HarvesTimes Autumn 2023

CLAAS NEWS | PRODUCT NEWS | CUSTOMER STORIES

HarvesTimes The journal for agricultural professionals

10.23

The new CLAAS EVION

EVION The new member of the CLAAS combine family.

Convenient, flexible and dependable, the range 430 – 410 offers the very best in engineering and technology, ideal for the smaller scale family farm. claas.co.uk

Meet the new CLAAS EVION.

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Contents CLAAS and Dealer News

Product News and Customer Opinion

Group Management appointments............................................ 4

Combines

HVO approval............................................................................ 5

EVION completes the combine family...................................... 14

Olly Harrison Combine Challenge.............................................. 6

Customer Testimonials

New customer building at the Experience Centre...................... 7

LEXION 5500 TT, GW Morris & Son, Gloucestershire............... 16

Rising Stars:

CLAAS SF, Norman Duppa, MORRIS CORFIELD.................... 17

• Olivia Hesketh down under..................................................... 8

LEXION 8800, Daniel Crawford, Oxfordshire............................ 18

• LE—TEC winners................................................................... 8 • Emma Bowden Master Technician.......................................... 9 • New Apprentice intake.......................................................... 10 • Apprentice graduation.......................................................... 11 OLIVERS celebrate 200 years.................................................. 13

Tractors AXOS 200 range..................................................................... 20 XERION 1200 Series............................................................... 22 CEMIS 1200 updates.............................................................. 24 CEMOS for XERION................................................................ 25 Customer Testimonials XERION 4200 VC – M&D Biomass & Forestry, Yorkshire.......... 26 ARION 450/420 and SCORPION, AJ Walker Farms, Buckinghamshire..................................................................... 28 AXION 800 and ARION 600 – Richie White. Co. Tipperary...... 30 AXION 930TT and Shire Horses – James Howe, Lincolnshire.. 32 Loaders Customer Testimonials TORION 1812 – Adamson Contractors, Yorkshire................... 33 TORION 1511P – T B Clappison Ltd, Contractors, Yorkshire... 34

Cover photo: Joseph Strong with his JAGUAR 860.

SCORPION – University of Nottingham Farms......................... 36 Green Harvest DISCO 9700............................................................................ 38

Contact us on: 01284 763100 Email: cuk.reception@CLAAS.com or visit claas.co.uk facebook.com/CLAAS.UnitedKingdom

Customer Testimonials VARIANT, Charlie Bramley, York............................................... 40 JAGUAR 860, Joseph Strong, Cumbria................................... 42

Better Connected with CLAAS UK

www.facebook.com/CLAAS.UnitedKingdom

www.instagram.com/claas_uk

http://bit.ly/CUK_youtube

claas.co.uk

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CLAAS NEWS

New Group Management appointments Recent months have seen a number of changes within the senior management for the CLAAS Group, including the appointment of a new CEO. Jan-Hendrick Mohr takes on the role in place of Thomas Bock who, after 16 years, with CLAAS and four as CEO, has stepped down in order to pursue new challenges.

Jan-Hendrick Mohr has been with the CLAAS Group since 1984 and been a member of the Group Executive Board since 2008.

He is currently responsible for the Business Unit Grain, which he will continue to lead in a personal capacity.

Commenting on his appointment Jan-Hendrick Mohr said: “I look forward to continuing our success story together with my colleagues in the Group Executive Board and all employees.

CLAAS stands for a high level of technological expertise, products that excite and a corporate culture that unites us. We think long-term and have a clear vision: to make our customers the best in their field.”

On October 1st, Thomas Spiering joined the CLAAS Group Executive Board, where his responsibilities will include the SelfPropelled Harvesters Business Unit. Thomas has been with the CLAAS Group for 22 years. After his degree in Business Administration, he took on various specialist and management roles in the areas of controlling, sales and finance in Germany and abroad. As part of a secondment, he took on the role of CFO of CLAAS UK at Saxham for five years from June 2015, and from 2017 he was also CFO of CLAAS France and responsible for the Western Europe region in the Sales and Service Business Unit. Since July 2020, he has successfully managed the Middle Europe region as Senior Vice President.

Taking over his role as Senior Vice President Region Middle Europe is Benjamin Schutte, who has been with CLAAS since 2006. During this time he has held various positions in Product Management and Product Marketing Tractors, including one stay abroad at CLAAS Tractor in Vélizy (France). In October 2010, Benjamin took over the responsibility for Sales and Marketing of electronic products at CLAAS Vertriebsgesellschaft (CVG - CLAAS Sales). In addition, he assumed the task as Head of Sales Tractors in June 2011. Since March 2017, Benjamin has been Managing Director CVG with responsibility for Sales.

This Autumn has also seen the appointment of Frank Sommer as the new Senior Vice-President Global Purchasing. He has held a number of management roles over the 25 years he has been with CLAAS. As part of structural changes within the Company he will oversee a move that will see global purchasing even more aligned with product and commodities.

Jan-Hendrick Mohr, CEO.

Thomas Spiering, Group Executive Board.

Benjamin Schutte, Senior Vice President Region Middle Europe.

Frank Sommer Senior Vice-President Global Purchasing.

Banks show confidence in CLAAS The continued worldwide growth and the financial strength of the CLAAS Group has provided the confidence for 10 leading banks to agree to be the mandated lead arrangers for a new 850 million Euro revolving credit facility for the

company. This is one of the standard financing instruments used by the CLAAS Group to ensure short-term liquidity. It replaces a previous 500 million syndicated credit facility and will help strengthen CLAAS in the longer term.

CLAAS NEWS

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HVO fuel approval From 1 October 2023, all CLAAS agricultural machinery that meets the latest emissions standard will be approved for operation with hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVOs). Furthermore, the machines will be filled with the sustainable biofuel which is 90% climate neutral before they leave the factory gates at Harsewinkel and Le Mans, so saving 2500 tonnes of CO2 a year.

Protecting the climate and reducing environmentally harmful CO2 emissions play an increasingly important role in agriculture.

CLAAS is aware of this responsibility and is looking closely at a number of different sustainable drive technologies. The approval of hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVOs) for all agricultural machines that meet the latest emissions standard (Stage V) marks a significant step in this direction. This means that the machines will be able to run on this sustainable liquid biofuel in future.

SUSTAINABLE ARGUMENT IN FAVOUR OF THE COMBUSTION ENGINE While battery-powered drive offers advantages for low engine outputs, this technology reaches its limits with increasing power and energy requirements. A JAGUAR forage harvester with a battery-powered drive would have to be at least twice the size and twice the weight of a current model with combustion engine and liquid fuel to achieve a comparable performance and range. Gaseous fuels such as methane or hydrogen also have significant disadvantages in terms of their energy density and thus their energy storage requirements.

“For some time now, CLAAS has adopted an open-minded approach to technology, on the grounds that a comprehensive de-fossilisation of the agricultural sector calls for the availability and cost effectiveness of a wide range of solutions to be

examined”, explains Patrick Ahlbrand, CLAAS Product Strategy.

“In future, battery-powered drives will offer a suitable alternative for municipal work, light fieldwork and applications in and around the farmyard. However, for harvesting machines and large tractors above 150 hp, there is no realistic alternative to sustainable liquid fuels in the long-term.”

FULLY MISCIBLE AND IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE The use of HVO offers several advantages compared with other technologies and fuels. There is no need to upgrade or replace Stage V machines. They can simply be filled with HVO and then used exactly as before, even with diesel, without any restrictions. At the same time, existing farm fuel tanks can still be used without requiring modification. With fuel characteristics comparable with those of fossil fuels, there are no noticeable losses in terms of performance, operating lifetime, wear or durability. HVO can be used in its pure form (HVO100) or as a drop-in fuel mixed in any ratio with conventional diesel. When using HVO100, CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 90% over the entire life cycle compared with fossil diesel. At the same time, less nitrogen oxide and particulate matter are emitted during combustion. Furthermore, since the fuel is manufactured mainly from waste and residues, no additional vegetable oils have to be produced, which minimises competition with food.

HVO consists mainly of waste and residues, including used cooking oil and animal fats, along with vegetable oils. In downstream production processes, the biogenic raw materials are converted to hydrocarbons in a reaction with a small quantity of hydrogen (hydrogenation). This process modifies the characteristics of the vegetable oils to resemble fossil fuels, enabling them to be used as a diesel substitute in mobile work machines.

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CLAAS NEWS

LEXION 8700 charity challenge

In early June, UK farmer and YouTube influencer Olly Harrison and 3 friends drove his new LEXION 8700TT the length of the UK in order to draw attention to the problems surrounding mental health, especially within agriculture, and raise funds for the mental health charity Mind and Children with Cancer, which CLAAS UK is supporting this year.

Starting at John O’Groats in the north of Scotland, over 5 days Olly and John Branson, Martin Williams and James Baldini, who works for CLAAS dealer MORRIS CORFIELD who supply and service Olly’s CLAAS machinery, drove a total of 1,500 km (940 miles) to the southernmost point of England at Land’s End. In total, they have so far raised over £90,000 for the two charities.

The idea to raise awareness and funds for mental health came about because all four of the team have lost friends through suicide which, they say, could so easily have been avoided had they opened up about their problems with their family, friends and colleagues.

“One of the biggest lies in the world is when we are asked how we are and reply by saying yes, I’m fine, instead of how we really feel. A problem shared is a problem halved,” states Olly.

To counter this, he is trying to encourage people to answer how they are really feeling as a percentage, and this is a message he has been spreading both in his YouTube videos and was also prominent on the auger of the LEXION. Driving in 2 hour shifts and covering up to 234 miles a day, the team started each day at 5.00am and over the course of the 5 days averaged about 21 mph. While not designed to travel such long distances and speed on the road, the LEXION 8700 and its TERRA TRACs were absolutely faultless, and the wear on the tracks was far less than they expected. In order to reduce their environmental impact, the LEXION was run on HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) fossil-free fuel.

Raising money by travelling between John O’Groats and Land’s End has been done many times, but this is the first time it has been attempted in a combine harvester, or even any machine this big, and the LEXION is also the first tracked machine to complete the trip. When planning the Combine Challenge, Olly and James chose a combine because it’s size would create more attention. This has certainly been the case with the Combine Challenge being reported both in the press and on local and national television.

“Everyone within the agricultural industry has come together to support two great causes. The number of people we have seen from the top of Scotland to the bottom of Cornwall really brings home how important mental health is and how many people are suffering silently,” says James Baldini. “It was great to see so many people sharing their percent of how they were feeling in the hope that this starts a conversation.”

In addition to the considerable support of CLAAS UK, the team made several stops and were accommodated overnight at a number of CLAAS dealers along the route. In addition, at the end of the Challenge Steve Barrett of CLAAS dealer HAMBLYS surprised Olly by presenting him with a cheque for £16,000 donated by CLAAS dealerships throughout the UK and Ireland. @OllyBlogsAgricontractfarmer

CLAAS NEWS

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Get yourself in the driving seat at CLAAS UK

The final element of our Customer Experience Centre (CXC) is now complete, with the erection of a new hospitality suite. The building sits on a raised platform to provide an all-round view of the test track, handler clamps and GPS display area. The building provides an ideal space for customer presentations, refreshments and shelter in inclement weather.

Covering 2.6ha, the CLAAS Customer Experience Centre is unique in the UK and allows customers and prospective CLAAS users to test our tractors, telehandlers, wheeled loaders and EASY products in a simulated work environment, any time of year without seasonal weather restrictions.

