CLAAS HarvesTimes November 2018

HarvesTimes The journal for agricultural professionals

CLAAS and product news Customer stories

11.18

2

CLAAS on facebook...

Make sure you are always informed about new products, shows and exhibitions, charity events, demos and special offers.

See the historical images of CLAAS people and places, and follow our timeline into the present and the future.

Hear what our customers have to say and view the stunning video footage we have produced at our customers’ premises.

Dig deeper and follow your local dealership, for job opportunities, events and demonstrations closer to home.

https://www.facebook.com/CLAAS

What’s on

the CLAAS UK YouTube Channel?

CUSTOMER STORIES

LIVE SHOW REPORTS

Subscribe...

Make sure you never miss out!

By subscribing to the CLAAS UK YouTube channel, you can rest assured you will stay up-to-the-minute with all the latest and greatest CLAAS UK video news.

Never miss a CLAAS UK video. http://bit.ly/CUK_youtube

PRODUCT NEWS

RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITIES

3

SEE US AT CROPTECH

24

The Croptech Show is for all farmers and agronomists seeking the latest information on innovative methods to increase profits from crop production. At the Show this year CLAAS will be displaying TELEMATICS, YIELD MAPPING, DATA MANAGEMENT and the CLAAS CROP VIEW Package which allows access to satellite imagery, enabling you to create your own application maps.

Cover Story: TUCANO MONTANA Customer

Contents

The combined electronics expertise of CLAAS can be summed up in one word EASY or Efficient Agriculture Systems. From machine optimisation with CEMOS AUTOMATIC through steering systems and fleet management via TELEMATICS to farm management software, you can rely on EASY. Your systems can be matched perfectly with each other, enabling you to get the very best performance from both your machines and your drivers, giving optimal results for your farming operation.

Dealer News..............................................................................04-05 CLAAS News.............................................................................06-10 Product News...........................................................................13-23 Customer Focus

Come and visit us in Hall 1 on stand no. 180 and find out more…

Davie Laird, DISCO MOVE................................................................. 20

The CROPTECH SHOW – 28th & 29th November at the East of England Showground, Peterborough

Tom McFarlane, TUCANO 450 MONTANA...................................24-25 Christopher Johnstone-Stewart, TUCANO 450............................26-27 Paul Millman, ROLLANT 540........................................................28-29 Tom Brown, AXION 800 • ARION 600 • ARION 400.....................30-31 Jonathan March, AXION 830 CIS+.................................................... 32 Ian Evans, TORION 1812................................................................... 33 David Scobbie, ARION 650 CEBIS Touch.......................................... 35

SEE US AT AGCAREERS LIVE

Paul Scally, CEBIS Touch................................................................... 37 Steve Fry, DISCO MOVE...............................................................38-39

33

14 13

21

CLAAS will be attending the AgCareers Live event again this year, giving students, jobseekers and graduates the opportunity to talk first hand to some of our CLAAS employees working within the business today. Don’t forget to call in for a chat with us on stand no. 4 if you are attending the Show.

15th November, Villa Park, AgCareers Live November 2016 Birmingham.

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

HarvesTimes

4

DEALER NEWS

Expanding UK and Ireland dealer network

OLIVERS expand to the south coast of England

TAIT

GEDDES

BRUCE FM

Following the successful purchase of Southern Harvesters at Reading in 2015, CLAAS UK Ltd and Oliver Agriculture Ltd (OLIVERS) have agreed to further extend their successful partnership, allowing the continued long-term growth of OLIVERS and the CLAAS brand from the Home Counties to the south coast.

SELLARS

GLENSIDE

On 1st October 2018, OLIVERS purchased the business activities of SOUTHERN Petworth in West Sussex and WESTERN Winchester in Hampshire, including the transfer of all 26 staff members in sales, service, parts, administration and management. This acquisition expands the OLIVERS business from 3 to 5 branches.

GORDONS ERWIN

RICKERBY

ASHFIELD & WILSON LEINSTER FARM MACHINES QUIGLEY

CLAAS EASTERN

DOUGLAS BREENS

ROBERTS

KELLY NOLAN McCARTHY

THOMAS

ALKMONTON MORRIS CORFIELD SHARNFORD

B W MACK MANNS

REES RIVERLEA CLAAS WESTERN

OLIVERS

HAMBLYS

MANNS move into Kent Alongside the purchase of CLAAS SOUTHERN’s Petworth branch by Oliver Agriculture, the company’s Ashford branch has been acquired

by CLAAS MANNS Ltd. Located at Headcorn, the dealership will be rebranded as MANNS Kent. In all, MANNS now operates from 7 branches covering a trading area from Leicestershire, all of East Anglia and down to the Kent coast.

The synergies of MANNS Kent with the six other MANNS locations, particularly MANNS Essex at Braintree and the Used Machinery Centre at Saxham, will help and support the further growth of the Kent operation.

“We are delighted to continue to grow our business with CLAAS,” said David Jarman, MD of OLIVERS, “and we hope that our new customers in Sussex and Hampshire will appreciate the long term view we take to our service-focused business. OLIVERS have been serving farmers for nearly 200 years, and we intend to continue doing so for many years to come. This acquisition is a key part of our plan for continued growth.”

CLAAS Western will continue its successful growth from the four remaining modern locations at Cirencester, Frome, Dorchester and Evesham in the company’s historical trading area, where it commands excellent market shares together with high customer respect for its industry leading service levels.

5

SELLARS invests for the future

Horsch partners with CLAAS EASTERN CLAAS EASTERN has entered into an exclusive partnership with Horsch, that will see the dealership offering the full Horsch machinery range from all its eight branches covering Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire.

The partnership includes not only the full range of Horsch cultivation and seeding machinery, but also its popular trailed and selfpropelled sprayers.

“Horsch is a premium brand and an important addition to the portfolio of products that we offer,” explains Jeremy Preece, Sales Director at CLAAS EASTERN. “Working with Horsch strengthens CLAAS EASTERN’s position in the market and we are able to meet all our current and potential customers’ needs with market-leading products.”

SELLARS Managing Director Neil Wattie (left) with Field Sales Manager Tommy Malcolm at the new SELLARS Linlithgow depot.

In a sign of its confidence of the future strength of agriculture in Scotland, SELLARS, who are one of country’s largest CLAAS machinery dealerships, has implemented some strategic investments across the business.

SELLARS operates from a total of 7 branches and employs 80 staff covering an area from the Firth of Forth to Invernessshire. To further develop the high level of service and support it offers customers, SELLARS has opened a service outlet located in West Lothian near Linlithgow. Called SELLARS Linlithgow, being close to the M9 and other major roads, its ideally placed to provide more localised service for customers south of the Forth. This will benefit existing customers and enable SELLARS to expand its business throughout the central belt of Scotland.

In addition, looking to the overall future corporate development of SELLARS as a family business, the Board has also taken advantage of the company’s current financial strength to realise the opportunity to buy back a minority shareholding held by CLAAS UK.

