, sowing and spraying.

In less than 30 seconds, the cab can be rotated 180 degrees and locked in its rear-facing position above the back axle, transforming the tractor into a self-propelled mower, swather, mulcher or silage roller.

Kebby & Watson is a fifth-generation family-owned company that operates a number of properties in the Tichborne, Gunningbland and Eugowra districts. The business is managed by Jim and Janelle Watson, together with their son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Karina Watson, and daughter and son-in-law, Katrina and Mark Swift.

Mark, who manages the company’s machinery operations, began ‘eyeballing’ a 379 hp CLAAS XERION 3800 soon after its commercial release in Europe in 2007. “We immediately saw its potential for use in controlled traffic and continuous cropping systems,” he says.

“At the time, we were looking at buying another front wheel assist tractor and a windrower. Alternatively, we could buy a XERION and have a custom-made windrowing front for a similar amount.

“It’s never made sense to us to have so much capital tied up in a high horsepower tractor that you could only use for six weeks of the year, so we went for the XERION. Its versatility and manoeuvrability means we can use it for just about everything – sowing, spraying and windrowing.”

Following extensive negotiations with Midwest, which agreed to modify a 12 m Quad-Deck so that it produced windrows on either side of the tractor, Kebby & Watson placed its order for a new XERION 3800 with Parkes-based farm machinery dealership, McPherson Parts & Service, which has represented CLAAS in central west NSW for many years.

Delivered in 2012, the tractor was immediately put to use in Kebby & Watson’s continuous winter-summer cropping program, which sees about 3400 ha planted in wheat, barley, triticale, canola, lupins, faba beans, lentils, sorghum and mung beans each year.

Impressed with its performance and reliability over three years of continuous use, the company upgraded it to a new XERION 4500 in March this year. Compared to its predecessor, the new tractor has an extra 104 hp, is three tonnes heavier, has heavier axles and 710/70 R42 Michelin Machxbib tyres mounted on three metre wheel spacings.

The unit is believed to be the only machine of its type operating in broadacre conditions in Australia, however Mark isn’t interested in bragging rights. “This isn’t about having a tractor that’s different from everyone else – it’s about growing crops as efficiently as possible,” he says.

Unlike most tractors, XERION features a full chassis frame, with the engine and transmission mounted as non-load bearing modules. Its 12.5 litre six-cylinder Perkins engine produces full power on demand, even at low engine speeds, yet has remarkable fuel efficiency.

Mark also specified the tractor with eight high capacity remote hydraulic circuits – two front and six rear to power a range of front and rear implements. During sowing, a 3000 L tank is mounted to the front linkage to supply liquid fertilisers, inoculants or seed treatments to the seeder.

XERION features the same spacious, high visibility cabin and operating systems found on CLAAS LEXION combine harvesters and JAGUAR forage harvesters. To the right of the operator’s seat is a bank of seven terminals, including the CEBIS operating system and GPS PILOT guidance system, required to operate the various implements.

CEBIS monitors and controls all of the tractor’s key functions via a 210 mm colour terminal and multi-function lever integrated into the driver’s armrest. Up to 20 functions can be adjusted with just three fingers. GPS PILOT guidance system, which uses RTK technology to achieve 2 cm accuracy, is the only unit suitable for end-of-row turning in tractors with all-wheel steering.

HARVEST TIMES SPRING/SUMMER 2016 /5

KNOTS FASTER CLAAS claims its new QUADRANT 5300 and 5200 – the replacement models for the popular QUADRANT 3300 and 3200 models – are the fastest square balers on the market.

The drive trains of both models have been extensively upgraded to maximise performance and bale density in all conditions. In the 5300, rotor speed has increased by 13 per cent to 180 rpm, rotor clutch torque has increased by 10–14 per cent and the packer clutch torque has increased 13 per cent to 9500 Nm. Likewise, the packing performance of the 5200 has been increased by 30 per cent, while the ram frequency has increased by 10 per cent.