Running around the outside of the CXC is the CMATIC test track that enables customers to drive our tractors with CMATIC CVT transmissions, pulling trailers over inclines, to experience the benefits of the transmission and fully mounted cab suspension.

Warehouse, a look at the state-of- the-art Green Screen Studio and into the training workshops at the Academy, not forgetting lunch in our in-house rooftop restaurant.

To arrange a visit to our headquarters at Saxham, simply contact your local dealer. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

Alongside the test track are two materials handling clamps. The first is filled with 360 tonnes of rubber chip to simulate filling a silage or maize clamp. The second is a rehandling area, using a similar amount of gravel to replicate loading grain into a lorry or trailer with a handler or loader.

At the heart of the CXC, you’ll find an extensive sand arena for GPS display area which is used to demonstrate the accuracy and benefits of the CLAAS GPS steering systems.

The CXC forms only a part of the overall CLAAS Experience when you visit CLAAS UK. A visit will include a guided tour of two-purpose built Technoparcs, showcasing the very latest product line-up from CLAAS, a walk through the Parts

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CLAAS NEWS

RISING

A first for the work exchange ‘down under’

By servicing and maintaining their own machinery fleet, Olivia has drawn upon his extensive knowledge to help develop her understanding of mechanical engineering and assist in her parts advisory role at RICKERBY. “The fact that it had not been done before is no reason not to do it. So when I saw the exchange being promoted in the dealership I thought ‘why not’. Anybody can do it and the scheme provides a broad range of opportunity,” explains Olivia.

“To be able to do a sabbatical trip that has some structure was too good an opportunity not to miss.

“I initially spoke to RICKERBY Managing Director, Ken Conley, but then during a break while training at Saxham I also approached CLAAS CEO Trevor Tyrrell about the possibility, who was very positive. Together with Ken, they have made it work to fit in around the end of the foraging season here and the start of harvest there.

This November Olivia Hesketh, who works for RICKERBY in the Parts Department at their Carnforth branch, will be packing her bags to work in the Parts Department at the CLAAS Harvest Centre near Perth in Western Australia, making her the first parts person to take advantage of the opportunity to experience work in a CLAAS dealership ‘down under’.

CLAAS UK has for many years offered dealership employees the opportunity to partake in a work exchange programme, typically for 3 months, with CLAAS dealerships in Australia and New Zealand. Although the programme is open to all, historically it has tended to be service engineers who have taken the opportunity to spend our winters working in the southern hemisphere during their harvest.

Olivia, who’s 25, grew up and lives on a 60ha sheep and arable farm that she helps run with her father Jon, who also used to lecture in Mechanical Engineering at a local college.

“I have only been with RICKERBY for a year, and this was initially organised when I had been there six months, but it reflects the positive attitude CLAAS and RICKERBY have.

“I am a farmer’s daughter, I look for opportunities and don’t like to be stagnant. In my previous job I was in machinery sales, but there was no chance for progression. So I approached RICKERBY about a job and their attitude is completely different.

There is a lot more willingness to embrace opportunity and the support for you to achieve what you want to achieve has been there from the get go.

“It will be a great experience. In all I will be away for 12 weeks from November through to February and I fully intend to make the most of it, meeting mechanics from other UK dealerships who will be on the exchange and the chance to travel around, as there are loads of things to do and places to visit in my time off.

I can’t wait!”

Talented young technicians

Designed to find the UK’s best Technicians in the Land-Based Engineering sector, entrants were required to submit a short video explaining about themselves, the work they do, how long they have been a Technician and what they enjoy about their work.

It was a CLAAS 1 - 2 in this year’s ‘Technicians for 2023’ competition organised by the Land-based Engineering – Training and Education Committee (LE-TEC).

LE-TEC is an industry collaboration with a judging panel that includes representatives from the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA), the Institution of Agricultural Engineers (IAgrE) and the British Agricultural and Garden Machinery Association (BAGMA).

Congratulations 1st Place – Callum Adams.

After much deliberation, the team of judges awarded 1st Place to

CLAAS NEWS 9

STARS

First female Master Technician Last spring saw Emma Bowden, who works for CLAAS Western at Frome, qualify to become the first female and only the 41st person to qualify as a highly specialist Master Technician within the CLAAS UK dealer network.

To reach this highest technical level, having achieved Master Mechanic status, after further training Emma was required to sit through a 3 hour theoretical test prior to completing another 3 hour simulated fault practical test, and will be required to complete an annual reassessment.

Emma joined CLAAS Western seven years ago having completed her apprenticeship at another dealership. “I had always wanted to work for CLAAS because of the broad range of machinery, and the opportunity this would give to not just be ‘spannering’ but also work more on electronics, so further my career technically.

“No two days are the same and that’s the part of the job that I love.

Once I set my mind on achieving something I will do my best to do that, and right from the start I set my sights on becoming a Master Technician. In 2021 I also had the opportunity to work in Australia at the CLAAS Harvest Centre at Echuca north of Melbourne under the exchange programme, which was a great experience despite being in the middle of Covid.”

increasingly important in the future. It will also be a great honour to mentor Toby for the next four years of his training.

“I get a great sense of achievement when you get to the bottom of a fault and see the machine heading back off to the field. I also enjoy the customer relations side of the job. They are the best people to ask and help you find a fault, and even though they may not be very happy when you arrive, they are very appreciative of what you have done for them.”

How would Emma sell the job to her 17-year old self? “For me it’s the fact that no two days are the same and you get to do something different every day. It’s a hands-on job, working on complex machinery doing everything from using a hammer and a spanner to diagnostics with a laptop. It’s the appreciation you get for a job well done and going home at the end of the day, having done a good job and leaving behind a happy customer.”

The first stage of achieving this ambition was for Emma to achieve Master Mechanic status, which she completed last year.

Specialising in combine harvesters and telescopic handlers, Emma initially had to complete a series of specialist courses, then after three years experience with these products she had to complete a further set of tests covering electronics, hydraulics, diagnostics, engines and customer liaison.

As a Master Technician, in addition to supporting other service engineers within the dealership, Emma will also act as a mentor for apprentice Toby George, supporting him during his training.

“The appeal of being a Master Technician is problem solving and the challenges that brings, especially with an electronic or a GPS problem, which is the aspect that I particularly enjoy and will be

Callum Adams who works for GORDONS and is studying at SRUC Barony. 2nd Place was awarded to Shannon Howe, who is with HAMBLYS and studies at Reaseheath College.

Commenting on the awards, Charlie Nicklin, CEO of IAgrE said: “After some tough decisions on choosing our top 3 from the numerous entries, it’s great to announce and celebrate these fantastic young people progressing their careers as technicians in our industry.”

On his win, Callum commented that: “Getting recognition for the hard work we put into this industry is a great feeling. I’m excited to be able to share my story and showcase land-based engineering to a wider audience and that next generation of talent.”

Congratulations 2nd Place – Shannon Howe.

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CLAAS NEWS

RISING

New first for CLAAS Apprenticeship

On the 4th September apprentices from around the UK and Ireland started their CLAAS Agricultural Apprenticeship at the CLAAS ACADEMY at Saxham.

The 4th September marked a new milestone in the development of the in-house CLAAS Apprenticeship Scheme when 22 new apprentices from England, Wales and Ireland were welcomed to the CLAAS ACADEMY for their Apprentice Induction and the start of their first 3-week training block.

Students have come from 10 dealerships: CLAAS Western (Frome, Dorchester & Evesham), CLAAS Eastern (Sleaford & Brigg), CLAAS MANNS (Saxham, Norfolk & Market Harborough), OLIVERS (Luton & Petworth), RICKERBY (Hexham, Alnwick & Burscough), GORDONS (Castle Douglas, Berryhill & Strathaven), SELLARS (Perth, Stirling, & Forres/Invergordon), MORRIS CORFIELD (Broseley), SHARNFORD TRACTORS and ERWIN. CLAAS is the only UK machinery manufacturer to deliver a specific in-house apprenticeship under one roof. This year’s cohort will study for a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in LandBased Service Engineering Technician over the next 4 years.

Their training will be delivered by dedicated CLAAS trainers, alongside specialist product trainers from the main CLAAS ACADEMY, ensuring that these engineers of the future have been trained to the highest level on the latest CLAAS machinery.

During their 4 years, the apprentices will study in the Academy at Saxham, with its purpose built facilities that include specialist fabrication, engine workshops and classrooms, break-out areas and on-site restaurant, providing the students with some of the best training facilities in the UK.

OFSTED PRAISE In their first routine inspection of the new Academy Ofsted praised the facilities and the high level of training provided.

All new providers of apprenticeships that receive direct funding by the Education and Skills Funding Agency are required to undertake a monitoring visit by Ofsted.

In the report that followed, the inspectors noted that leaders and management have ‘implemented an effective curriculum through which apprentices develop substantial new knowledge, skills and behaviours’.

They went on to comment that the ‘classrooms, workshops and equipment provided for apprentices are outstanding.

Apprentices have access to a wide range of agricultural machinery on which to develop their skills’.

The trainers also came in for praise; ‘Trainers have high levels of technical skills. They use these well to provide apprentices with high-quality training. They design tasks to extend and retain knowledge taught previously’.

They added ‘Apprentices learn substantial new knowledge quickly, which employers value. On- and off-the-job training is coordinated effectively to ensure that apprentices use their new skills in a timely manner. Supervisors set tasks for apprentices so that they improve their confidence and competence in using these skills’.

CLAAS NEWS 11

STARS Congratulations to the 2023 Graduates In early October, 15 CLAAS Apprentices, their families and dealership representatives travelled to Saxham for the annual Graduation ceremony, marking the end of their 4-year apprenticeship.

The Graduation ceremony is just the start of their career as fully qualified CLAAS Service Engineers.

Working at their respective CLAAS dealerships, the newly qualified engineers will have access to ongoing training and development to further enhance their skills.

Ultimately there will also be the opportunity to move into more specialised Master Mechanic or higher level Master Technician roles, or to move into management positions either within their dealerships or within CLAAS UK.

This year’s Graduates are from: • • • • • • • • • • • •

CLAAS Eastern (Sleaford) CLAAS Western (Frome) CLAAS MANNS (Saxham & Norfolk) OLIVERS (Luton & Winchester) HAMBLYS (Redruth) MORRIS CORFIELD (Chester) RICKERBY (Dunbar) SELLARS (Perth & Old Meldrum) BREENS FARM MACHINERY KELLYS LEINSTER FARM MACHINERY McCARTHYS.

The graduation ceremony was held at CLAAS UK on October for the 15 Apprentices who completed the course.

HarvesTimes

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Machine performance?

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Book your Winter Service with your local dealer now and get the best value.

POST HARVEST SERVICE OFFERS.

GENUINE PARTS, GENUINE SERVICE.

Planning ahead will save you money with our Post Harvest Service packages, provided through the CLAAS dealer network.

Our dealers can offer you an efficient, cost effective service, whilst at the same time reducing the demands on the service departments at peak times of the year. All we need is your cooperation to allow our engineers to complete the work required, any time between now and next Spring, either on your farm or at the dealership.

Our Service departments use CLAAS genuine parts and recommended lubricants according to machine model and specification during winter services. All CLAAS parts have been specially selected to ensure maximum performance of your machine.

COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND. The winter service on your machine will be undertaken by our qualified and experienced technicians. We continue to invest in an extensive training programme for all our engineer to ensure you receive the very best service.