“We’re delighted to be working with CLAAS EASTERN. Our ‘farming with passion’ philosophy extends throughout the company from innovative product development to outstanding customer support from our dealers. By working with CLAAS EASTERN, we have two businesses focused on providing great products and support,” says Stephen Burcham, General Manager at Horsch UK. Horsch’s range of cultivation equipment, seed drills and trailed and self-propelled sprayers are developed on its own farms for the professional farmer. As farmers themselves, the Horsch family understands the needs of farmers and strives to help them to increase their productivity in a sustainable manner. A diverse product portfolio is focused on performance and reliability and includes the very latest Terrano GX cultivator, Pronto NT drill and entry-level Leeb 4 AX trailed sprayer.

Horsch products are immediately available to order from CLAAS EASTERN and regional exclusivity will come into effect on 1st January 2019.

CLAAS EASTERN follow CLAAS WESTERN and MANNS in offering both CLAAS and Horsch machinery. “Each CLAAS dealer across the UK operates as an independent business unit, selecting the brands that best serve its customers locally and that complement the CLAAS offering. CLAAS and Horsch is working very well together,” explains Richard Vaughan, Retail Director at CLAAS UK.

100% LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED By buying back this shareholding, SELLARS will return to being 100% locally and family owned, controlled by its senior management shareholders and the Wattie family.

“We are proud that we are in a position where we can buy back CLAAS UK’s minority shareholding, and so return to being 100% locally and family owned, and we are extremely grateful for the support and contribution they have made over the past years,” states Neil Wattie, Managing Director and majority shareholder in SELLARS. “Going forward as a main dealer for CLAAS, Lemken, Stewart and many other high quality manufacturers, we will continue to provide a superior range of machines and equipment to our customers, as always backed up by our reputation for offering a first class service.”

HarvesTimes

6

CLAAS NEWS

Record graduation for CLAAS apprentices

A record 25 apprentices recently received their Graduation certificates at a ceremony held at the CLAAS Academy at Saxham.

Of these, 21 were studying for the CLAAS Agricultural Technician apprenticeship, with the remaining four completing the CLAAS Parts apprenticeship.

The number of independent CLAAS dealers investing in the training of young technicians and their company’s future service provision, is also evident in the fact that over half of the new graduates are from independent dealerships throughout both the UK and Ireland.

Within the cohort, three students were also recognised for their overall contribution to the course. Landbased Engineering apprentices Ben Storr and Andrew Shorten were awarded ‘Apprentice contributing most to the CLAAS Apprenticeship’ awards for Reaseheath and Barony respectively, with Harriet Simpson winning the Parts Apprenticeship award from Reaseheath.

In addition, Jacob Chater was also named the Reaseheath ‘Landbased Engineering Apprentice of the Year’ in 2017 at the completion of the formal education section of his training.

AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN GRADUATES: Francis Shannon (LEINSTER FARM MACHINES), Andrew Shorten (MCCARTHYS), Jake Henderson and Matthew McAvoy (GORDONS), George Leightley, Joseph Rumney, Peter Clifford and Lewis Blair (RICKERBY), David Clark and Ewan Will (SELLARS), James Colwell and Dan Olive (HAMBLYS), Alex Hewer (MORRIS CORFIELD), Steven Bickley (OLIVERS), Jacob Chater, Will Harvey, Joe Klopper and Matthew Codling (MANNS) and Ben Storr, Jack Walker and Laurence WatkinsJones (CLAAS WESTERN).

PARTS SALES & MARKETING GRADUATES: Harriet Simpson and James MacCallum (CLAAS EASTERN) and Zak Bright and Charlie Tustin (CLAAS WESTERN).

Following their graduation from the CLAAS Apprenticeship scheme, all the apprentices were invited to attend the Apprentice Graduation Celebration Trip, visiting the CLAAS Tractor factory at Le Mans, the worldwide parts centre at Hamm and the CLAAS Group headquarters at Harsewinkel, so as to gain more insight about CLAAS as a global company.

The group visiting CLAAS Hamm in Germany.

7

10-year milestone for CLAAS apprenticeship scheme REASEHEATH COLLEGE 2018 CLAAS APPRENTICE INTAKE: Jack Reynolds James Howe Jordan Seeley Ruben Antunes Will Clayton Henry Benbow Samuel Oliver Matthew Savill Joseph Richardson

This year marks the 10th anniversary of CLAAS UK working with SRUC Barony to offer apprenticeship courses for students from CLAAS dealerships in the north of England, Scotland and Ireland.

CLAAS UK is still the only major machinery manufacture to offer the option of studying either at SRUC Barony or at Reaseheath College in Cheshire. The demand for a course based in Scotland is more than evident in the fact that of the 25 new Landbased Service Engineering and Parts Sales & Marketing apprentices starting their training this autumn, 16 of them are enrolled at SRUC Barony, the second largest intake there since the course started in 2008.

EASTERN Markham Moor WESTERN Cirencester MANNS Saxham MANNS Thursford MANNS Thursford MORRIS CORFIELD Docklow MORRIS CORFIELD Craven Arms OLIVERS Luton RICKERBY Bowburn (Parts)

Over the course of their apprenticeship, the students will receive comprehensive training, in addition to CLAAS product and general technical training while working with their dealership, where they will be mentored and supported. During their final year they undertake additional advanced technical and industry training.

For all the students however, the completion of their apprenticeship will be just the start of their training with CLAAS. Having qualified, working with their dealership and CLAAS UK they will have access to ongoing training and development and ultimately the opportunity to move into more senior management roles within their dealerships or with CLAAS should they so wish.

SRUC 2018 CLAAS APPRENTICE INTAKE: Ronald MacDonald-Jarvie GORDONS Berryhill Gregor Bell GORDONS Dumfries Ryan Widdowson GORDONS Castle Douglas Drew Ritchie GORDONS Strathaven Joshua Winder RICKERBY Carnforth Owen Blackburn RICKERBY Carlisle Matthew Whitehead RICKERBY Alnwick Peter Scott RICKERBY Cornhill Danny Wilkinson RICKERBY Hexam Robie Aitchison RICKERBY Dunbar Alasdair McGavin SELLARS Forres Lloyd Cathro SELLARS Letham Calum Czaja SELLARS Forres Gregor Innes SELLARS Huntly Finlay Pass SELLARS Perth Richard Meaney KELLYS

HarvesTimes

8

CLAAS NEWS

Harper Adams Honorary Doctorate for Cathrina ClaasMühlhäuser

New world mowing record A CLAAS AXION 800 series tractor fitted with a DISCO 1100 RC mower roller conditioner has set a new world record for the amount mowed in eight hours, cutting a total of 141.1 hectares of alfalfa yielding 5.24 tonnes of dry mass per hectare, beating the previous record by more than 40 hectares.