The bale chamber has been extended by 40 cm to 3.85 m to achieve greater bale densities and more stable bales at high throughputs.

Group Product Manager – CLAAS Greenline, Luke Wheeler, says the QUADRANT 5000 series is the first to feature an infinitely variable, hydraulically-driven reversible intake.

“Combined with the POWER FEEDING SYSTEM and rear roller crop press, this feature allows the intake speed on the 2.35 m wide pick-up to be perfectly matched to suit conditions,” he says.

“The intake speed can be increased to maximise throughput in lighter conditions or decreased to minimise leaf loss when baling sensitive crops, such as lucerne. In the event of a blockage, the intake can be easily reversed from within the tractor cab.”

The QUADRANT 5300 produces a bale size of 1.2 x 0.9 m, while the 5200 produces 1.2 x 0.7 m bales. Feed options include ROTO FEED (no knives), ROTO CUT (25 knives) and FINE CUT (51 knives).

The addition of a new automatic pressure control system means the QUADRANT 5300/5200 can be operated at its maximum capacity, regardless of operator experience.

“The driver simply enters the desired bale density and the quality of twine being used in the ISOBUS terminal before starting,” Luke says.

“The baler automatically regulates the baling pressure based on measurements provided by three sensors mounted on the knotters and one on the main frame. This means even an inexperienced driver can maximise production and produce uniform bales, irrespective of the quality of the baling material.

QUADRANT 5300/5200 both feature the new CLAAS HD knotter, which features a modified bill hook and twine retaining plate and an active twine finger assembly control system, ensuring more secure and reliable knotting with all types of twine. “CLAAS has been designing and manufacturing its own knotters since 1921,” Luke says.

“Its patented single knotter is known throughout the world for its reliability without producing unwanted twine residue and waste.

In developing the 5000 series, CLAAS revisited its oldest patent and developed a completely new high-performance HD knotter.”

The high-performance TURBO FAN active air ducting system keeps the knotter clean and free of residual material at all times. Using technology developed for LEXION combine harvesters, two electric motors produce a constant airflow of 140 km/h, which is then oscillated over the back and sides of the knotter.

The optional knotter control system features sensors on all six knotters for even greater control and knot miss tie detection. The knotter frame can now be swivelled upwards without using any tools to simplify maintenance. The knotter twine box and needles can also be optionally equipped with LED lighting.

NIR MOISTURE MONITOR MORE ACCURATE WAIKATO forage harvesting contractor, Jackson Contracting, has taken delivery of the first CLAAS JAGUAR 960 forage harvester in New Zealand to be equipped with a Near Infrared (NIR) moisture and yield monitor.

then transmits this data to a secure external server via a mobile phone modem.

CLAAS claims the technology can accurately measure moisture levels anywhere from 20 to 60 per cent in maize and 24 to 65 per cent in grass at crop flows of more than 50 t/hour.

“The benefits of TELEMATICS cannot be overstated,” Jeremy says. “It’s not just a case of knowing where your machine is – it’s about knowing how it is set up and how it is performing at any given moment.”

Jackson Contracting, which provides a range of grass and maize harvesting and support services throughout the Waikato, took delivery of its new CLAAS JAGUAR 960 in February this year.

“Our previous JAGUAR 950 had a yield and moisture monitor on it and we found it to be a really useful tool for our customers,” General Manager, Jeremy Rothery, says.

“When we heard this new system was even more accurate, we immediately thought we had to have it.”

6/ HARVEST TIMES SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Authorised personnel can then view or download this information via computer or mobile device.

Mounted on the discharge spout, the NIR sensor measures the reflection of specific wavelengths 20 times a second. Dry matter and yield content are continuously displayed on the CEBIS terminal inside the cab, allowing the operator to adjust chopping length to suit prevailing conditions.