DEALER NEWS

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OLIVERS celebrate 200 years Little did farmer Thomas Oliver know in 1823 when looking to diversify into selling horse equipment to neighbouring farmers, that his descendants would be celebrating the company’s 200 years in business, let alone that his business would now encompass five dealerships serving eight counties. In a further landmark, this year is also the 75th anniversary of the Oliver family taking on the franchise to sell CLAAS combines via the main importer J Mann & Son. During this time, OLIVERS have seen many changes in the industry and recent growth has been on the back of the close relationship the company has with CLAAS. From its historical base at Wanden End near Luton, in 2002 OLIVERS initially expanded into Oxfordshire opening a new branch at Bicester, prior to moving into new premises at

Tingewick in 2015. At the same time, CLAAS UK also offered the company the opportunity to buy its Southern Harvesters branch near Reading, followed a couple of years later by the depots in Kent and Hampshire.

Speaking at a birthday celebration held for staff and customers at the Herts Showground in June, John Humphries who with Antony Oliver are the sixth generation of the family to run the company, praised both the support of their customers and the commitment of their employees, some of whom also come from families with long connections to OLIVERS. He also welcomed his daughter Anna Barnes, who in July took over as Chair of the overall holding company and the seventh generation to head the business.

Ready and waiting

4 + 44 payments @ 0% Finance Offer available on all 2023 tractors in stock before 30th September 2023.

Closing date 30th November 2023. Finance for business users only. Terms and conditions apply.*

With 0% finance and immediate availability, why delay the purchase of your next CLAAS tractor.

Contact your local dealer today for full details. *Finance for business purposes only. Subject to acceptance and affordability checks. Applicant must be 18 or over. Promotion valid until 30th November 2023 or while stocks last.

Available on new equipment only. Based on funding 50% of RRP. The finance product available under this promotion is Hire Purchase. First payment, full VAT and a documentation fee of £100.00 are all due on signing. An option-to purchase fee of £85.00 (including VAT) will be collected with the final payment. You will own the machine when all payments have been made. Alternative finance options are available, terms & conditions apply. Images are for illustrative purposes only. Finance provided by CLAAS Financial Services Limited, Northern Cross, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4HL. Registered in England No: 5854271.

HarvesTimes

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COMBINE PRODUCT NEWS

EVION completes the CLAAS co

The arrival of the EVION this Autumn is the final element in the complete renewal of the entire CLAAS combine harvester range, starting with the LEXION 8000/7000 in 2019, followed by the LEXION 6000/5000 then the TRION. The EVION replaces the AVERO and the smaller TUCANO models to round out the lower end of the range below the TRION. Powered by modern Cummins six-cylinder engines the new 5-walker EVION 430 and 410 models take performance, convenience, flexibility and durability to a new level and are ideal for family farms or contractors working in smaller field sizes.

Central to the EVION is a single-drum tangential threshing unit with a large, 600 mm threshing drum, fitted with a MULTICROP concave, and a synchronised impeller combined with five 4.40-metre-long straw walkers and a feeder housing width of 1,420 mm. This results in an impressive threshing concave area of 0.95 m2 and a separation area of 6.25 m2 provided by the straw walkers.

The threshing drum speed is infinitely adjustable from 480 to 1,150 rpm (420 – 1,080 rpm with reduction kit) using the CEMIS 700 terminal. Concave clearance adjustment is performed hydraulically from the cab and features integrated overload protection provided by a diaphragm accumulator to prevent blockages from occurring in the threshing unit.

In order to provide more effective secondary separation and greater throughput, the centre risers of the straw walkers have been redesigned to loosen the crop mat even more effectively and to enable a faster transfer to the next straw walker racks. In addition to the threshing concave overload protection, sensors monitoring the crop flow on the straw walkers will warn the operator as soon as any blockages begin to develop. The optional CEMOS AUTO CROP FLOW automatically deactivates the front attachment and the feeder unit in the event of any imminent risk of blockages on the threshing drum or serious belt slippage so that no more crop is fed in.

The sieve pan works with the upper and lower sieves moving in opposite directions and has a total sieve area of 4.80 m2. In addition to electric sieve adjustment, the standard equipment for all EVION models includes a loss measurement system. Adjustment of the speed of the radial fan is performed from the cab – and can even be controlled automatically with the optional AUTO SLOPE function when harvesting uphill or downhill. An inspection window allows the returns to be viewed conveniently from the operator’s seat. The 3D cleaning system, which is able to compensate for a lateral tilt of up to 20 percent when harvesting on slopes, is available as an option.

Grain tank capacity on the EVION 410 is 5,600 l, rising to 6,500 l in the EVION 430. For offlloading both EVION models have a 330 mm diameter, 90-litre-per-second unloading auger capable of emptying the tank in 1 to 1.5 minutes. For optimum visibility the auger pivots to 105 degrees and a pivoting unloading spout is available as an option.

COMBINE PRODUCT NEWS

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mbine family As standard, the EVION comes with a 52-knife straw chopper, but an optional 72-knife straw chopper is also available. Both shear bar and friction bar can be adjusted without tools while the switchover from chopping to swathing is performed at the right-hand side of the straw discharge hood. Hydraulically driven chaff spreaders are available as an option to evenly spread chaff and short straw across the working width.

all operated hydraulically – unique in this size of combine which enables outstanding operating reliability in difficult and changing conditions. Other important units, such as the threshing unit variator, straw chopper, front attachment and grain tank unloading auger are activated and deactivated electrohydraulically. Belt tensioners, which are fitted as standard, simplify the system check at the start of each working day.

POWERFUL CUMMINS SIX-CYLINDER ENGINE WITH DYNAMIC POWER

The ground drive is provided by a 3-speed, manually shifted hydrostatic drive with a choice of top speeds – 20, 25 or 30 km/h. For the rear axle, customers have a choice of wheels with a diameter of 1.35 m or, for maximum soil protection, as much as 1.50 m.

Both EVION models are powered by the same Stage V, 6.7-litre Cummins B6.7 engine that is used in the TRION and is notable for its ability to deliver high torque at low revs. The full rated output of 204 (EVION 410) and 231hp (EVION 430) is available at just 1,900 rpm, while the idle speed is a low 800 rpm (1,200 rpm with active hydraulic functions). DYNAMIC POWER engine management ensures that the engine only delivers as much power as is actually required at any time. This system can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent. When the grain tank unloading system is active, the highest output level is enabled automatically.

SPACIOUS CAB WITH CEMIS 700 AND CMOTION The spacious cab features a modern control armrest with the ergonomic CMOTION multifunction lever, the clearly laid-out keypad and the CEMIS 700 touchscreen terminal. The 7-inch CEMIS 700, which can be easily adjusted to the position that suits each operator best, has a high-contrast display. In addition to saved settings for all common crops the operator can override the saved settings at any time during harvesting and adjust them in accordance with the prevailing conditions. Further advantages of CEMIS 700 include its ability to store jobs and to record fuel consumption separately for road and field operation as well as in litres per hour and litres per hectare. As CEMIS 700 is a fullyfledged ISOBUS terminal, it can also be used for other tasks with tractors and implements outside the combine harvesting season.

Both EVION models are equipped as standard with automatic climate control and a camera while footrests on the steering column are available as an option – as is a 30-litre cool box under the instructor’s seat. Other optional items include an air-suspended comfort seat, electrically adjustable rear-view mirrors and a second camera.

CUTTERBARS UP TO 6.80 M WORKING WIDTH A rotating radiator screen cleans the air intake area continuously and for daily cleaning tasks, an air compressor with three connection points – near the cab (for cab cleaning), at the left above the rear axle (cleaning of sieve and straw walker area as well as the drives on the right-hand side) and near the engine (cleaning of engine area) – is available as an option.

The EVION comes with a CLAAS universal feeder housing and multicoupler, so is able to accept cutterbars used with the TRION and LEXION up to 6.80m. The TREND equipment package includes CONTOUR ground contour adaptation as standard. This automatically adjusts the front attachment to ground undulations parallel to the direction of travel.

The reel drive, feeder housing and front attachment reversing mechanism as well as the threshing drum and fan variator are

Find out more about the CLAAS EVION.

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LEXION 5500 TT

GW Morris & Son, Arable Farmers, Gloucestershire

A combine for life

Bridget, Tim and Harry Morris

CLAAS machines have been the combine of choice for Gloucestershire farmers GW Morris & Son for many years, starting with a MATADOR bought in 1968 and most recently a LEXION 5500 TT that arrived in 2021.

Farming just over 400 ha near Tewkesbury, the new LEXION 5500TT replaced a LEXION 520, which had provided the Morris family with sterling service for 14 years. Having trialled a LEXION 660 in 2019 from CLAAS Western at Evesham, the following year they had a demo of a LEXION 5500 on tracks which, says Tim Morris, “was a different beast altogether. It had phenomenal capacity and travelled over the ground so much better than a

wheeled machine – important given how wet harvest was that year.”

With its 25ft CONVIO header, the performance from the new LEXION 5500TT has been impressive, consistently averaging 27-28 tonnes/hr in their 10 tonne crops, yet producing a much cleaner sample. This they put down to a combination of the way the CONVIO header feeds the crop into the combine, allied to the greater capacity and control they have over the threshing system.

“The amount of diesel the new combine uses is also significantly less than before. Our LEXION 520 averaged 2.27 litres per tonne whereas the 5500 ran at 1.71 litres per tonne last harvest.

“That 20-25% reduction is down to a combination of factors – improved crop flow from the belt-fed CONVIO header, bigger drums and concaves and the effect that Dynamic Power has in only fuelling the engine with what’s required.”

PAST AND PRESENT With the arrival of their new LEXION 5500 TT last season, Will, Tim and Harry Morris recreated a replica of a photograph taken of themselves 22 years earlier with their LEXION 430.

Keeping it in the family.

Will, Tim and Harry Morris, then and now.

Norman Duppa, MORRIS CORFIELD, Broseley

CLAAS SF

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60 years of harvesting history

This autumn saw the unique sight of a 60-year old CLAAS SF combine returning to its original purchasers to work alongside their latest LEXION 8700TT. The CLAAS SF was sold new to Lord Forester of Willey Hall in 1962 by John Corfield, one of the founders of MORRIS CORFIELD who will be celebrating their 65th year of being a CLAAS dealership in 2024.

In 1965 the SF was sold on and Barrow Farm has since run an impressive 25 CLAAS combines over the intervening 60 years, culminating in the arrival of a new LEXION 8700 TT for this harvest.

Having changed hands a number of times, the CLAAS SF was eventually bought back by MORRIS CORFIELD in June 1988 and has been stored in a shed at the dealership ever since.

“It had always been my intention to restore the SF,” says MD Norman Duppa, who still has its original log book, “but I never quite got around to it. It made an appearance at an Open Day in 2013, but it was when I got it out again, when Olly Harrison visited us during his combine challenge in June, that I decided it was time to do something about it and to celebrate its 60th anniversary in style.”

Despite its age, the only major work that Norman had to do to the SF was to fabricate a new base for its 3.0m cutterbar which had rotted. Other than that, apart from replacing a few belts and work to the header guards, it fired up first time.

Norman Duppa with the SF combine “It’s been a great project to get involved with. I do enjoy a bit of ‘proper engineering’ such as this and being faced with a challenge, which normally, if you sit down and think about it, there is often quite a simple solution.