Photo: Harper Adams University From left: Dr. Paula Misiewicz (Senior lecturer in Soil and Water Management, Harper Adams University), Professor Richard Godwin (Visiting Professor in Agricultural Engineering, Harper Adams University), Helmut Claas (Chair of the CLAAS Group Shareholder’s Committee), Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser (Chair of the CLAAS Group Supervisory Board), Parmjit Chima (Head of the Engineering Department, Harper Adams University), Trevor Tyrrell (CEO CLAAS UK), Thomas Böck (Member of the CLAAS Executive Board, Technology and Systems).

Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, Chair of the CLAAS Group Supervisory Board, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Harper Adams University. She received her award from HRH Princess Anne, who is Chancellor of the University, during the celebrations marking the 200th birthday of Thomas Harper Adams, founding patron of the University.

In awarding the title, the University emphasised Cathrina ClaasMühlhäuser’s significant contribution to the international economy and in particular the cultivation of new markets for agricultural machinery.

This is the first honorary doctorate to be presented to Mrs ClaasMühlhäuser and her father, Helmut Claas, was present to observe the ceremony.

Harper Adams enjoys very close ties with CLAAS through the CLAAS Foundation, which awards an annual engineering scholarship, and has sponsored PhD thesis and research work at the University. CLAAS UK Ltd also work closely with Harper Adams University for their industrial placement programme.

CLAAS and the CLAAS Foundation maintain close ties with universities throughout Europe, which allows CLAAS to keep track of the latest developments in agricultural machinery and to launch projects as a means of promoting early-career scientists.

The new record was set by US farmer Tate Mesbergen from Mesbergen Farms, who mowed an average of 17.6 ha/h during his world record attempt at an average speed of 30 km/h. “Not all fields were close to one another, so it was a real challenge to quickly fold up the mower units for transport and hurry along the roads,” explained Tate.

The day before the attempt, there was a thunderstorm with heavy showers of 12.7 millimetres of rain and during his record attempt, Tate also made two unplanned stops. His first was between the first and second field. “I hit a piece of concrete on the first field and had to check whether the mower unit was damaged,” said Tate. A quick examination showed that no harm was done. Not one blade had to be replaced. The second interruption took place to check that the DISCO mower unit was correctly folded before it was transported along the road to the last field.

The previous world record was set on grass, not alfalfa, and a mower without conditioner was used. That was clearly an easier task as the DISCO 1100 RC has a conditioner with two V-shaped interlocking polyurethane rollers, which increases the mower’s power consumption.

Intelligent Innovation 9

FIVE NEW TUCANO MONTANA MODELS

TRUE WHOLE-BODY LEVELLING

CEBIS TOUCHSCREEN

Hillside levelling available on all three high-output TUCANO hybrids – 560, 570 and 580 – plus two straw-walker models – 430 and 450.

Keeps the machine running at its optimum across side slopes of up to 18%. Up to 20% feeder-house/header lateral tilt.

Fully automated operation with realtime monitoring of slope angle and header tilt displayed.

HIGH TRACTION TRANSMISSION

INTELLIGENT 4WD

Two automatically selected speeds within two mechanical ranges.

Provides up to 70% more tractive power than a standard system.

OPTIONAL 3D AND AUTO SLOPE

Introducing a new generation of combine, the TUCANO MONTANA, with NEW CEBIS TOUCHSCREEN and hillside levelling.

early action Until 30.11.18

For more information on the TUCANO MONTANA range, contact your CLAAS dealer or call the hotline: 01284 777666 claas.co.uk facebook.com/claas

HarvesTimes

10

CLAAS NEWS

Keeping Vienna flying

Vienna’s Schwechat International Airport this autumn took delivery of two bright yellow 530hp XERION 5000 VC tractors, which will play a key role in keeping the airport open during the winter.

Seeing and been seen is vitally important at any airport and one of the key reasons the distinctively coloured XERIONs were chosen was due to the excellent operator visibility from the rotating cab. The tractors have both been fitted with municipal tyres and for components such as the hydraulic lines, stainless steel has been used in place of the

normal steel to counter the corrosive effect of the de-icing agents used on the runways.

During the summer, the two XERIONs will be kept busy mowing the 600ha of grassland at the airport, but it is during the winter where they will come into their own. Fitted with 3.0m-wide snowblowers, the two XERIONs will be expected to each clear up to 3,000 tonnes of snow per hour from the 3,500m and 3,600m long runways, the aprons and other vehicle routes around the airport, which averages 600 flights a day and more than 24 million passengers a year.

DOMINATOR lives on in China The new DOMINATOR 370 face to face with the CHUNYU MC H80 currently manufactured at Gaomi When it was first launched in 1970, the CLAAS DOMINATOR set a completely new standard for combine harvester production and went on to become one of the world’s best known combines.

Now 48 years later, far from being consigned to a name in the CLAAS archive, the DOMINATOR is still in production for the far eastern market. A new model, the DOMINATOR 370, recently made history by being the first CLAAS green combine for the Chinese market, manufactured by CLAAS Agricultural Machinery Shandong in Gaomi.

This was a true multi-cultural project, with teams from Harsewinkel and the cutterbar factory in Hungary travelling to China to work alongside the development and manufacturing teams there to create this new model specifically for the Chinese market.

The company has been part of the CLAAS Group since 2014, when CLAAS acquired Shandong Jinyee Machinery Manufacture Co. Ltd. (Jinyee), one of China’s largest manufacturers of maize and wheat harvesting machinery and employs 1,000 people.

11

CLAAS raise over £53,000 for British Heart Foundation Karen Wells hands over a cheque for £53,462.46 to Dawne Hart of the British Heart Foundation.

was christened Little Nellie in recognition of the James Bond autogyro that featured in You Only Live Twice and the fact that Monte Carlo and the surrounding area was often used as a location for Bond films.

The team travelled through six capital cities and eight countries in a taxi which only had a cruising speed of 65mph on the flat and a fuel consumption of around 25mpg.

And if anyone wants a black London Taxi now with 352,000 miles on the clock, Little Nellie will be auctioned off later this year with the proceeds being added to the fundraising total.

The CLAAS UK team celebrate their arrival in Monte Carlo after 19 hours of driving. From left Richard Vaughan, Paul Butcher, Thomas Spiering and Trevor Tyrrell with ‘Little Nellie’, their 16-year-old 350,000 mile London taxi.

This fantastic grand total means that over the past four years, through its charity fund CLAAS UK has raised over £104,000, with donations made to the Papworth Trust (2015), Cystic Fibrosis Trust (2016), Macmillan (2017) and now the British Heart Foundation.

For the full story and more images please go to the Monte Carlo Facebook page: facebook.com/CUKMONTECARLOORBUST.

A year of fundraising within CLAAS UK culminated on Friday 5th October with a cheque for £53,462.46 being presented to the company’s chosen charity for 2018, the British Heart Foundation.

Over the course of the year, among the various fundraising events, raffles have been held, beards grown, hair shaved, triathlons run, bicycles ridden, swear jars filled and planes jumped out of, culminating with the Monte Carlo or Bust fundraiser ‘Monte Carlo or Bust’ challenge, which alone raised £31,512 – treble the original target.