Fitted as standard to all JAGUAR harvesters, TELEMATICS monitors the machine’s location, settings and operating data and

Dry matter content information can be combined with GPS data to create highly accurate yield and dry matter maps.

The new JAGUAR 960 is Jackson Contracting’s third forage harvester from CLAAS. “We keep coming back to CLAAS because of the back-up we receive from CLAAS Harvest Centre in Hamilton,” Jeremy says. “They go out of their way to support us and that gives us confidence to run a machine like this.”

Graeme Henderson with his CLAAS ARION 610C.

LOOKS AND DRIVES LIKE A CAR WAIKATO dairy farmer, Graeme Henderson, is so impressed with the performance of his ‘entry level’ CLAAS ARION 610C tractor that he has convinced his son to purchase exactly the same model for use in the family’s 750-cow dairy at Oxford in Canterbury.

Graeme and Sheryle Henderson milk about 600 cows at Karakariki, west of Hamilton. Their autumn-calving herd is intensively fed up to 18 kg/day of supplements, depending on pasture production, producing an impressive yield of 300,000 kg milk solids per year.

Each cow receives up to two tonnes of maize silage, maize ‘earlage’ (silage made from the kernel, cob and husk only), palm kernel and a protein meal during the lactation.

“By calving in autumn, we supplement the available grass with other feeds during the most efficient stage of the cow’s lactation, which is when you get the most production benefits,” Graeme says. “We can also grow one tonne of maize silage per cow on the dairy platform to recycle nutrients.”

A former agricultural contractor, Graeme knew exactly what he wanted when it came time to replace the property’s ageing cultivation tractor. “We needed something to pull a four-furrow reversible plough and a 3 m power harrow – a tractor with a 120 to 130 hp six cylinder engine, a long wheelbase, a heavy front-end and a good power-toweight ratio,” he says.

“We also wanted a good cab – nice and roomy, comfortable and with good visibility. We didn’t want a lot of technology because we don’t need it. We have five staff and we wanted something that was easy to teach them to operate.”

After an extensive search involving five different makes and models, Graeme settled on a CLAAS ARION 610C. “CLAAS manufactures the best forage harvesters in the world, so it surely follows that their tractors are the same quality,” he says.

“CLAAS has been in tractors long enough now that you can clearly see their influence in the current models. I took an ARION for a test drive and I really liked its quality build, engineering, ride and simplicity of operation. It looks and drives like a car, not a tractor.”

The ARION 600C series delivers the same high levels of performance, efficiency, comfort and reliability as all CLAAS tractors, but in a lower specification suitable for ‘everyday’ farm work.

The ARION 610C features a super-efficient 6.8 L six cylinder DPS engine with 130 hp of on-demand power, coupled with a smooth 16/16 powershift transmission and clutchless reverser. Like all CLAAS tractors, it has a long wheelbase, balanced weight distribution and a tight turning circle for maximum stability and manoeuvrability.

Graeme remains completely satisfied with his purchase. “When I buy a tractor, I expect it to last 8000 hours, which means quality is far more important than price,” he says.

“At the time, I genuinely thought I’d bought the best tractor – and that belief has only increased over time. It is what it is – a good, well-balanced tractor with superb traction. It’s simple to operate and a pleasure to drive. This is easily the most comfortable of any of the tractors I’ve owned over the years.

“It still surprises me that an entry-level CLAAS tractor can be so good compared to the others. I’d definitely consider buying another CLAAS next time.”

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Controlling the traffic . . . a top-of-the-line CLAAS LEXION 780 fitted with 7XL unloading auger and VARIO 1230 variable cutterbar.

CONTROLLING THE TRAFFIC THE addition of a new super-long 10.9 metre unloading auger and improvements to its 12.3 metre variable cutterbar make CLAAS LEXION 700 series combine harvesters ideal for 12 metre controlling traffic farming systems.