“It was a very proud, but rather dusty, moment when I fired it up and put it to work alongside the new LEXION.” Launched in 1952 and originally called the HERCULES, the SF was the first self-propelled combine to be produced by CLAAS and remained in production until 1962, during which time 19,456 were built.

By comparison to its 1.25m threshing drum, 60hp Ford engine, 3.0m cutterbar and costing in the region of £1,600, the rather more expensive LEXION 8700TT has been specified with full CEMOS AUTOMATIC, 4D, AUTO CROP FLOW, AUTO SLOPE, has a 35ft 1080 CONVIO cutterbar and is powered by a 626hp Mercedes Benz engine. It also boasts a very comfortable, airconditioned cab!

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Daniel Crawford, Compton Beauchamp Estates, Oxfordshire

By Nick Fone

Connecting past and future

Daniel Crawford

With over 17,000 tonnes of grain to harvest, store and market each year, Oxfordshire farm manager Daniel Crawford relies heavily on the latest technology to record yields and analyse the financial performance of different areas of the farm.

“Yield mapping has always been a big part of what we do here and my predecessor had the foresight to see that we needed to be recording crop performance well before we had any means of doing anything with that information,” explains Mr Crawford.

“When I started in 2016 we already had 20 years of yield data going back to the first LEXION 480s equipped with QUANTIMETERs and memory cards.

“Having such a long back catalogue of records means we get a much more accurate picture of how different areas of the farm perform and, consequently, now we’re able to make good decisions based on that.”

While crop performance data is only viewed as one element of the whole picture, yield maps are overlaid with soil sampling results to give an overall representation of what’s happening within different fields and across the entire acreage.

“I’ll sit down with our agronomist and look at how blocks of crop have performed and if there are patches that have surprised us. We’ll then make decisions about what fertiliser regimes are appropriate and even what the following crop should be.

“Unsurprisingly blackgrass is our main enemy and our number one driver for all decision making. Although we’ll have a good idea of the areas affected, having those maps to quantify the losses is an eye-opener, and we’ll regularly alter our plans according to what we’re seeing.

I have such faith in the system that we’re now using the yield data to compare different drilling dates and varieties, to make decisions on what we do the following season.

Daniel Crawford “In a world where more of the farm income is going to come from environmental payments, we’re also able to use yield maps as a means of deciding which areas of the farm to put aside for stewardship schemes – it really is a fantastic tool for us.”

DATA TRANSFER “One of the key things about the latest CLAAS TELEMATICS system is how easy it is to see the information. The combines are constantly pinging data to the cloud and I can then choose whether to download that manually or automatically – either way it’s straightforward.

“When I do download it, that data slides seamlessly across into our Gatekeeper farm management software ready for me to interrogate.

“Not only does it give me a really accurate picture of what we’ve got in the grainstores for stock management and marketing purposes, but it also provides a really precise source of figures for gross margin accounting.

LEXION 8800

“Critically it means I can produce reports for the management team so that we can really scrutinise the performance of different varieties, fungicide treatments, fertiliser regimes, etc… and make decisions based on that information.

“It’s not all about yield – the financial performance of a crop is determined by how much money we throw at it. We need to know we’ll see a return on those input costs.

“For those decisions to be right it all hangs on accurate data from the combines and they’re now better than ever before at providing us with precise information.”

QUANTIMETER “Our previous combines – a pair of LEXION 780s – were equipped with QUANTIMETERs and grain quality cameras which worked well, but the set-up on these latest machines is so much more accurate.

“At the start of each crop we do a test weigh of 100 tonnes over the weighbridge and calibrate the system based on that – that way we know it’s accurate.

“We’ve got sheds where there is no weighbridge and so previously we were guesstimating blind what was going in. Now I know exactly what’s there and can sell accordingly.

“I have such faith in the system that we’re now using the yield data to compare different drilling dates and varieties to make decisions on what we do the following season.”

FLEET MANAGEMENT “Being able to see machines of all colours in the CLAAS TELEMATICS package means it’s easy to manage the whole fleet. At harvest we’re running up to eight tractors, so it’s a really useful aid in logistics, whether it’s planning the next field move or how many trailers we need to be running.

“Even though we’re dipping into other manufacturers’ TELEMATICS systems it’s easy to set-up the link between all the

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machines, and everything is there in front of you, whether it’s on the office computer or on the mobile app.”

WHY CLAAS? “The estate has had CLAAS combines for decades primarily because of their ability to cover the ground. We’re expecting each machine to clear in excess of 8500-9000 tonnes of grain each season – we need to know they’re capable of that, and that they’ll still be as reliable five years down the line as the day they arrived on the farm. The fantastic back-up we receive from our dealer CLAAS Western at Cirencester means we have the peace of mind that it’s possible.

“The minute there’s an issue they’re onto it. But it’s not just the machines themselves, we get brilliant service for all the precision farming technology too. There’s always someone on the end of the phone to talk you through things and they’re more than happy to come out to actually show you how to set things up – we couldn’t ask for more in that respect.”

Farm Facts Compton Beauchamp Estates near Faringdon, Oxfordshire Cropping Winter wheat OSR Spring barley Winter barley Spring oats Peas Grass Stewardship schemes

Staff Daniel and Chrissie Crawford plus five others full-time and another five at peak times CLAAS LEXION 8800 x 2

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TRACTOR PRODUCT NEWS

New compact AXOS 200

Two new versions of the AXOS have been relaunched - the AXOS 230 and 240.

Specification includes power outputs of 92 and 103 hp, a 5-speed powershift transmission with REVERSHIFT and TWINSHIFT, wheel sizes up to 34-inches, a gross vehicle weight of 6.0 t and a flat floor with a comfortable command centre.

Fitting in below the ARION 400 range, the AXOS 200 is a sturdy, capable yet compact all-rounder that performs well even on challenging terrain, in arable and vegetable crops or forestry. With a height of 2.62 m, it can also pass through low entrances and is astonishingly agile thanks to a minimum turning radius of 3.79 m.

4-CYLINDER FPT POWER Under the bonnet is a state-of-the-art FPT Stage V four-cylinder turbo engine with common-rail injection. The 3.6 l engine features 1800 bar injection pressure, wastegate turbocharger, intercooler and viscous fan, with maximum power output at 2000 rpm. Maximum torque on the AXOS 230 is 366, rising to 406 Nm for the 240. Full engine torque is available across a wide speed range.

The fuel tank capacity is 105 l and in addition to that is the 10 l urea tank (AdBlue) for the exhaust gas aftertreatment system. The Stage V exhaust gas cleaning system features an SCR catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter (DPF), diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC) and externally cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). All

components are housed beneath the bonnet outside the driver’s field of vision.

As standard, the AXOS comes with of one engine speed memory, with a second optionally available. This is particularly useful when working with PTO-driven or hydraulically operated implements.

After saving the engine speed using either the foot or hand throttle and pushbutton, subsequent adjustments can be made using two pushbuttons.

ALWAYS AT THE RIGHT SPEED The 5-speed transmission in the AXOS 200 provides 30 forward and 15 reverse gears, with as many as 10 gears in the main operating range and a short shift lever for easy car-like shifting. TWINSHIFT powershift transmission – which increases tractive power by 20 per cent at the press of a button – and the electrohydraulic REVERSHIFT clutchless reverser are included as standard. Another feature that is normally associated with large tractors is the clutch button on the back of the shift lever – which eliminates the use of the foot clutch – and the optional SMART STOP function, which automatically disengages the transmission to bring the tractor to a standstill when the foot brake is applied at traffic lights, junctions and during front loader work and re-engages it when the foot brake is released. These transmissions reach a top speed of 40 km/h at just 1750 rpm.

FROM TRACTOR TO IMPLEMENT CARRIER Maximum lift capacity is 3350 kg and both models can also be optionally fitted with a front loader with a lift capacity of 3200 kg – more than enough for front-mounted attachments. The AXOS

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Find out more about the CLAAS AXOS 200.

200 has an open-centre hydraulic system with an output of 87 l/ min as standard, with an optional third pump available to increase output to 114 l/min. For this, the AXOS 200 can be supplied with an electrohydraulic operating system with ELECTROPILOT and rocker switches as an alternative to the standard mechanical version. At the rear, up to three double-acting spool valves and a free-flow return line are available, while a fourth double-acting spool valve is available with the third pump option. Two mid-mount double-acting connections for use with front loaders can also be fitted.

As an alternative to the standard 1000/540 PTO, the AXOS 200 can be equipped with the 540/540E combination or a ground-speed PTO. Furthermore, a front PTO with 1000 rpm or 540E is available for the front linkage. The electrohydraulic PTO coupling guarantees a smooth start and protects the PTO transmission, drive shaft and drivetrain.

FIVE FRONT LOADERS FOR EVERY SITUATION AXOS 200 tractors are suitable for use with the larger FL 80 series (hydraulic self-levelling linkage) and the FL 80 C series (mechanical self-levelling linkage), in addition to the FL 60 front loader with PCH hydraulic self-levelling linkage and the FL C 40 / 60 and FL E 40 / 60 series with mechanical self-levelling linkage. The front loader brackets are positioned well back, providing stability during heavy work. The robust bolted connection between the front loader bracket, made from high-strength cast steel, and the engine half frame does not compromise the steering lock or ease of maintenance.

The FITLOCK system and MACH quick-attachment couplers for electrical and hydraulic connections make short work of attachment and removal. Changing attachments on the front loader is also quick and easy with FASTLOCK and SPEEDLINK. The SHOCK ELIMINATOR vibration damping system is supplied as standard with all front loader models.

There is a choice of two operating systems for the front loader; the E-PILOT S or the ELECTROPILOT, both within easy reach in the right-hand console. While the E-PILOT S provides fingertip control of front loader functions only, the ELECTROPILOT can also be used to operate hydraulic functions on rear implements. In addition, instead of using the lever on the left of the steering column to change direction, the REVERSHIFT reverser can be operated using two pushbuttons on the ELECTROPILOT. This means that all relevant functions for front loader work can be controlled single-handedly.

Accessed through a wide opening door, the cab features slender pillars for an excellent all-round view and a curved rear windscreen.

Air conditioning and an air-suspended driver’s seat are optionally available. The height and angle of the steering wheel can be adjusted to suit every driver.

All relevant information such as diesel consumption per hour, transmission oil temperature or fill level of the diesel particulate filter are displayed on the 4.2-inch colour display in the steering wheel console. The display can also be used to adjust the settings of functions such as rear linkage lift speed, and for versions with electronic spool valves, the response time of the hydraulic spool valves and the maximum flow rate, as well as the timer.

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TRACTOR PRODUCT NEWS

XERION 12 Series packs a po

Next Spring will see the arrival in the UK of the new XERION 12 Series which, with a maximum power output of 653 hp, is currently the most powerful CVT 4-wheel drive tractor on the market, and also the largest built in Europe.

And its sizeable features don’t end there. Everything about the new XERION 12 Series is big and powerful – whether it’s the substantial central frame that the XERION is built around, the impressive 3,100Nm of torque generated at just 1,300rpm by its Mercedes engine, the enormous 537 l/min hydraulic system or its spacious 4m3 cab. The only thing small about it is its fuel consumption and running costs.

Two versions of the XERION 12 Series will be available – the 653hp XERION 12.650 and the 585hp 12.590 both of which run on newly developed TERRA TRAC damped crawler units produced by CLAAS Industrietechnik.