The British Heart Foundation was chosen as the CLAAS 2018 charity in memory of colleague and friend Patrick Wells, who unexpectedly died of a heart attack aged just 62. The money raised will go towards the valuable work that the British Heart Foundation conducts into cardiovascular research and improving the treatment of heart conditions.

The Monte Carlo team of four was made up of CLAAS UK CEO Trevor Tyrrell, CFO Thomas Spiering, Retail Director Richard Vaughan and Property Director Paul Butcher, plus their 16-year-old Black Cab. This

Tired but happy. The team arrived back at CLAAS UK, Saxham after 45 hours of driving having, by then, raised nearly £30,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

HarvesTimes

Intelligent Innovation

12

“I have been particularly impressed with CEMOS so far. It really helps out the less experienced operators in getting the most out of the combine, but it has also helped our seasoned drivers to get the 780s to really fly.”

Ian Matts, LEXION 780 TT

Scan to watch the video.

CEMOS

LEXION 780 TT

TELEMATICS

Operator Tim Cleaver: “I’ve heard people saying that CEMOS is for drivers who don’t know how to run a combine properly but they’re the ones missing out – there’s no way a human can adjust as many settings simultaneously as the computer can.”

“CLAAS had the edge with all the clever technology that’s now packed into the topend LEXION. We need maximum capacity to cover the acres and the only way to do that with two machines is to embrace the tech and use it to streamline the whole operation.”

“Our chaser-bin drivers now have access to live satellite maps on their tablets showing the combine’s tank status and position so they can make quick decisions about which one to go to first and how best to find it.”

early action Until 30.11.18

For more information on the LEXION and CEMOS, contact your CLAAS dealer or call the hotline: 01284 777666 claas.co.uk/sales-finance/early_action facebook.com/claas

PRODUCT NEWS

ROLLANT

13

ROLLANT 540 – maximum strength for maximum reliability OPTIMUM CHAIN LUBRICATION, EVEN DURING LONG WORKING DAYS The baling rollers are driven solely from the left side of the machine. The rotor and main drive have 1.25-inch drive chains, and the tailgate rollers are driven with a 1-inch chain all with strengthened side sections. To reduce stress the roller sprockets are larger in diameter so more of the chain is in contact with the sprocket teeth.

The chains are lubricated via an eccentric pump, with oil supply from a new 6.3L storage tank. Lubrication is applied precisely at the rotation points of the chain links. All the lubricating nipples of the MPS and tailgate are combined on the right-hand side. A central lubrication option is also available. The lubrication interval can be set on the control terminal.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE PICK-UP ENSURES OPTIMUM CROP FLOW From the 2.10-m-wide controlled pick-up, two lateral feed augers provide a reliable supply to the rotor. The optional chopping mechanism has 15 knives, with a theoretical cut length of 70 mm.

The knives can be swung in from the cab, and have individual protection against collisions with foreign objects. When blockages occur, these can be easily cleared by lowering the cutting floor using the control terminal. There is also a lower power requirement for restarting the mechanism afterwards.

The latest addition to the ROLLANT fixed chamber round baler range, the ROLLANT 540, features new rollers and a stronger chassis, with the choice of net or film wrapping. A new drive concept and outstanding ease of maintenance ensure high performance and a long service life.

PERFECT BALE FORMATION WITH NEW ROLLERS The ROLLANT 540 makes bales with a diameter of 1.25m and width of 1.22m. The new redesigned baling chamber has 15 new redesigned rollers made from 4-mm-thick steel plate. The serrated profile of the rollers maintains optimum bale rotation even under moist conditions. The rollers are fitted with specially hardened 50mm stub shafts that are now bolted to the roller body. Load bearing rollers are now also fitted with new double race bearings to ensure a longer service life. To transmit power to the new rollers, the drive sprockets use a new spline system to maintain reliability even in the most difficult of conditions.

CHOICE OF NET OR FILM WRAPPING In the ROLLANT 540, the user has a choice between net and film wrapping. The wrapping mode is simply selected by adjusting the side screws on the guide roller. A ramp on the right side of the machine simplifies the task of loading the wrapping system. A replacement roll – either film or net – can also be carried. With the COMFORT system as optional equipment, wrapping system settings can be carried out directly from the cab.

For operating the baler, there is a choice between the CLAAS COMMUNICATOR, the OPERATOR terminal or the ISOBUS terminal.

The tailgate closing rams are located horizontally on both sides, resulting in high baling pressures. The new design also reduces the pressure and stress exerted on the tailgate and ram components. For maximum bale density, pressure of up to 180 bar can be applied to the rams.

The ROLLANT 540 can be supplied with the MPS II system as optional equipment. With this system three of the chamber rollers pivot into the chamber for additional bale compression, early bale rotation, and a perfectly uniform bale shape.

HarvesTimes

14

PRODUCT NEWS

ORBIS

New generation ORBIS for A new generation of ORBIS maize headers has been introduced for use with both JAGUAR 900 and 800 models.

The new ORBIS 600 SD and ORBIS 750 maize headers feature both large and small discs for an optimal crop flow, high efficiency and functional reliability. They also feature a tilting frame concept with newly designed T-panels, which reduces the weight and increases the wear-resistance.

LARGE AND SMALL DISCS FOR AN OPTIMAL CROP FLOW The new ORBIS maize front attachments are available in working widths of 6.0m and 7.5m, and use the proven combination of large and small discs. Large discs are fitted in the central area of the header. These ensure a smooth crop flow and have significant functional advantages during reversing.

On the ORBIS 600 SD, the outer units have two small discs (SD = Small Disc) while the ORBIS 750 is equipped with a combination of a large outer disc and a small inner disc. As a result, both models have the proven V-shaped crop flow with optimal functional reliability, even where the yield of the maize varies.

Newly designed fingers ahead of the knives ensure low-loss crop collection and feature points which can be removed for harvesting laid maize. The new design also adds significant strength to the fingers which will help especially in weedy conditions. The new knives with their unique crescent-shaped blade deliver top cutting quality in all crops. The central crop feeding tower rotors have been repositioned to improve crop flow and are now angled forward to aid crop feed.

They have also been moved further apart, so increasing the feed channel width to allow crop to be fed into the full width of the feed rollers and chopping cylinder. The augers on the side of the ORBIS have also been redesigned to help feed the crop into the header especially when the crop is laid or flat. These new augers are also now hydraulically driven.

TILTING FRAME WITH T-PANELS The new roller pendulum frame concept has lifted the crop flow to the centre of the JAGUAR’s pre-compression rollers which has improved the crop flow, even when the header is at full oscillation in uneven fields.

15

JAGUAR 800 & 900 Depending on the field conditions, the mounting angle of the pendulum frame can be set to two different positions. The advantage of this arrangement, especially in wet conditions, is that the cutting angle of the header can be maintained even when the front wheels of the forage harvester start sinking into the soil.