The VARIO 1230 variable cutterbar, which allows direct heading of cereal and canola crops, has also been improved. “With a true cut of 12.27 m, the VARIO 1230 is ideal for controlled traffic farming systems,” Jono says.

Group Product Manager – LEXION, Jono Ham, says the new 7XL unloading auger was developed by CLAAS specifically to meet the needs of Australian farmers.

“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 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.

“The foundation of controlled traffic farming systems is that all vehicles and machinery follow 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 had insufficient reach.

“This means it’s not uncommon to have upwards of 70 tonnes of tractor, chaser bin and grain travelling off the tramline. 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 auger comprises a 2.11 m folding end-piece mounted to the 8.8 m 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. Likewise, the grain bin has been strengthened to accommodate the extra load.

“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.”

Jono says the two improvements further increase the suitability of LEXION combine harvesters in 12 m controlled traffic systems.

“The vast majority of CLAAS LEXION combine harvesters are now sold with the optional TERRA TRAC tracked assembly,” he says.

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

A GROUP of 40 customers and CLAAS Harvest Centre staff from around Australia recently embarked on the 2016 LEXION European Study Tour. Arriving in London, the group visited PX Farms on the historic Dry Drayton Estate outside Cambridge. This family-owned agribusiness provides a range of farm management, agricultural contracting, grain storage and grain haulage services to farmers, land owners and rural suppliers in the region.

ON TOUR WITH CLAAS HARVEST CENTRE 8/ HARVEST TIMES SPRING/SUMMER 2016

The group spent an informative day at Cereals, UK’s largest cropping field days, before heading to Germany for a tour of the CLAAS LEXION, JAGUAR and XERION factory at Harsewinkel, followed by lunch with Helmut Claas at the nearby CLAAS TECHNOPARC complex.

The group then boarded a 300 km/h bullet train to travel to Le Mans in France to inspect the state-of-the-art CLAAS tractor factory. While many of the visitors took advantage of the opportunity to test drive an AXION or ARION tractor in the factory’s car park, others marvelled at a full-size ARION 460 tractor constructed from Lego bricks (see page 11).

The nine-day tour wasn’t all diesel and dust, with plenty of time set aside for sight-seeing, including memorable dinners at Sparrenburg Castle in Bielefeld and the Champs-Élysées in Paris, as well as a cruise on the River Seine and a bus tour of Paris. The tour was led by CLAAS Harvest Centre Regional General Manager – South East Australia, Paul Birbeck, and CLAAS LEXION Product Manager, Jono Ham.

LEXION CELEBRATES 80,000 HECTARES AND COUNTING 21 YEARS Chris Haworth with one of his four Seed Hawk toolbars.

With more than 80,000 ha of experience under their belts, Chris and David Haworth are well placed to vouch for the accuracy and durability of Seed Hawk precision tool bars.

Their contracting business, AgTrac Services Pty Ltd, manages more than 16,000 ha of winter crops on behalf of a number of corporate clients in central and southern NSW.

“The separate knives mean we can place urea and MAP separately to the seed.”

Each opener is pulled into its operating position by a hydraulic ram. If the adjustable ‘break out’ trip pressure is reached, the opener gently glides up and over any obstacle before re-engaging the soil.

The brothers purchased their first two Seed Hawk toolbars in 2008 for use on the Wyalong Rural Investment property, ‘Oakhurst’, which is located 35 km east of West Wyalong.

Depth control is achieved via the 10 cm trailing press wheel, which independently tracks ground contours and then packs and seals the furrow.

“It was a bit of a learning curve in the first season but it’s quite easy once you get your head around it,” Chris says.

“We were looking at purchasing a new parallelogram seeder when we saw a demonstration rig at the Condobolin Conservation Agriculture Field Day in 2007,” Chris says.

The addition of the Warakirri Asset Management properties, ‘Cowabbie’ and ‘Mukoora’ at Ardlethan, to AgTrac Services’ cropping program last year necessitated the purchase of two additional Seed Hawk 45 series toolbars.