As with the current XERION, the XERION 12 Series is built around a bolted, highly resilient central frame and two steering axles, adapted to reflect the increased output, higher weight and larger track width.

The new TERRA TRAC triangular crawler track units transfer the power gently and efficiently to the ground, while the driver enjoys an excellent all-round view in the large, four-point-suspended cab.

HIGH ON TORQUE, FUEL-EFFICIENT AND MAINTENANCE-FRIENDLY Power for the XERION 12 Series comes from a 15.6 l OM473 LA six-cylinder in-line Mercedes-Benz engine as used in the JAGUAR and LEXION, which combines enormous torque with fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs. In the XERION 12.590 this power unit delivers 585 hp from 1600 rpm and up to 653 hp in the XERION 12.650. Turbo compound technology with wastegate turbocharger ensures enormous power development, even at low engine speeds, and maximum efficiency under full

and partial load at the same time. As a result, the maximum torque – an impressive 3100 Nm in the XERION 12.650 – is available even at 1300 rpm. The idling speed is set at a low 650 rpm.

CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE The new XERION 12 Series is equipped with the latest generation CMATIC continuously variable transmission. The gentle starting and deceleration torque of the continuously variable, split-power drives protect cultivators and seed drills by avoiding peak loads on the frame structures and hitching devices caused by abrupt shifting or engaging and disengaging with the implement in working position. Nevertheless, the XERION still delivers the full engine torque from the minimum speed of 0.05 km/h and reaches a top speed of 40 km/h at an efficient 1,400 rpm.

The low-engine speed concept 2.0 in the XERION encompasses the power hydraulics as well as the drive. Up to three load-sensing pumps supply external consumers with a maximum 537 l/min at 1900 rpm – no other tractor on the market currently beats that. Up to eight double-acting control circuits continuously supply sufficient oil to cultivation implements, drills and precision air seeders, with prioritised control circuits able to deliver up to 140 l/min to the highest consumers.

NEW TERRA TRAC 400 CRAWLER TRACKS Designed and manufactured by CLAAS Industrietechnik in Paderborn, the two-part frame construction of the crawler tracks enables the two pairs of mid-rollers, which are mounted

TRACTOR PRODUCT NEWS

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wer punch

high-quality cotton or leather upholstery, and can be rotated by 40° to give the driver a perfect view of attached implements.

Key functions are operated and monitored via the ergonomic armrest with CMOTION multifunction control lever and the CEBIS touchscreen terminal. This means that a standardised control concept is now available for all CLAAS tractors between 125 and 653 hp from the ARION 500 upwards.

on bogies to adapt to ground contours independently of the main frame. Large rubber blocks between the undercarriage and the main frame of the crawler track assembly effectively buffer bumps and vibrations.

In addition to the multi-pass effect, ideal 50:50 weight distribution regardless of fuel tank level and combined with the efficient drivetrain with low-engine speed concept 2.0, this reduces fuel consumption by 8 to 10 per cent per hour compared with other tractor concepts in this performance class.

LARGE CAB WITH FOUR-POINT SUSPENSION When developing the XERION 12 Series, driver comfort was a key priority in addition to efficient, soil-friendly tractive power transmission. The cab has been extended by 27 cm at the front, making it currently the largest command centre in the premium tractor segment. Footrests can be factory-fitted behind the steering column and on the right-hand A-pillar. The driver’s seat is available in three versions with standard upholstery or optional

The new four-point cab suspension provides a level of comfort previously unknown in this performance class. By cushioning impacts and countering rolling movements, it enables drivers to concentrate fully on the job in hand without tiring even during long working days. In addition, the cab has been further decoupled from the chassis to significantly reduce the impact of noise and vibrations from the drivetrain and chassis on the driver.

AUTOMATIC STEERING, ONLINE TASK MANAGEMENT, PRECISION FARMING APPLICATIONS AND MORE GPS and precision farming options available using the 12in CEMIS 1200 terminal include automatic steering by GPS PILOT with different correction signals, both on- and off-line Task Management, precision farming applications with Section Control and Variable Rates Application (VRA). With CLAAS connect, new licences or activations can be transferred straight to the terminal online, as can tasks with predefined tracks and application maps from connected farm management information systems (CLAAS API).

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CONNECTED PRODUCT NEWS

CEMIS 1200 updates

New functions and features for the CEMIS 1200 Universal Terminal include the ability to define multiple reference tracks and field segments using field boundaries, plus tramlines can now be flagged with colour and acoustic signals and master data can be created and processed directly on the terminal.

Standard for all self-propelled CLAAS machines, except the EVION combine, the CEMIS 1200 Universal Terminal with the new GPS PILOT is not only used for automatic steering, but also for fleet management and smart farming applications. Featuring a 12-inch colour touchscreen and equipped with a wide choice of correction signals and ISOBUS functions, in addition to online documentation, it can handle ISOBUS implement control, a wide range of Task Controller applications, automatic Section Control and Variable Rate Application on tractors. The new functions and features will be available on the terminal from calendar year 2024.

A-B LINES AND CONTOURS ON DEMAND: SAVE MULTIPLE REFERENCE LINES PER FIELD One of the new functions of the CEMIS 1200 with GPS PILOT is the automatic creation of multiple different reference lines within one field. Using recorded or imported field boundaries, A-B lines and contours for different areas and sections of the field can be calculated and saved before cultivating the field. This feature simplifies work in irregularly shaped fields, as several headland sequences and rounded field boundaries can be saved as reference lines in addition to the main working direction. When the driver switches to a different section of the field, they simply activate the reference line for the relevant segment and then resume work straight away with maximum precision.

NO MORE MISSED TRAMLINES: COLOUR DISPLAY AND ACOUSTIC SIGNAL The tramline management feature in CEMIS 1200 also reduces the workload significantly. The driver can specify in advance where the first tramline is to be created and the interval between tramlines (in x times working width). The tramlines are then highlighted in colour

on the CEMIS 1200 screen as work is underway. In addition, an acoustic signal can also be activated to remind the driver where exactly in the field to create a tramline. This means tramlines can no longer be missed – for example when drilling cereal, maize or sugar beet, planting potatoes or creating interval tramlines on slopes – allowing the driver to focus fully on monitoring and operating the machine. It is also possible to configure the signal to sound only when driving onto a tramline, or when leaving it as well.

OTHER NEW FEATURES – ALSO AVAILABLE AS A SOFTWARE UPDATE Further improvements will be introduced in the new CEMIS 1200 model year. All new and improved features, including the new tramline manager and the automatic creation of multiple reference lines per field based on field boundaries, can be retrofitted to CEMIS 1200 terminals already in use by means of a software update.

Other new features to be added in CEMIS 1200 from model year 2023 include: • In addition to the three familiar functions ‘ISOBUS with TC-SC (Task Controller Section Control), ‘Automatic Steering Mode’ and ‘Manual activation’, a fourth ‘Working Position in CEBIS’ is available for activating the coverage map in the display.

This indicates on the map when a CEBIS function – such as linkage, hydraulics spool valve or PTO – is active and the three other functions are not in use.

• A specially configured GPS PILOT is now available for the XERION for offset steering (crab steering, gentle mode).

• Numerous improvements have been made to the user interface. These mainly enable direct access to more parameters from the map view, as well as more options to customise different views. Readability has also been improved in many areas.

• The map view now features more zoom levels, including a zoom level that provides a field overview. Track, tramline and reference line graphics end at field boundaries • Master data such as farm, activity or operator can now be created and edited directly on the terminal, including adding comments. Imported master data can also be edited directly on the terminal.

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CEMOS for XERION CEMOS – the world’s leading operator assistance and process optimisation system for tractors – is now available for both the XERION and the new XERION 12 Series.

Launched in 2017, until now CEMOS for Tractors has only been available for CLAAS ARION and AXION tractors with CMATIC continuously variable transmission. But the dialogue-based, selflearning operator assistance and process optimisation system will now also be available for the XERION 4200, 4500, 5000, 12.590 and 12.650 large and system tractors from model year 2024.

The system can be retrofitted to existing machines with a CEBIS touchscreen terminal as a software update.

CEMOS for Tractors helps the driver optimise ballasting, tyre pressure, engine and gearbox management and implement settings to enable them to perform fieldwork as efficiently and productively as possible and to an exceptionally high standard.

While work is underway, when parameters such as the traction resistance of the soil, relief or net traction ratio often change (especially during tillage), CEMOS continuously compares the recorded actual variables with the achievable optimum and suggests further adjustments to the driver aimed at improving efficiency and productivity.

Furthermore, the resulting reduction in fuel consumption leads to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. An added advantage is the enhanced level of soil protection, since adjustments to ballasting and tyre pressure combined with the integrated Terranimo® app reduce the ground contact pressure, thereby avoiding undue, inefficient and harmful wheel slip.

16.8% FUEL SAVING In trials conducted by the DLG which compared two AXION 870 CMATIC tractors with trailed cultivators, CEMOS for Tractors was found to reduce fuel consumption by up to 16.8 per cent and increase area output by up to 16.3 per cent compared to settings used by the experienced drivers. By continuously comparing sensor data on actual ground speed, tractive power, wheel slip, fuel consumption, engine speed and transmission ratio, along with other variables, CEMOS was shown to provide valuable assistance even for expert drivers.

SOIL PROTECTION The Terranimo® function within CEMO enables the tractorimplement settings to give even greater priority to soil protection.

Terranimo® is a simulation model for calculating and visualising the risk of harmful compaction. Its algorithms are merged with the parameters stored by the driver in CEMOS, such as soil type and condition, working depth, field condition (uncultivated, shallow or deep cultivated), implement, tyre type, ballasting and so on, so no additional data has to be entered when using Terranimo®.

Using this information and the engineering mechanics generated

by CEMOS, such as static and dynamic axle loads, Terranimo® calculates the risk of compaction for three separate soil layers, which is then displayed in the CEBIS terminal. CEMOS uses this information to make further recommendations to the driver about ballasting and tyre pressure optimisation that support a more soilfriendly driving style.

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James Dolton, Biomass contractor, Yorkshire

Working in the forests, the XERION 4200 can comfortably fill 10 lorries a day with chipped biomass for power generation.

Revolutionary XERION As 40th birthday presents to yourself go, taking delivery of a brand new 462 hp XERION 4200 TRAC VC takes some beating! But last April 17th James Dolton took delivery of his brand new tractor from CLAAS EASTERN Wilberfoss, which has since revolutionised his business.

Trading as M&D Biomass & Forestry Services, James provides a timber processing service working predominantly for A. W. Jenkinson Forest Products and Sembcorp Utilities. Chipping biomass for power stations, has James working throughout the north of England and Scotland, both in the power stations themselves and out in the forest loading lorries.

“The XERION is probably one of the easiest sales that Will (Cartmell) has ever made,” says James. “Having bought out my business partner, I was in need of a new tractor. A friend of mine, Hugh Wood of Rothill Farms, suggested a XERION and ended up hiring me his XERION 5000, which was really impressive. I had previously been running a 350hp conventional tractor and was getting back problems from having to twist round. But since having the XERION with its reversible cab, that’s gone away.

ARRIVED IN TIME FOR MY BIRTHDAY! “While a XERION 5000 was too big, I got in touch with Will about options to either buy or lease a 4200. When he got the figures back to me, I had a 10 minute conversation with my wife and was straight back to him agreeing to the lease and how quickly he could get the XERION to me. Originally it was due for delivery in July, but actually arrived in April in time for my birthday.”