The new frame of the ORBIS provides a much shallower cutting angle, so allows the crop to be cut at less than 100mm off the ground if required. AUTO CONTOUR provides active control of the lateral compensation and ensures a precise stubble height across the entire working width.

Transport width is just 3.0m and this compact folding system means the operator has an unhindered view for road travel.

DRIVE CONCEPT FOR PERFECT CHOP QUALITY The drive concept is matched perfectly to both the JAGUAR 900, including the variable front attachment drive, and the JAGUAR 800, and ensures perfect chop quality.

This system is standard for the both ORBIS 750 and the ORBIS 600 SD model.

A two-speed gearbox is used to adjust the overall speed of the ORBIS while a three-speed gearbox controlling the feed drums makes for perfect coordination of the crop flow. An automatic function for the variable front attachment drive allows the crop flow to be optimised conveniently from the cab.

Newly designed, modular T-panels support the drive train and the discs. In combination with the new frame design they enable a low and even cut without dirt adhesion. The T-panels are press-hardened and rounded, dimensionally stable, wear-resistant and protect the transmission elements against wear and structural loads.

The reduced number of gear units and the effective power transmission keep the power requirements low and maximise efficiency. And in a positive development with regard to maintenance costs, it has been possible to extend the oil change intervals to 2,500 hours or 5 years.

NEW FOLDING SYSTEM: READY IN NO TIME Both models have been equipped with an all-new folding concept which reduces folding times significantly in order to keep setup times to a minimum. On the ORBIS 600 SD, the side units fold equally to the centre while those of the ORBIS 750 overlap each other symmetrically.

Every ORBIS is equipped as standard with a communication module which transmits data from the front attachment to the forage harvester and saves JAGUAR settings. Even after a change of front attachment, the settings are not lost, a feature which saves time and avoids operating errors.

HarvesTimes

16

PRODUCT NEWS

JAGUAR

New 626hp JAGUAR 880 A new 626hp model has been added to the JAGUAR 800 range specifically for the UK and Ireland. The new JAGUAR 880 fills a gap in the JAGUAR range and means that farmers and contractors now have the choice of two 626hp models, the new JAGUAR 880 or the higher specification JAGUAR 960. The JAGUAR 880 will also be the natural choice for those looking to replace older 623hp JAGUAR 900 foragers.

OPTIMUM OUTPUT FOR MINIMAL POWER The new JAGUAR 880 retains the well proven direct drive system to all the main components that has always been used in the JAGUAR 800 range since it was first introduced 25 years ago. The straight crop flow through the forager progressively increases the crop speed from about 4.8 metres/second as it enters the forager, to 68 metres/ second as it leaves the accelerator, so ensuring optimum output for minimal power requirement.

The JAGUAR 880 is powered by a straight 6 Mercedes TIER 4F compliant engine, as used on the JAGUAR 960, which uses compound turbo technology, with the option of the fuel saving DYNAMIC POWER system, which automatically alters engine power relative to load. Drive to the front axle is through a 40kph, 2-speed hydrostatic transmission.

CEBIS CONTROL In the cab is the latest colour CEBIS control terminal, with function screens accessed using either the main rotary switch or the HOTKEY which provides direct access to pre-selected functions. It also comes with the quick attachment coupler that allows the JAGUAR 880 to

use higher throughput header units from the JAGUAR 900 range, including the heavy duty Pick Up 300 grass pick-up.

From the intake, for which there is the option of the STOP ROCK detection system, the crop is fed into the well proven V-CLASSIC 20-blade chopping cylinder, giving a range of six chop lengths from 5mm to 21mm with the standard 20 blade chopping cylinder. For further crop processing, the JAGUAR 880 has the MULTI CROP L 250mm cracker fitted as standard.

Using CEBIS, the operator is able to set a reminder as to when the knives need sharpening or the shearbar adjusting after a set operating time has elapsed. And on foragers fitted with QUANTIMETER, a reminder can also be set after a set yield quantity has been harvested.

The JAGUAR 880 incorporates a continuous high pressure, 210-bar hydraulic system. The standard specification also includes a 1,000 litre diesel tank and 130 litre Ad BlueÂŽ tank, with the option of an additional 300 litre diesel tank.

OPTIONS Options include OPTI FILL, which enables the spout to swivel over a range of 225 degrees with automatic return to the transport position, in addition to AUTO FILL, which automatically controls trailer filling.

The JAGUAR 880 can be specified with the CLAAS GPS PILOT automatic steering system and for data recording, CEBIS can store up to 20 job records. Using CLAAS TELEMATICS, a far wider range of machine setting and operating data can be recorded and stored online, and viewed using any web enabled device.

PRODUCT NEWS

TERRA TRAC

17

Compaction saving JAGUAR 960 TERRA TRAC axle, the JAGUAR 960 TERRA TRAC offers optimal soil protection, one of the benefits being that it does not sink into the ground so deeply when operating in difficult, wet field conditions. This makes the going that much easier for the transport vehicles following the harvester. Two other track widths will also be available - 735 mm and 890 mm.

HEADLAND PROTECTION

With the introduction of the new pre-production JAGUAR 960 TERRA TRAC, CLAAS has become the first manufacturer to launch a forage harvester with a factory-integrated crawler track system and when fully launched will provide users with new standards for soil protection.

PROVEN BENEFITS The benefits of running harvesting machinery on tracks has been well proven over the 30 years that CLAAS has been developing the TERRA TRAC system for combines, and the new JAGUAR 960TT looks set to provide the same benefits on grassland.

Tests conducted by Kiel University of Applied Sciences have confirmed that even when the crawler track system is used with the narrowest track version (635 mm wide), the resulting contact area of more than 1.3 m2 is over twice that provided by 800-size tyres.

In combination with the tyre pressure adjustment system on the rear

A unique feature of the TERRA TRAC system for the JAGUAR is the headland protection system. When turning, the support rollers in each track unit are pushed down hydraulically, with the result that the front drive roller is raised and the contact area is reduced by about a third, so avoiding damage to the sward caused by scuffing. Measurements

by Kiel University of Applied Sciences have shown that the soil pressure with the support rollers lowered is less than that exerted by a wheeled machine.

EXTENDED WHEELBASE To accommodate the new track system, the chassis of the JAGUAR has been extended by about one metre. The pivoting mounting system allows the machine to be operated in even the most difficult conditions and the crawler track units are able to oscillate upwards by 10° and downwards by 13° with robust end stops limiting their vertical travel.

The suspended chassis enables a top speed of up to 40 km/h and provides excellent driving comfort.

Another benefit of the extended wheelbase is that the maintenance compartment is considerably larger, which also means that the corncracker can be easily removed.

HarvesTimes

PRODUCT NEWS

18% 18

CEMOS

output gain

from CEMOS AUTOMATIC CLAAS leads the way in the development of practical automated control systems for combines. Since the introduction of CEMOS DIALOG seven years ago and subsequently CEMOS AUTOMATIC, the range of automated functions now also includes AUTO SLOPE control, AUTO CROP FLOW, CRUISE PILOT and 4-D cleaning.