“The local distributor agreed to do a trial on our place and we put him in some pretty tough country that had not been cropped for a long time. To our surprise, the crop came up quickly and evenly. We were sold.”

Both units feature five sections that fold to a relatively compact transport width of 4.5 m.

“We have a bit of road travel to contend with, particularly with our Ardlethan operations, so being able to fold the machines to a legal size is important,” Chris says.

Famed for their accurate seed placement, even over rough terrain, in high trash conditions or at high operating speeds, the Canadianmanufactured toolbars feature patented ‘openers’.

Separate knives on the laid-back hydraulic tynes place the fertiliser about 20 mm deeper and 40 mm to the side of the seed row.

“At first, we found the concept a bit challenging but the more we thought about it, having the ability the separate the seed and fertiliser was a good idea,” Chris says.

THE 50,000th LEXION combine harvester, recognised as the world’s most technologically advanced harvesting platform, has rolled off the assembly line in Harsewinkel, Germany.

LEXION has remained at the cutting edge of international agricultural technology since it was first released in 1995. With its 375 hp engine, 7.5 m cutterbar and unique APS HYBRID threshing and separation technology, the LEXION 480 heralded a new era of productivity and efficiency for growers and contractors.

The 480 completely rewrote the rulebooks for performance, delivering unheard-of output levels of 40 tonnes per hour. It was the first model to combine an accelerated pre-separation threshing system with twin longitudinal rotors.

LEXION 480 was also the first CLAAS harvester to incorporate the CLAAS Electronic Board Information System (CEBIS), an on-board microcomputer that monitored and controlled all the key operating systems from within the cabin.

This technology allowed drivers to work in a comfortable cab, equipped with the integrated on-board CEBIS computer. In addition, the GPS PILOT and LASER PILOT steering systems made steering the combine easier.

In 1997, CLAAS introduced yield mapping using GPS references, heralding the start of precision agriculture. The LEXION 500 series was released in 2003, followed by the 600 series two years later.

Both units are equipped with Seed Hawk’s optional Seed Between Row (SBR) technology.

A curved paddle sensor detects stubble, with two hydraulic cylinders guiding the hitch to keep the openers between the rows.

The 600 was the first machine capable of harvesting up to 70 tonnes of grain per hour – a massive 75 per cent improvement in only 10 years. Its massive 586 hp engine, 10.5 m variable cutterbar and 12,000 litre grain tank capacity meant it really was in a league of its own.

Seed Hawk claims the undisturbed stubble helps to prevent dirt from being thrown into the next row, creating a cleaner and firmer seedbed.

The standing stubble and depressed furrow also helps to create a moist and warm micro-climate, further improving germination and emergence.

The current LEXION 700 series, available with third-generation TERRA TRAC technology and VARIO variable cutterbars, was released to international acclaim in 2010. It boasts DYNAMIC cooling, 4D cleaning, automatic crop flow control, automatic performance optimisation, grain quality and remote monitoring systems.

HARVEST TIMES SPRING/SUMMER 2016 /9

Kelvin Cutforth with a mixed ration of silage, palm kernel meal and minerals.

MIXED RATION ON THE MENU MAIZE and grass silage, palm kernel and minerals are on tonight’s menu at Kelvin and Rita Cutforth’s dairy farm in Waikato, thanks to the purchase of a high performance Trioliet wagon that rapidly and thoroughly mixes and feeds out all types of rations.

Kelvin and Rita, together with daughters Taylor and Georgia, milk about 200 spring-calving cows on their 70 ha property at Te Awamatu. Annual production is about 80,000 kg milk solids.

“Our goal is to become more productive and more efficient with what we already have, rather than to buy more land or milk more cows,” Kelvin says. “This is some of the most expensive dairying land in New Zealand, so we have to get the most out of what we already have.”