Paired with a Jenz 583 chipper capable of taking in logs up to 1.2m and a 10m Palfinger crane, typically the XERION will run for 10 hours a day, but at times can be going for 24 hours. In the

XERION 4200 TRAC VC

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I was getting back problems from having to twist round [using a conventional tractor]. But since having the XERION with its reversible cab, that’s gone away.

James Dolton

power stations around 500 tonnes of biomass can be processed in a day, while in the forests in a day, he will typically load 10 lorries with 27 tonnes of biomass.

The XERION is on a 3 year, 6,000 hour agreement and in the six months since it was delivered has already clocked up over 1,200 hours, so is well on course to do 2,000 hours in its first year. “In six months the XERION has already done what a XERION on a farm would probably do in 2 years. But it’s been fantastic and I am that confident in it that by the middle of next year I will start talking to Will about its replacement.”

15 L/HR FUEL SAVING One of the XERION’s most impressive features for James is the engine, in particular its high 2,200 Nm torque level and low fuel consumption. “The high torque means the engine sits quite happily at 1,600rpm and has consistently averaged about 35 litres an hour, which is 15 litres less than my old tractor. The hydraulic system is also excellent. While the chipper runs its own hydraulic system, the crane runs off a dedicated load sensing Power Beyond circuit which has more than enough capacity making it very responsive and easy to use.”

In the cab, due to the long hours spent there, James opted for the comfort seat with heating and ventilation, and he added extra

James Dolton with his XERION 4200 working above Loch Striven, Argyllshire.

wipers for the side windows. “Driver comfort is important as I am in there all year round. The cab is extremely comfortable and the suspension takes out all the jolts and makes the cab a very relaxing place to work in. With the cab turned round, the visibility over the crane, chipper and surrounding area is outstanding and has completely revolutionised the job.

“Overall the XERION is fantastic and Jenkinson’s have also been extremely impressed with it. Just as important is the service that I have had both from CLAAS Eastern, who when it needed its first service sent 3 engineers to ensure the XERION was not stopped for too long, but also from GORDONS who came out to it when I had a problem in their area.

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A J Walker Farms, 450 British Holstein, Aylesbury, October 2023

A showcase for British dairying With its herd of 450 British Holstein cows, A J Walker Farms is a conventional dairy farm and, because of that, ARLA approached them in 2020 about becoming their first Innovation Farm, and as such a showcase for British dairy farming.

“We have always had a very good working relationship with ARLA and enjoyed hosting farm visits, so to become their Innovation Farm for the UK was a natural progression of that,” explains Adam Penney, who with his wife Susannah are the fourth generation to manage the family farm, which historically has passed down through the family’s female line.

“For ARLA it gives them a real farm hub that is close to London and their processing plant in Aylesbury through which they can demonstrate their sustainability and welfare strategies. It’s also a tool through which they can educate visitors and industry stakeholders about dairy farming in a real farm setting.

“As such we have regular visits from not only from ARLA staff, but also buyers from their customers, through to Government stakeholders, DEFRA and Government ministers. In addition we also run trials on the farm that are then scaled out to other ARLA producers.”

With yields from the summer calving herd running at 10,500 litres, the onus is not only on quantity, but also quality with fats averaging 4.5% and proteins 3.4% for which they are paid a premium as part of their ARLA 360 contract.

NEW INVESTMENTS Working with OLIVERS Reading branch, recent years have also seen Adam investing in new CLAAS machinery in order to have more control over operations previously handled by contractors, such as fertiliser spreading in their multi-cut silaging system, but also to ensure reliability.

“I don’t want a phone call first thing in the morning saying that either the telehandler or the feeder tractor won’t start. We expect machines to work hard, but alongside that I want to know that if we do have a problem, that it will be sorted quickly and efficiently. I want to have faith that the service manager will look after us and that our sales manager will stand by us.

“In that respect OLIVERS are very good and they understand dairy farmers and their needs. Peter Brown on sales and service manager Andy Dobson are great. For instance we had a hose blow late on Christmas Eve. I phoned Andy, who promptly came out to effect a repair to keep us going; you can’t ask for better than that.”

The first CLAAS machine to arrive on the farm was an ARION 420, which has recently been changed for a larger ARION 450, which is mainly used for feeding with a Keenan 360.

JUST RIGHT FOR WHAT WE NEED “The ARION 400s are great little tractors. We don’t need anything fancy, just that it will start in the morning! We have some tight buildings so need a compact, manoeuvrable tractor.

They are well thought out and the main selling feature for us is the Multicontroller lever which makes gear changing so easy, and the gear spacing is just right for what we need. The new 450 was also specified with cab suspension, which is fantastic, and a creep gearbox, as did the 420, which again is ideal when filling some of our troughs. It’s very versatile and has the power that during the summer it can also be used for field work or other jobs.”

With more field work being brought in-house, Adam also runs a larger ARION 550 that was bought 2nd hand at 6,000 hours from OLIVERS. “I had no qualms about buying it as it had been through their Used Approved scheme. OLIVERS knew the tractor and it had been well looked after, and they also gave some warranty with it. It has full auto steering and is a great field tractor, but again is not too big that it can’t be used on the feeder wagon if necessary.”

NEW SCORPION Spring 2022 saw the arrival of a new SCORPION 741 on the farm, which again represented a change in colour from what was run before. “We had a SCORPION on demo a few years ago, but saw no reason to change as our previous machines were good. But we were impressed when we had the latest model on demo and the deal was good, so everything came right,” explains Adam.

The ARION 400s are great little tractors. We don’t need anything fancy, just that it will start in the morning! We have some tight buildings so need a compact, manoeuvrable tractor.

Adam Penney

ARION 400

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The last few years have seen a move over to CLAAS machinery for Adam Penney and tractor driver Aaron Askham.

“We work it hard. In 18 months its done 2,500 hours and I expect it to do 5,000 hours in 3.5 years. It doesn’t stand about; with our previous handler the idling time was only 7% compared to an industry average of nearer 40%. Again, it’s the one machine that just has to start in the morning, but its reliable, easy to use, well-built and has plenty of steel in it. It’s well on top of the job and has plenty of oil flow, whether it’s loading the feeder wagon, handling muck or bedding with the Spread-aBale. I also had auto-greasing fitted which is a great advantage and the fact it is a factory fit option is great.”

RELIABILITY AND BACKUP “It all comes down to reliability and back-up; that’s why I use OLIVERS. All the tractors are on extended warranties so I know exactly what they cost to run and if we have any claims, CLAAS are very straightforward - there’s no stress. I like their commitment to R&D and the high level of spend they commit to developing new product, and can relate to the fact that they, and OLIVERS, are family companies and the ethos that comes with that.”

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Slievenamon Agricultural Services, Co. Tipperary

By Nick Fone

Keeping the records straight When you’ve sometimes got two silage outfits out working as well as two teams on slurry spreading and others out baling it can be hard to keep tabs on exactly what’s been done each day. To help keep the records straight Tipperary-based contractors Slievenamon Agricultural Services use CLAAS TELEMATICS to document every hour worked.

Running two CLAAS JAGUAR foragers – a 970 and a 950 – a fleet of five CLAAS tractors, a LEXION 540 combine and a whole raft of green and white grass kit, the White brothers rely heavily on the record-keeping functions of the TELEMATICS system, using it for invoicing, traceability and to analyse the efficiency of various operations.

“I first saw how the TELEMATICS system worked at Agritechnica in 2013 and was immediately convinced that it would be a valuable tool in our business,” explains Richie White.

“We can have up to 16 guys out doing six or seven different jobs at once and so keeping track of how many bales they’ve made, how many gallons of slurry they’ve pumped or simply how many hours they’ve worked can be a challenge.

“I could see that we could really benefit from having CLAAS’ automated recording facility to help us keep tabs on all that essential information for billing our customers. So often little bits

would get overlooked or forgotten – TELEMATICS means every minute is accounted for and can be traced.

“TELEMATICS also provided us with the opportunity to drill down into our own costs and look really carefully at where we’re making money and where we’re not – we simply can’t afford to be working for free.”

ON THE MOVE “The mapping facility on the CLAAS TELEMATICS smartphone app. is a brilliant aid in logistics planning for various operations,” says Richie.

“For example, during silage making I’m often on the pit and previously I was blind to how we were getting on. Now every 20 minutes or so I log in and check how many fields we’ve covered and how much we’ve got left to do. That way I can plan how I load the clamp.

“Likewise the lads on slurry work can log in to the system and see live how many acres they’ve got to cover and make a judgement on what rate to go on at.

“It’s brilliant the way the system links into the tractors’ CEBIS screen. Our operators just need to set up the task and the implement they’ve hooked on and then set off into work. Our office team can then see what work they’ve been doing just by what machine is hitched on to the tractor and bill accordingly.

They can even see what header the foragers have got on – grass, wholecrop or maize.”

IN THE OFFICE “We’re very fortunate to have Claire in the office who deals with our invoicing. She will constantly have TELEMATICS up on screen and will use the record-keeping facility to cross-reference the boys time-sheets to know exactly what to bill our customers.

AXION 800 and ARION 600 “It’s an incredibly straightforward set-up to navigate and use.

One of its biggest plus-points is how easily we can include other makes of machine on the CLAAS system. We can access and record data from all colours of kit seamlessly.

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Richie White

“In addition, unlike other manufacturers’ systems that will only hold onto the information for 24 hours or so, CLAAS’ TELEMATICS will record all the data on work done, fuel used, etc… and store it for ever.

“That way if a customer needs information for traceability purposes we can provide it and if there were to ever be any form of dispute we’ve got the records of everything we’ve done on file.

On a more day-to-day level if timesheets go missing or someone forgets to write something down we’ve still got that work stored – it’s a simple insurance policy.”

QUANTIMETER This season saw QUANTIMETER yield recording added to Slievenamon’s JAGUAR 970 – an addition that will allow the brothers to drill down deeper into their exact running costs as well as providing customers with a precise picture of exactly what they’ve got in their clamps.

“We’ve been really impressed by how accurate the QUANTIMETER system is. We have one trailer with weigh-cells which we use as a barometer to calibrate and there’s hardly ever any discrepancy between what the forager says and what it’s weighing in at.

“Our customers often ask about tonnages as a means of winter fodder budgeting – now we can give them an exact answer.

“For us it means we can now be so much more targeted with our end-of-year analysis of our silage operations. We’ll compare running costs and total tonnages between first-, second- and third cut grass as well as wholecrop and maize and we now know exactly what we’re spending on every tonne that’s gone through the machine.”

THE FUTURE? “As well as providing our customers with ever-more accurate information about what’s in their silage pits and what we’ve spread on their fields, I’d like to think TELEMATICS could help us move towards a fairer charging system for both us as contractors and for farmers.

“Obviously with yield recording we can provide a precise count of tonnes harvested and potentially bill on that basis but we need to do some detailed investigation into what would work best.

Business Facts Slievenamon Agricultural Services, Co. Tipperary

TELEMATICS provides us with the opportunity to drill down into our own costs and look really carefully at where we’re making money and where we’re not.

Richie White

“It might be that simply charging every machine out on an hourly basis is the most straightforward option. Either way, TELEMATICS will be central to this in mapping and recording all the crucial data.

“Although we run a relatively big operation, the work we do is actually pretty straightforward. The difficult task is getting the admin done, getting it down on file and getting the invoices out.

