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New narrow-track generation Claas Group
The Claas Group is a global leader in the development and manufacture of advanced agricultural systems. The company leads the field in new product development and has recently launched a number of new, innovative agricultural machines that include harvesters, tractors and sowing equipment. It is also a leading producer of drive technology and hydraulics, as Philip Yorke reports.
Founded in 1913 as a family business by Augustus Claas, the company has always been strongly innovation focused. Today it is headquartered in Harsewinkel, Westphalia, Germany and is considered to be the biggest combine harvester manufacturer in the world with more than 500,000 units sold by 2016. Claas is also the world leader in rubber-tracked wheel technology with over 45 per cent of all its new combine harvesters equipped with rubber tracks. In addition, the company is responsible for the world’s largest selling self-propelled forage harvester and also produces a comprehensive range of high-tech tractors.
Smart handling
At the latest Agritechnica trade show, Claas showcased its new Scorpion series of telescopic loaders, which were presented with an increased level of engine power and comfort. From today all current models are available with new functions and additional features, which are designed to provide even greater comfort and further improved handling. For example, they include a special shaking function for shovel work and a multi-coupler for faster coupling and decoupling of the attachments, as well as offering a variety of tyre variants.
All the new Scorpion models are available with a 4-cylinder Deutz engine including the latest proven systems such as smart roading and smart handling, as well as intelligent drive systems and enhanced cab comfort. Furthermore, the new shaking system simplifies the emptying of the bucket and comes as standard for all of its telescopic loaders, at the same time providing greater operational safety. The telescopic arm can also be moved while the vibrating function is still activated.
The machine operator is able to choose from blade mode, stack mode with vertical stroke and manual mode during smart handling. A further automatic function of the system is the blade return. The position of the working tool can be stored at any time and can then be started automatically at the push of a button.
optimising comfort
Recently Claas launched it new generation of narrow-track tractor, the Nexos®. In highly specialised environments where wine and fruit is processed, for example, small and very manoeuvrable tractors are required, which must have powerful engines and offer the driver an unsurpassed level of comfort and ergonomic practicality. The all-new series of tried and tested narrow gauge tractors, known as Claas Nexos, optimally combines these requirements. The new Nexos generation includes 14 different tractor models, all of which offer different performances and dimensions.
All new narrow track tractors from Claas are fitted with its proven FPT 4-cylinder engine, which offers even- handed running and high pull-through with particularly low vibration levels. The power of the
available engines range from 75hp to 112hp or up to 103hp for the Nexos VE, which is designed to go between narrow rows of vines. When it comes to transport applications, the new Nexos series is at least 10 per cent stronger than its predecessor series.
Push-button performance
The Nexos range now comes with a speed memory, which means the speed can be precisely adjusted by the push of a button. When working with PTO units, the appropriate speed and a high impact force are available at all times, and in addition the new engines offer extended maintenance intervals of 600 hours instead of 500 hours as offered with earlier models.
Increased space and comfort are achieved for the driver through a significantly flatter transmission tunnel, along with optimally arranged instruments and operating elements and a digital display dashboard. What’s more, a new gearbox variant is available in which the mechanical gear is combined with 24v forward and reverse gears thanks to the Claas Revershift reversing gear. This works with an electronically controlled, special, wear-resistant lamella coupling device.
In addition to the five available transmission variants of the Nexos, the 24V/12R transmission with Revershift and Twinshift features are both available on the top models. The new Nexos range is available with two hydraulic outputs: a hydraulic pump with a capacity of 60 1/min pump for the control units and a 27 1/min pump for the rear power lift are available for demanding hydraulic drives and combined inserts.
Farming by satellite
Sustainability and agriculture are inevitably linked and cannot be separated from each other at this time. Agricultural companies are therefore increasingly striving to use resources as sustainably and efficiently as possible. Today Claas is actively promoting innovations for sustainable and future-orientated agriculture, and one pillar of this commitment is the ‘Farming by Satellite Prize’. This is presented with a prize total of €13,000 and it awards innovative ideas and projects for agriculture that improve production and efficiency, while also reducing environmental damage.
Students and young farmers who were born after 30 October 1984 can register their innovations on line until 30 October 2017 to participate in the Claas ‘Farming by Satellite Prize’. n