Now in its 3rd generation, unlike other automation systems that work to set parameters, CEMOS AUTO is unique in that it is proactive and will automatically make decisions based on current real time activity and crop quality information. Such is its effectiveness in terms of increased daily throughput and grain quality, CEMOS AUTO is now specified on over 25% of all LEXION 700s sold in the UK and Ireland.

The effectiveness of the unique CEMOS AUTO is clear in trials conducted by Osnabruck University, which compared data from machines both in Germany and the UK.

CEMOS AUTO

IMPROVEMENT

Overall improvement in performance

+15-18%

Individual elements CRUISE PILOT (LEXION 700/600)

7-10%

CEMOS AUTO CLEANING (LEXION 700/600)

5-10%

CEMOS AUTO SEPARATION (LEXION 700)

5-10%

CEMOS AUTO THRESHING (LEXION 700/600)

At least 5%

AUTOMATED COMBINE CONTROL The new CEMOS AUTO THRESHING system works in combination with CRUISE PILOT and the other CEMOS AUTO modules if fitted, and automatically adjusts the drum speed and concave gap relative to crop conditions. Taking the operator’s basic crop setting as its start point, AUTO THRESHING will then find the ideal drum speed and concave setting to ensure that grain is threshed as gently as possible and as aggressively as necessary. This results in an improved sample, but also makes the work of the ongoing automated systems far easier, so helping increase throughput.

CEMOS AUTO CLEANING works in conjunction with the GRAIN QUALITY CAMERA and will continuously automatically adjust the fan speed and the upper and lower sieves far more often than would be possible by the operator. This ensures that optimum grain quality is maintained at all times. Depending on the crop and the operator’s requirements, there is the option of selecting four operating strategies – Maximum Throughput, Optimum Fuel Consumption, High Grain Quality or a balance of these three.

The CEMOS AUTO SEPARATION function on the LEXION 700 HYBRID automatically adjusts the speed of the rotors and the rotor cover plates, depending on the operating strategy selected. Again, CEMOS AUTO SEPARATION reacts and changes the settings constantly, and over the length of a day will provide higher quality and throughput than would be humanly possible.

For those that do not want the full automation, there is the option of CEMOS DIALOG, which helps guide the operator through a number of steps to help improve combine performance. To achieve this, CEMOS DIALOG constantly monitors and analyses all the combine settings and throughput, and will display suggestions on the CEBIS MOBILE screen as to how the operator can further improve throughput or quality, which can be implemented by tapping the screen. Alternatively the operator can interrogate CEMOS DIALOG on ways to improve specific aspects, such as grain quality, which again can be accepted or rejected by tapping the screen.

19

TOUCHSCREEN CONTROL The high-resolution colour touch screen incorporated into the new CEBIS MOBILE terminal makes it easy and quick to set-up and monitor both these automatic functions. A silhouette of the combine continuously displays the settings for all the main functional areas of the combine, such as rotor and fan speed, grain moisture and grain tank fill level. At the bottom of the screen, two slide controls allow the operator to alter the optimum balance between grain cleanliness, straw quality and throughput.

The CEBIS MOBILE terminal can also be used monitor the status of the 4-D cleaning system and to set-up and monitor results from the GRAIN QUALITY camera, which is mounted in the elevator head. This is used to visually assess and monitor the proportion of broken grains and the amount of non-grain constituents (NGC) in the sample. Again, by tapping the screen, this opens a window that can be used to alter the sensitivity, and hence the required level of grain cleaning.

At the bottom of the CEBIS MOBILE screen under the combine silhouette is the ‘cockpit’, which is used to display the CRUISE PILOT status. CRUISE PILOT automatically controls the speed of the LEXION, by monitoring various machine parameters such as ground speed, crop volume in the feeder housing, throughput in tonnes/hour and engine load, all of which is displayed in the ‘cockpit’.

The display will also show the factor that is limiting combine performance under current conditions, which can then be altered using the touch screen. The screen can also be used to alter the required operating mode between Constant Speed, Constant Throughput and Constant Throughput with losses.

FREE CEMOS APP Even where CEMOS AUTOMATIC or DIALOG is not fitted, or not available on models such as the TUCANO and AVERO, the operator can still benefit from CEMOS and access its wealth of advice and information via the CEMOS Advisor App, which is free to download.

Using a smartphone, if an operator has a particular problem or just wants advice on how to improve efficiency and throughput, they can use the CEMOS App to find hints and suggestions, and will be guided through how to implement these changes. Having tried the suggested settings, if successful they can be saved in the App and accessed at a later date.

The App can also be used to easily estimate grain loss. Having entered various values, the driver will gain an accurate prediction of the percentage of grain loss, and can then use the App to gain suggested changes to the settings to help reduce losses.

The CEMOS Advisor App is free of charge and suitable for use on both iOS and Android operating systems via their relevant app stores.

HarvesTimes

20

DISCO MOVE

Definite step forward “The driver definitely reckons that the new MOVE is by far the best mower he has ever operated, and he has used quite a few over the years.”

Davie Laird

Davie Laird | Contractor | Cumnock

CLAAS DISCO mowers have always followed the ground well and left a clean finish, states Ayrshire contractor Davie Laird, but the development of the new DISCO MOVE front mower has taken this to a new level.

“I have run CLAAS mowers for many years, basically because they have been so reliable compared to others I have tried in the past,” he says. “You never get a bad job and they leave a clean cut with no scalping. But the difference again with the new DISCO MOVE is noticeable; the suspension and ground contour following is even better. It’s definitely a step forward.”

Davie ran a pre-series DISCO MOVE 3200FC as part of a triple mower in combination with a DISCO 9200C on a 215hp AXION 810. He also runs a further two DISCO front and rear mower combinations to keep well ahead of his two JAGUAR 950 foragers or balers.

“Using a ram to lift the mower instead of the tractor linkage makes a big difference and gives far greater clearance at the headland or for transport. Also the ACTIVE FLOAT suspension means that it runs far lighter on the ground, and the fact that you don’t need spring suspension points on the tractor, so that it can be used on any tractor if necessary, is a big benefit.”

The DISCO MOVE features a new design of headstock that allows the mower to move over a range of 1.0m, with 60cm of upward and 40cm of downward travel. The mower also pivots laterally from a central pivot that is set at 30 degrees.

“We get everything from big flat fields to hill farms,” explains Davie, who is based near Cumnock. “The greater range of travel is a definite advantage and it’s improved ground contour following certainly results in it making an even better job.

“The whole combination works extremely well and the flow through the mower and conditioners is extremely smooth. Overall the combination can comfortably clear around 8.0ha an hour without going at silly speeds.

“The driver definitely reckons that the new MOVE is by far the best mower he has ever operated, and he has used quite a few over the years. Certainly as my other front mowers become due to be replaced this will be for the new MOVE.”