“CLAAS’ TELEMATICS system has streamlined that end of the job for us and we would be lost without it now.”

CLAAS machines Foragers JAGUAR 970 & 950,

Work undertaken

Mowers DISCO 8500 triple-mower

Silage – grass, wholecrop, maize, slurry – umbilical and tankering, round and square baling, combining, grass reseeds

Rakes 2 x LINER four-rotor 3600s, LINER 2900 twin-rotor

Staff

Combine LEXION 540

Richie, John and Martin White plus five others full-time and another 10 part-timers at peak times.

Tractors AXION 850 & 810 CMATIC, 840 CEBIS, ARION 660 CMATIC & 650 CEBIS

HarvesTimes

AXION 930TT

32 James Howe, Ulceby, Lincolnshire

Shire power vs 355 hp

Shire power meets AXION power. James Howe (on the cart with Ruby), his partner Claire, her son Liam with Fiona and tractor driver Tom Storr take the opportunity to bring past and present together, taking delivery of the new AXION 930TT from Will Tuxworth and Jon Baxter of CLAAS Eastern.

Two eras of agricultural horsepower recently came together when James Howe took delivery of a 355 hp AXION 930TT with his two Shire horses, Ruby and Fiona looking on.

Ruby and Fiona are both pedigree Shires and are regularly seen at parades and events around East Lincolnshire. “I grew up with horses and there have always been horses around, but even though I had never had anything to do with them, my interest in Shires grew because they are so uncommon,” explains James.

First to arrive was Ruby, who James bought as a foal and broke to harness and riding, and now at 6 years old and weighing 900 kg is regularly to be seen either pulling carts, Santa’s sleigh or dressed up in all her harness at events. Fiona, who is 3, is still in training and has also been regularly shown and handled by James’ partner’s son Liam, who is about to start an apprenticeship on the farm.

For everyday horsepower on his 320ha farm, the new AXION 930TT, which replaced a Caterpillar 765 and AXION 850, joins an ARION 660 and 650, plus he runs a SCORPION 755, LEXION combine and a wide range of CLAAS grassland machinery.

It used to be thought that when ploughing, a horse could cover around 0.8ha a day so James’ predecessors on the farm, who

would have walked about 20 miles steering the plough, would be staggered by the fact that his new AXION would probably cover that in about 15 minutes while sitting comfortably!

Driven by Tom Storr, who came to help on a workshop project for 3 days 17 years ago, the main tasks for the new AXION 930TT will be pulling a 4.0m Sumo Quattro, a 2-leg mole plough, 5-leg flat lift and an 6.0m Amazone combi drill.

“I have a real mix of soils here from black peat through to real heavy clay, so it does need managing carefully. Compared to the Caterpillar, having the two wheels on the front and also the option of a differential lock has made a considerable difference and helps reduce soil damage.”

Compared to the Caterpillar, having the two wheels on the front and also the option of a differential lock has made a considerable difference and helps reduce soil damage.

James Howe

David Adamson, Contractor, North Yorkshire

TORION 1812 33

Lean running costs TORION

David Adamson

The TORION has done all that I wanted it to do and its running costs have been miniscule. You can’t ask for more than that.

David Adamson

At five years old and with 5,800 hours under its belt, David Adamson’s TORION 1812 has more than met his expectations regarding reliability, performance and running cost.

David bought the TORION in 2019 from CLAAS Eastern as a year-old ex-demonstration machine with only a couple of hundred hours on the clock, after he needed to up his muck loading capacity, having won a contract to spread bio solids from Northumbria Water.

“I had always previously run telehandlers for muck loading, but having gained that contract there was no way they would cope,” he says.

“In total, we spread around 120,000 tonnes a year with about 90% loaded using the TORION. Of that, 50,000 tonnes is bio solids and the rest is farmyard manure, which we spread using a team of three Bunning 175 spreaders.”

Using a high capacity toetip bucket, with its 195 hp engine and 11.1 articulated tipping load capacity, the TORION 1812 makes short work of loading the 18 tonne capacity spreaders, filling them in just four bucket loads.

“For this kind of work the TORION is unstoppable. It’s well balanced and more than capable of keeping three spreaders on the go. It’s good on the road and the cab is very comfortable.

Everything comes to hand nicely and it has the joystick steering option which the operator absolutely loves. Overall it’s been extremely reliable and apart from the wear and tear that you would expect from a five-year old machine, it’s been absolutely bomb proof.

“Apart from needing a new set of tyres, servicing and general wear items, it’s not cost us anything. As a matter of course we routinely service it at 500 hours because it works hard and it’s worth it for what it costs for filters and some oil. Likewise with our tractors, I get those all serviced by the dealer so as to ensure that they are maintained properly. They know what to look for and any potential issues to just keep an eye on.

“I certainly see no reason why it could not run to at least 10,000 hours, and that when I do decide to replace it that I would not get another. The TORION has done all that I wanted it to do and its running costs have been minuscule. You can’t ask for more than that,” concludes David.

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T B Clappison Ltd, Contractors, East Yorkshire

A beast of a machine

Ben Clappison

The TORION has taken wheel loaders to a completely different level. I don’t know why anyone would want to run anything else when you have the option of a TORION. Ben Clappison

Running a total of 9 spreaders, T B Clappison has relied on a wheel loader for their main spreading team of 3 spreaders since 2014, having used telehandlers since 2002. Looking to replace their loader last year, they made the decision to change manufacturer.

“We had been having reliability issues with our old loader, so decided to change manufacturer. What we were recommended to buy was underpowered, its torque converter transmission just didn’t suit our operation, and so we returned it.”

“We have three LEXION and the service and support from CLAAS Eastern has always been excellent, and we get on very well with the team at Catfoss. So I spoke to Bob McTurk and asked if they had a TORION that we could try on the basis that if we liked it, we would have it.

“It could not be more different. Having the engine well back over the rear axle means that it’s really well balanced. It has plenty of engine power; the torque is phenomenal and the hydrostatic transmission transfers that power really well to the ground.

“It’s a beast; you could push a house down with it, nothing stops it. The grip and pushing power is something else. Going into the heap, it will just dig its toes in and keep pushing. And with its black paintwork it really looks the part.”

TORION 1511P

Added to the TORION range in 2021, with its powerful 228hp, 6.8l engine and a maximum torque of 900Nm at 1,600rpm driving through a VARIPOWER transmission with three driving ranges, the 1511P also benefits from DYNAMIC COOLING and a 228 l/min load sensing hydraulic system. With an oil pump capacity of 145 ccm, combined with a power-to-weight ratio of 16.1hp/t, this makes it very responsive and nimble on the road.

Since it arrived in the Spring 2023, the TORION 1511P has handled over 67,000 tonnes and Ben reckons that it will clock up nearly 1,000 hours by the end of its first year.

NO TIME WASTED “Because the TORION is not scrabbling for grip, it just doesn’t waste any time when loading. Every bucket load is full so the turn-around time for the spreaders is kept to a minimum.

“Cab access is good and the all-round visibility is excellent, especially to the rear. The slimline bonnet design is not nearly as bulky as on other loaders, which is great. I also love the fact that it’s simple to alter all the hydraulics for different jobs or driver preference. And the pre-sets and functions like ‘return to dig’ make it very easy to operate and are ideal for jobs like muck handling. We have also fitted an RDS Alpha 1000 weighing

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system, so in combination with weighers on the spreaders we know exactly what is being spread for cross compliance.

“Yes, it’s not a cheap machine, but it’s a premium product and you get what you pay for which is a combination of a machine with Leibherr’s build quality and the back-up and support we get from CLAAS, which is one thing we don’t have to worry about.”

It’s really well balanced. It has plenty of engine power; the torque is phenomenal and the hydrostatic transmission transfers that power really well to the ground.

Ben Clappison

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Nigel Armstrong, Centre for Dairy Science Innovation, University of Nottingham

Easy to use SCORPION

Nigel Armstrong

Reliability, hydraulic speed, size, lift capacity and power, allied to dealer support, are all key features that Nigel Armstrong looks for in a telehandler and why he runs CLAAS machines starting with a TARGO in 2001.

Nigel is the Dairy Farm Manager at the Centre for Dairy Science Innovation at the University of Nottingham. In total, the farm extends to just over 400 ha, split between the main farm at the University’s Sutton Bonnington campus with two further farms about 10 miles away.

The CDSI is a leading centre for research into the nutrition, health and welfare of dairy cattle and part of the University’s Biosciences, Veterinary Medicine and Science Schools. It is one of four UK Agri-Tech Centres of Agricultural Innovation and part of a network of 12 research institutes throughout Europe.

Initially developed in 2003 and considerably expanded in 2017, it is home to a milking herd of 350 Holstein Friesian yielding 11,500 litres, milked using 7 Lely Astronaut robots, plus 450 followers.

The unit includes the facility to separate cows into groups of just 50 and incorporates a GEA feed system that enables cows to be individually fed automatically, along with a wide range of data collecting sensors and monitors.

“We carry out a wide range of feed and nutrition trials, and also do research work into lameness, welfare and the inter-relationship between individual cows from a young age, in addition to methane emissions which is obviously very topical,” explains Nigel.

The Centre is also home to two 156hp CLAAS SCORPION 756 VARIPOWER PLUS telescopic handlers, one a ’22 plate machine and the second a ’69 plate, which is in the process of being

The reason I always come back to the SCORPION is because it has the fastest hydraulic system of any machine out there. replaced with a new machine. The farm also runs an older 8,500 hour SCORPION that has been ‘retired’ to the arable unit, run by Nigel’s colleague Joe Greenfield.

“When replacing a machine there is a procurement process we have to follow, and I have a demonstration of the main machines on the market. The reason I always come back to the SCORPION is because it has the fastest hydraulic system of any machine out there,” states Nigel. “In addition its size for power ratio is good. It’s very compact, with minimal rear overhang which is important as we do have some tight areas in the original buildings, yet it has a big lift capacity (5.6 tonnes). It’s also noticeable that the new Leibherr built SCORPION put the power down to the ground far better than the previous models as it has a lot of pushing power.”

“For me it’s all about how much work a machine can do, and how quickly it can do it. Each SCORPION will do on average 2,000 hours a year and if we have any problems, MANNS will be out the same day or next morning. That is really important to me and something that I know from experience and other people is not something I would get from other dealers.”

SCORPION 756 VARIPOWER

While the older ‘69 plate SCORPION is kept busy doing general handling work and bedding using a Spread-a-Bale, the newer machine is used for loading the farm’s 45m3 BVL diet feeder with the compact feed ration used for the milking herd.

“The transmission is extremely smooth. When loading I love the way that the engine speed automatically adjusts to the joystick angle (DYNAMIC POWER). It’s fantastic and certainly helps speed up the loading cycle along with other features such as the SMART LOADING and bucket shake functions.

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The time saved may not seem much but over a day it all adds up and in operation just make the SCORPION so easy to use.”

“I do tick virtually every options box. Things like autolube are invaluable and I wouldn’t entertain not having it fitted as it saves so much time. I also love the Constant Speed function which is very useful for jobs such as bedding up the cubicles with sand and LED lighting, which is not only far brighter, but far less drain on the battery.”