The Cutforths bought a Trioliet Solomix 1200 ZK mixer wagon last year to improve the efficiency of their supplementary feeding program. Depending on the season, cows are typically fed about one tonne of farm-grown maize or grass silage and 400 kg palm kernel during lactation, peaking at about 8 to 10 kg/cow/day over summer.

The top-loading wagon features a single vertical auger and a capacity of about 12 cubic metres. “I wanted a vertical mixer because I’ve heard they mix better, particularly when adding whole bales, and I didn’t want to buy a bigger tractor,” Kelvin says.

“The Trioliet really makes a primo feed and it stops our cows from preferentially eating the palm kernel. Likewise, it’s replaced the vitamin and mineral drench we used to give the cows in the shed, so that’s another saving.

“Our old feeder wagon couldn’t chop the silage or incorporate other ingredients, so we used to feed the silage out in the paddock, which 10/ HARVEST TIMES SPRING/SUMMER 2016

was terribly inefficient. We were wrecking the paddocks, wasting feed and on some days, bringing silage back.

“The mixer wagon means we can feed according to what’s in the paddock and what supplements are available. This year we decided to plant only five hectares of maize because there’s been significantly less wastage.”

Kelvin prepares and feeds out one load each day before the afternoon milking. A typical mix includes 1600 kg maize silage, 400 kg palm kernel and 600 litres of water to improve digestibility.

“Currently, we’re only feeding maize silage and palm kernel, but the plan is to include other concentrates or food waste into the ration once milk prices improve,” he says.

The Trioliet features a simple design for easy operation and minimal maintenance. The stairs, viewing platform and window in front of the mixing chamber allow the operator to easily and safely monitor operations. “With our old feed-out wagon, we could only guess what was going in and what the cows were actually getting,” Kelvin says.

“By having scales, we can mix and feed out exactly the right amount.

The window is handy to keep an eye on what’s going on – it’s important not to turn the ration into a mush. It only takes 20 minutes to load and mix, and less than half that to feed out.”

The mixer wagon incorporates a special low ratio reduction gearbox that enables the unit to be easily started and operated by a low horsepower tractor. Mixed rations are discharged into the feed bunks via the hydraulically-controlled discharge chute and height-adjustable conveyor on the right hand side of the wagon.

Photo: Andy Woods / Imageworld, courtesy SHPG.

IT’S SNOW TIME! AGRICULTURAL contractor, Colin Murdoch, has swapped his winter downtime for non-stop action by leasing his fleet of four CLAAS advanced technology tractors to an award-winning automotive testing facility in New Zealand’s Southern Alps.

Two 184 hp CLAAS ARION 640 tractors, fitted with Stark snow ploughs on the front and Dubie track groomers on the back, are used to prepare the test tracks, flats, gradients and circles to strict specifications.

The Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (SHPG) allows vehicle, tyre and component manufacturers to continue their winter evaluation programs during the European summer, slashing years from new product development timelines.

The tractors’ heating, lighting and windscreen wiping systems maintain high levels of comfort, visibility and safety, despite the sub-zero operating conditions. During the rare moments of downtime, electric engine block warmers are used to make sure the tractors are ready for action at any time.

From June to September, test crews from around the world converge on the $50 million complex to test prototype vehicles and components under harsh winter conditions far away from the prying eyes of the media – and each other.

The relatively short season, combined with the high cost of transporting vehicles, equipment and staff to New Zealand, means test crews work around the clock. In turn, more than 80 SHPG staff rotate through a 24/7 roster to make sure the snow and ice is groomed to exacting international standards at all times.

Colin’s tractors are serviced at CLAAS Harvest Centre in Wanaka each June before being driven up to the proving grounds, a 90-minute trek that climbs from an altitude of 300 metres to 1500 m.

Once there, the tractors’ agricultural tyres are replaced with imported snow tyres.