PRODUCT NEWS

DISCO MOVE

21

DISCO MOVE a new front mower with optimised ground contour following

A new front mower has been added to the DISCO mower range, which incorporates an innovative new design that allows the mower to move over a range of 1,000mm independent of the tractor linkage, so ensuring optimum contour following in the most uneven of fields.

The DISCO 3200 MOVE has a working width of 3.0m and is available both with (FC) and without (F) a tined conditioner.

HIGHLY MANOEUVRABLE HEADSTOCK WITH INTEGRATED SUSPENSION At the heart of the DISCO MOVE mower design is a completely new headstock with integrated kinematics that is capable of following ground contours giving up to 600 mm of upward travel and 400 mm downward. The mower unit is also able to pivot laterally from the central pivot point, which is set at a 30-degree angle. As a result, the mowing unit can swing backwards at a slight diagonal angle to avoid obstacles.

The mower bed is able to respond very quickly to finer ground contours thanks to the tried and proven lower pivot point from the current PROFIL range. The new headstock combined with the low pivot point assures excellent contour following, especially for larger tractors and at higher speeds. The tractor’s front linkage remains in a fixed position and has no effect on the ground contour following. The hydraulics integrated in the headstock also take over the function of raising the mower bed at the headland using a single acting hydraulic service from the tractor.

The headstock also includes integrated ACTIVE FLOAT hydraulic suspension as standard, eliminating the need for suspension spring coupling points on the tractor and the suspension pressure can be adjusted at any time while working. On request, the DISCO MOVE control mechanism can be incorporated into the control unit of largescale triple mowers. The mower is then controlled centrally via the operating terminal, and the rear mower takes over the function of regulating the ACTIVE FLOAT suspension.

The new DISCO 3200 MOVE is available both with or without a tine conditioner. The headstock can be coupled either directly to the tractor front linkage or using an A-Frame. The hydraulic connections are fitted as standard with convenient Kennfixx couplings. The gauge controlling the suspension pressure can also be mounted on either side. The headstock comes with a handy adjustment guide, allowing the front link arms to be set quickly and easily at the right height from the tractor cab. The drive shafts are low-maintenance, with universal joints that only need lubricating every 250 hours. When the mower is uncoupled, a parking latch on the headstock locks the kinematics so that the mower can stand securely without additional support.

PRIZE-WINNING MAX CUT MOWER BED The DISCO MOVE features the CLAAS MAX CUT, which features a unique wave-shaped bed pressed from a single piece. This shape enables the cutting discs to be placed further forwards, ensuring even better cutting quality in all conditions. The special shape of the skids and the large channel between them allows for a greater degree of self-cleaning while assuring top-quality forage.

The bolted design and permanently lubricated drive components simplify maintenance and guarantee dimensional stability and longevity.

At the heart of the DISCO MOVE mower design is a completely new headstock with integrated kinematics.

HarvesTimes

22

PRODUCT NEWS

TUCANO

TUCANO – Greater automation and

New features for the 2019 TUCANO range include the latest CEBIS Touchscreen terminal, an extended model range and the addition of MONTANA hill side levelling versions.

In addition, operator assistance systems previously only available on the LEXION range can also now be specified on TUCANO models.

These include, AUTO CROP FLOW, which controls the crop flow through the combine to allow it to be worked to its maximum potential, and AUTO SLOPE, which adjusts the fan speed to ensure minimal losses and optimum grain cleanliness.

NEW TOP-OF-THE-RANGE TUCANO 580 The addition of a new top-of-the-range TUCANO 580 means that a total of 8 models are now available. They are all powered by Mercedes Benz engines that comply with the Stage V (Tier 5) emissions standard and also now feature DYNAMIC POWER. Originally introduced on JAGUAR forage harvesters, DYNAMIC POWER matches the engine power curve to the prevailing operating conditions. When less power is required, for example when not chopping and just leaving a swath, engine power is reduced so saving fuel. If more power is needed, for instance when unloading, the full engine output is immediately available again. The machines offer further scope for savings through the reduction of the full-load engine speed to 1,900 rpm and the reduction of the idling speed to 850 rpm.

MONTANA HILL-SIDE LEVELLING Five TUCANO models are now available as MONTANA variants. This system compensates for slide slope inclines of up to 16%, or up to 18% for the TUCANO 560 and 430. In the field, all the functions run automatically with the current tilt and cutting angle displayed in CEBIS.

The MONTANA models have a 2-speed manual transmission with automatic adjustment of the engine load. In both gears there are two drive ranges selected on the basis of the load on the ground drive and will switch automatically to the lower drive range when high traction is required.

The new all-wheel-drive axle in the MONTANA models provides up to 70 % more tractive power compared with the standard all-wheel-drive axle. A differential lock for the front axle is also available as an option.

NEW TOUCHSCREEN CEBIS CONTROL In the cab, all the key functions are now set and controlled using either the new touchscreen CEBIS terminal or switches on the redesigned armrest.

CEBIS can be controlled as before by means of a control panel, but also through direct access to the functions using the touchscreen. A touch of a finger on the threshing unit image, for example, activates the user-friendly dialog for adjusting the drum speed. All the key machine functions can also be adjusted directly by means of switches on the armrest.

23

hillside option for 2018

early action Until 30.11.18

CEBIS complements this quick access mode with a favourites management system which can then be called up via buttons on the CMOTION multifunction control lever.

The CEBIS terminal can also be swung to one side alongside the armrest, so giving the operator unhindered visibility over the entire cutterbar.

AUTO CROP FLOW AND GRAIN TANK CAPACITY OF UP TO 11,000 LITRES AUTO CROP FLOW uses sensors to continuously monitor the speed of the APS drum, residual grain separation system, straw chopper and engine and will automatically react and alert the operator to a potential blockage or overload. This allows the operator to confidently push the combine closer to its performance limits under varied conditions, and is also ideal when the combine is being operated by less experienced operators.

The new AUTO SLOPE function guarantees the cleanest possible sample and minimal losses on uneven terrain. The system continuously adjusts the fan speed relative to the angle of the combine. When working uphill, the fan speed will be automatically reduced to avoid losses and then increased again as it goes downhill to ensure grain is cleaned sufficiently.

The grain tank capacity on the largest models has also been increased to 11,000 litres, including on MONTANA versions, and an automatic flap on the discharge auger reliably prevents residual crop outflow, even if the auger is still full.

TUCANO 2019 RANGE

THE STANDARD SPECIFICATION FOR THE LATEST TUCANO MODELS ALSO INCLUDES:

MODEL

SYSTEM

GRAIN TANK

MAX. HP

TUCANO 580

APS HYBRID, 1,580 mm

11,000 l

381

TUCANO 580 MONTANA

APS HYBRID, 1,580 mm

11,000 l

381

TUCANO 570

APS HYBRID, 1,580 mm

11,000 l / 10,000l

354

TUCANO 570 MONTANA

APS HYBRID, 1,580 mm

11,000 l / 10,000l

354

TUCANO 560

APS HYBRID, 1,320 mm

9,000 l

354

TUCANO 560 MONTANA

APS HYBRID, 1,320 mm

9,000 l

354

TUCANO 450

APS 6-walker, 1,580 mm

10,000 l

313

TUCANO 450 MONTANA

APS 6-walker, 1,580 mm

10,000 l

313

TUCANO 440

APS 6-walker, 1,580 mm

9,000 l

286

TUCANO 430

APS 5-walker, 1,320 mm

9,000.l / 8,000 l

286

TUCANO 430 MONTANA

APS 5-walker, 1,320 mm

9,000.l / 8,000 l

286

• Additional and enlarged maintenance panels for the engine and residual grain separation system.