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GREEN HARVEST PRODUCT NEWS

New high capacity DISCO 9700 This Autumn has seen a new addition to the CLAAS DISCO range, the 9700, which has a working width of up to 9.50 m with five different versions available, including tine or roller conditioners and AUTO SWATHER swath grouping. The new DISCO 9700 RC AUTO SWATHER occupies a special niche as a powerful large-scale biomass mower for yields of up to 60 t/ha and tractors up to 500 hp There are five different models to choose from: • DISCO 9700 COMFORT without conditioner • DISCO 9700 C BUSINESS with tine conditioner • DISCO 9700 RC BUSINESS with roller conditioner • DISCO 9700 C AUTO SWATHER with tine conditioner and swath grouping • DISCO 9700 RC AUTO SWATHER with roller conditioner and swath grouping The DISCO 9700 combines tried and tested features such as MAX CUT mower beds with quick knife change and ACTIVE FLOAT suspension with innovative new developments with the ability to run it at only 850rpm for optimum efficiency.

The blades and covers of the anticlockwise-rotating discs are painted red to ensure that replacement blades can be immediately assigned to the appropriate mower discs.

The innovative hitch frame with angled arms ensures optimum centre of gravity at the headland and on the road. The two models with AUTO SWATHER swath grouping feature a reinforced

Read more about the DISCO 9700.

headstock. A central lubrication system which supplies all lubrication points except the drive shafts is optionally available for both AUTO SWATHER models.

VARIABLE WORKING WIDTH WITH OPTIONAL SLOPE CONTROL On all DISCO 9700 models, the new swinging arms can be hydraulically pivoted outwards by 300mm and inwards by 50mm (maximum travel 700 mm) to adjust the overlap when turning corners and working across slopes. The swing arm travel can be infinitely adjusted from the cab between 8.80 and 9.50 m.

When opening the field and mowing on slopes, the overlap can be variably increased giving up to 50 cm on each side to ensure stripe-free mowing, even with these applications. When folded into transport position, the arms automatically retract to a height of less than 4.00 m.

Optional slope control is available which uses a tilt sensor to individually adjust the telescopic travel and the ACTIVE FLOAT ground pressure control of the left and right arm. This function counteracts drift – protecting the grass sward and reducing the driver’s workload. In the AUTO SWATHER models, the belt speed is automatically adjusted at the same time.

ROBUST, LOW-MAINTENANCE DRIVE The mower units are driven by new Walterscheid P-Line triple telescopic drive shafts with specially toughened large-diameter steel profiles. The new higher capacity K-90 friction clutch is bolted directly to the universal joint shaft, making it quick and easy to service.

A double roller drive with a specially developed scissor gearbox which guarantees maximum throughput even with the highest of yields is available for RC models. The new drive is a standard feature of the DISCO 9700 RC AUTO SWATHER and optionally available for RC front mowers and the DISCO 9700 RC BUSINESS.

GREEN HARVEST PRODUCT NEWS

AUTO SWATHER FOR MAXIMUM THROUGHPUT The DISCO 9700 C AUTO SWATHER and DISCO 9700 RC AUTO SWATHER are the two most powerful belt grouper mowers on the market for tractors up to 500 hp. They have been specifically developed for harvesting lucerne, whole-crop silage and winter forage alongside traditional grass crops, with the focus on maximum yields and forage volumes. The harvested crop is gently and effectively crushed without loss by two counter-rotating polyurethane rollers. Furthermore, the conditioner extends across the entire width of the mower bed to avoid any forage jams.

The DISCO 9700 RC AUTO SWATHER features new design concepts for exceptionally high-yielding crops, such as a modified, innovative crop transfer to the 1100 mm wide Kevlar-reinforced conveyor belt and subsequent discharge to the swath. The two angled positions not only ensure that the belt is uniformly filled;

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in addition, a large volume of material can be consolidated into a single swath, producing a perfectly shaped swath for the harvester following behind. One or both of the belt units can be folded up hydraulically when working without swath grouping.

STANDARD ISOBUS OPERATION COMFORT and BUSINESS versions of the DISCO 9700 come with full ISOBUS-compatibility as standard. On the DISCO 9700 COMFORT, the arms are lifted and lowered by pre-selection and subsequent activation of the hydraulic spool valve or alternatively via the tractor’s headland management. Functions such as telescopic travel, protective cover folding and ACTIVE FLOAT are controlled via the load-sensing hydraulics. In the BUSINESS models with comprehensive load-sensing hydraulics, these functions are operated by the soft and hard keys on the tractor or ISOBUS Universal Terminal (e.g. CEBIS, CEMIS 700 or CEMIS 1200). F key assignment via AUX-O or AUX-N, for example on the CMOTION multifunction control lever, is also possible.

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Charlie Bramley, A Bramley, Thornton, York

By James Rickard

A bale breaking record It is a big step forward in terms of its features and operation, and in my opinion has the most improvements.

Charlie Bramley

Trading as A Bramley, in Thornton, south-east of York, Alistair and son Charlie run a diverse operation, which includes farming, contracting and agricultural engineering services.

“We grow about 40 ha of cereals, mainly wheat and barley, which go to Ian Mosey Feeds, for which we finish about 2,000 pigs on a bed and breakfast basis, using our own straw,” explains Charlie.

“My father Alistair is also an agricultural engineer, so he handles that arm of our operations, but contracting is the main business covering around 560 ha annually.

“We would not buy kit for the contracting operations were it not also equipment we would use on the farm ourselves - this includes the latest CLAAS VARIANT 560RF variable chamber round baler.”

WHAT BALERS HAVE YOU HAD IN THE PAST? “Before we bought a CLAAS baler we had just one of another make, but we were not really happy with it and so in 1997, we bought a CLAAS 180,” says Charlie. “I normally do between 25,000 and 50,000 bales before changing a baler. After the 180 it

Charlie Bramley was another of the same, then a succession of 200 and 300 series machines, each bringing improvements with each new generation.

“These were followed by a 465 which had an improved control box and styling, which we kept for five seasons. I also know that many of the balers we have owned are still working elsewhere.”

WHY DID YOU GO FOR THIS LATEST VARIANT? “We bought the VARIANT 560RF for the 2023 season and were one of the first customers,” says Charlie. “It is a big step forward in terms of its features and operation, and in my opinion has the most improvements compared with its predecessors.

“Most of the baling is wheat and barley straw, some haylage and hay and a small amount of rape straw. But quite apart from the machine itself, was the fact that we have always had absolutely first class service from our dealership, not least Will Cartmell who is now CLAAS Eastern Field Sales Manager, and Chris Smith, Demonstrations and Installations Specialist, and on the odd occasion if we have ever had a problem, he has been here promptly.”

VARIANT 560RF

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WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE BEST FEATURES OF THE 560RF?

of the baler has improved its cleanliness - the side guards tend to lift dust up and away.”

“When you drop the pick-up reel, there is a greater opening and the crop goes straight through rather than in a sort of wave,” says Charlie. “It will handle any size of swath and its five tine bar pickup reduces wear and allows for faster working speeds - up to 25kph.

WHAT DO YOUR CUSTOMERS THINK?

“The net wrap is carried a little bit lower, so is easier to load and just slides in from the side. The wrapping process itself is also better because, with a powered feed, you get an immediate start to the process, with the net much tighter.

“The touch screen control box is also improved and everything is easily adjustable on the move. It is also interesting how the styling

Farm Facts A Bramley, Thornton, south-east of York Farmed area

40 ha of cereals

Livestock

2,000 pigs

Contracting

Mainly crop establishment, combining, round baling and muck spreading

Staff

Alistair and son Charlie.

“As well as the speed, they also appreciate the adjustment range to suit their requirements,” says Charlie. “For example, a large duck producer only wants bales at about 45% of maximum density, whereas for our pig bedding use, I run it between 80 and 100%.

Hay, haylage and silage customers tend to range from 50 to 75%.

“Performance-wise, I did 84 ha in a day with the baler following a 45ft combine. It also enabled me to beat my own baling record 1,174 bales produced with no problems.”

CLAAS VARIANT round baler history 1997 2000 2003 2005 2007

180 180 260 260RC 360RF

2010 2012 2014 2018 2023

365RC 360RF 365RC 465RC 560RF

HarvesTimes

42

Joseph Strong, Contracting and beef farming, Penrith, Cumbria

By James Rickard

“Quite simply, reliability” Low Brow Farm at Tirrill near Penrith, Cumbria, has been farmed by the Strong family for several generations, trading as G L Strong, with agricultural contracting having long been an important addition to the business.

Joseph Strong currently heads the business and employs around six full time staff, including son Alan and Joseph’s cousin Mark.

Joseph explains: “We now harvest about 2,000 to 2,400 ha of grass silage per year, along with a small acreage of maize.

On the farm, we rear bought-in beef stirks and grow 32 ha of combinable cereals. In addition, we have sheep on tack over winter.”

“Since then we have run a succession of 800 series machines, with our latest being an 860 model that has sufficient capacity to handle all of our workload. One machine also reduces the pressure of finding reliable drivers.”

WHAT ARE THE BEST FEATURES OR PARTS OF THE MACHINE THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU? “Quite simply, reliability.”

WHAT ARE YOUR STANDOUT MEMORIES OF RUNNING JAGUAR FORAGERS? “These have to be the trips - having been invited to the factory half a dozen times, enjoyed the company’s hospitality, and also met the late Helmut Claas. I really do like the factory visits and seeing the machines being built.”

WHAT WAS THE FIRST JAGUAR MODEL YOU BOUGHT AND WHY? “Back in the 1980s my father George was keen to boost our forage harvesting capacity over and above the three trailed machines being run at time,” says Joseph. “I remember the dealership we were trading with then for our tractors being less than enthusiastic about selling a self-propelled forager, even though that was what father wanted. It was then we approached CLAAS dealer RICKERBY at Penrith, who were more than happy to introduce us to the JAGUAR 680 and took us to see an existing owner who was running one so we could discuss the machine with him. That pretty much decided it for us.

“Our first machine was a 680 which did us nine years, but while we had that one, we subsequently bought another 680 and then a 682 as demand for our services grew.”

The Strong’s JAGUAR fleet during the 1980s

WHY HAVE YOU STAYED WITH CLAAS JAGUAR? “Basically, because we know the JAGUAR inside and out and it does the job perfectly well,” says Joseph. “I have seen other makes, but I don’t think they would necessarily do the job any better, and of course a lot of it is down to the dealership. We have a good relationship with them and they do stand by the machines, irrespective of the warranty.

“For example, we did have a few problems with the drum blades on our 682. But to be fair, RICKERBY soon sorted us out with a hired one while ours was in the workshop and when it came back it was like a new machine”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MODEL OF JAGUAR YOU HAVE OWNED? “That would undoubtedly be the 840. It was a step forward at that time and it ran really well,” says Joseph. “This model replaced our second 680 and the 682, and ran alongside an 800 model that replaced our first 680. Most of the work was then done with the 840 and we used the 800 to handle the surplus work.

Business Facts G L Strong, Low Brow Farm, Tirrill, Cumbria Staff Around six full time staff, including son Alan and Joseph’s cousin Mark, with casual help, often local farmers, taken on as required.

JAGUAR history since 2000 2000 - JAGUAR 840 2003 - JAGUAR 890 2006 - JAGUAR 890 Speedstar 2009 - JAGUAR 890 Speedstar 2012 - JAGUAR 870 Speedstar 2015 - JAGUAR 860 2018 - JAGUAR 860 2022 - JAGUAR 860

JAGUAR 860

43

We know the JAGUAR inside and out and it does the job perfectly well.

Joseph Strong

Joseph Strong HarvesTimes

CLAAS JAGUAR.

claas.co.uk