“The tyres make a big difference,” Colin says. “We can go anywhere and operate safely at any speed. We’re operating three times faster and are twice as wide as the graders.”

Manufactured snow is loaded into two Fliegl ASW 160 ‘push off’ wagons, each towed by a 264 hp CLAAS AXION 850 tractor.

Normally used to transport silage or compost, the twin-axle trailers are capable of holding about 22 cubic metres of snow weighing up to 16 tonnes. During unloading, a forward-mounted hydraulic ram pushes the snow through twin hydraulic spreaders, which evenly shred and disperse the icy load up to 22 metres.

Colin says the winter program has enabled him to significantly increase his machinery pool, as well as providing additional employment opportunities for some his staff. “There’s no way I could justify owning four tractors if they are going to sit in the shed for nine months of the year,” he says.

“We employ about 10 casuals during the silage season but I’d like to get this up to four full-time staff with casuals as required. The silage season kicks off at the end of October and is just about finished by mid-January, while the balage season finishes in April.

“The winter work provides four of my drivers with another 10 weeks’ work between June and September. It’s pretty full-on though – it goes 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 10 weeks straight.

“We did 300 engine hours in 2013, 700 the next, 1400 last year and 2000 this winter. Some of the younger guys stay up there but I live in town, so for me, it’s a 4 am start and I’m not home till 6 pm.”

Murdoch Ag Services operates a fleet of high performance CLAAS fodder harvesting technology, a JAGUAR 850, two DISCO triple mower-conditioner combinations, a LINER 3100 and a VARIANT 385 round baler.

CLAAS LEGO TRACTOR FRANCE’S museum of agriculture, the Musée du Compa, has a new highlight: a full-scale CLAAS ARION 460 tractor built entirely from Lego bricks. Weighing in at 3.5 tonnes, the tractor is made up of almost 800,000 bricks mounted to a real chassis, wheels and windows. A certified Lego builder took more than 3500 hours to complete the mammoth task, which was financed by a number of public and private organisations, including CLAAS, and ‘crowd funding’ donations.‘TractoBrick’ will be exhibited at the Musée du Compa and CLAAS headquarters in Harsewinkel, Germany, over the coming months.

HARVEST TIMES SPRING/SUMMER 2016 /11

FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE WITH SHREDLAGE

A GROUP of 10 CLAAS JAGUAR customers from Australia recently travelled to the USA to get a firsthand appreciation of the revolutionary CLAAS SHREDLAGE maize silage processing technique.

patented LOREN CUT rollers, which have 110 and 145 teeth set in opposing spiral grooves and a 50 per cent speed differential, break the kernels to a fraction of their normal size while simultaneously shredding the stalks into ‘planks’ and ‘strings’.

The group visited a number of feedlots, dairies and fodder harvesting contractors in California during their nine-day tour, pausing only for a quick trip around San Francisco, before heading to CLAAS of America headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska to learn more about SHREDLAGE.

Group Product Manager – CLAAS JAGUAR, Luke Wheeler, says the SHREDLAGE process significantly improves the availability and digestibility of starch and fibre by exposing the inner cells of the kernels and stalks to microbial activity in the rumen.

Available exclusively for use in CLAAS JAGUAR forage harvesters, the process intensively processes both the kernel and ‘long chop’ corn stalk using two specially-designed rollers that fit into the CLAAS MULTI CROP CRACKER (MCC-L) processor.

“University studies in the US have shown the process improves dry matter intake, digestibility and milk production,” he says.

“In addition, the rumen-friendly silage structure is believed to improve the health of cows.”

“The availability of MCC CLASSIC, MCC MAX and MCC SHREDLAGE rollers means contractors can now deliver a one-stop solution for short-cut silage, long-cut silage and SHREDLAGE, respectively.”

CLAAS V-MAX V20 and V-CLASSIC V24 chopping cylinders are used to produce a chop length of 26 to 30 mm, about 10 mm longer than conventional silage. The Geraldton

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