TUCANO 420

APS 5-walker, 1,320 mm

7,500.l

245

• On-board water tank for hand washing.

TUCANO 320

5-walker, 1,320 mm

7,500 l / 6,500 l

245

• A feeder housing dust extraction system for improved visibility in dusty conditions and in the dark.

• The returns are shown in CEBIS and can be assessed along with the losses.

• More stowage space for tools and maintenance parts.

HarvesTimes

24

TUCANO 450 MONTANA

by Nick Fone

MONTANA makes a molehill out of a mountain With a beef enterprise that can stretch to over 4,500 cattle at certain times plus 2,500 breeding ewes, there are a lot of hungry mouths to feed at Flass Farm.

All offspring from the breeding animals are taken through to finishing and so having a decent source of home-grown feed is central to the business. To that end the farm runs its own JAGUAR 850 forageharvester to chop some 810 ha of grass a year and the entire 243 ha of cereal cropping is harvested and crimped for use a part of a ration for the beef and sheep.

HOW HAS IT PERFORMED? “Given that we’re cutting everything for crimping, we’re often working in some pretty damp, tough crops,” explains operator Will Nairn.

“Despite that TUCANO handles it pretty well. We’re never limited on power but with our previous level-land machine would be held back by grain going over the sieves.

“This new MONTANA doesn’t suffer that at all. Because it sits bang-on level all of the time I’m able to keep the stick pushed right forward and so we’ve seen a really significant increase in our daily outputs.

“And to match that we’ve got a bigger grain tank that’s faster to unload. When you switch on the auger it doesn’t drag the engine down – the TUCANO just keeps on going.”

WHY CLAAS?

For decades CLAAS combines have been the weapons of choice for this job, liked because of their robust build and dependability, running for up to ten years before being replaced.

“Over the time we’ve had CLAAS machines we’ve found the back-up from our dealer RICKERBYS to be fantastic,” says Mr MacFarlane.

This harvest saw the business switch from a TUCANO 440 to a preproduction 450 MONTANA – the only machine of its type with true full-body levelling on farm in the UK.

“They’ve always been particularly good on spare parts and will generally have what you need on the shelf so any downtime is kept to a minimum.”

early action Until 30.11.18

WHY A TUCANO 450 MONTANA? “We found the 440 to be perfectly capable of cutting our 243 hectares of cereals but when I heard there was to be a MONTANA version with proper hill-side compensation my ears pricked up,” says Tom MacFarlane.

“It makes sense to keep the whole body of the machine level. That way everything’s running as it should, losses are kept to a minimum and output isn’t restricted when you get onto hilly ground – which we’ve got plenty of.

“It’s significantly faster travelling across side-slopes. In fact, in places we now make the choice to cut that way rather than travelling up and downhill.”

CEBIS “Having driven CLAAS combines and foragers for a long time I knew my way around the old CEBIS computer pretty well. This new setup is definitely clearer laid-out but I was sceptical about having a touchscreen.

“I’m often in and out of the cab with dirty hands and was concerned that wouldn’t suit the screen. But it’s not a problem because I can just use the armrest switches for the individual machine settings instead.

“I just flip the right rocker up or down to tweak things like drum speed, concave clearance and the amount of wind going over the sieves. I really like the fact that I don’t have to use the touchscreen but it still automatically brings up the relevant page when I toggle the appropriate switch, showing clearly which settings I’m altering.”

Tom McFarlane | 1053 ha | Berwickshire

“It makes sense to keep the whole body of the machine level. That way everything’s running as it should, losses are kept to a minimum and output isn’t restricted when you get onto hilly ground – which we’ve got plenty of.”

Tom MacFarlane

“We’re never limited on power but our previous level-land machine would be held back by grain going over the sieves.

This new MONTANA doesn’t suffer that at all. Because it sits bangon level all of the time I’m able to keep the stick pushed right forward and we’ve seen a really significant increase in our daily outputs.”

Will Nairn

26

TUCANO 450

by Nick Fone

A serious step up “Because of the extra combine capacity we don’t need to start until later in the day and can pack up when the dew comes in rather than pushing on into the night.”

Christopher Johnstone-Stewart

Increasingly difficult harvest weather patterns over the last five years have lead Wigtownshire farming business Physgill Farms to take a serious step up in combine capacity this season, moving from an eight-year-old TUCANO 430 to a brand-new 450.

“What that means is that we’re not up against it and we can be more selective when we cut. Because the pressure is off we can slow right down to get a better sample if necessary or we can push on to get a field cleared if we know the weather is closing in.

“Of course there’s also a big cost saving to be had on the back of that. Whereas previously we’d often be prepared to go out and cut anything below 23% moisture, we’re now able to go out at our leisure and grab anything under 20%. That equates to a significant saving in drying costs.

“Because of the extra combine capacity we don’t need to start until later in the day and can pack up when the dew comes in rather than pushing on into the night leaving us with piles of damp grain to deal with the following morning.”

Situated right in the south western corner of Scotland, the land the firm farms can often bear the brunt of the weather coming in off the Atlantic.

CEMOS MOBILE

“While the 430 was absolutely fine for our acreage previously, tricky conditions during recent harvests had made it a struggle to get crops cut at their best,” explains Christopher Johnston-Stewart.

“I’ve had many years of driving combines all over the world but even so it’s sometimes useful to get a bit of extra help setting the machine up to get it running on song.

“We needed to have more combine capacity to ensure we could push on in the increasingly tight weather windows, cutting crops dry and ensuring they meet their premiums.”

“This season I’ve been using the new CEMOS smartphone app for that purpose and it has proved more useful than I’d imagined.

If I’m having an issue with straw in the sample or cracked grains for example, I’ll consult the app and ask it to make suggestions to improve things.

HOW HAS THE TUCANO 450 PERFORMED? “The new combine has completely transformed our harvest operations. Previously in difficult conditions we’d be doing well to clear much more than two acres an hour – now it’s closer to three or four.

“I can then make the changes it suggests and generally that’ll sort things out. But if not I’ll go back to it and it’ll offer another thing to try.

Generally after one or two tweaks I’ve got it running as I’d want.”

27

“The cab on the new TUCANO is a lot quieter and with all the concave and sieve controls now electronic.”

David Powell

Christopher Johnstone-Stewart 445ha | Wigtown

CEBIS

CAB AND CONTROLS

“The new touchscreen CEBIS terminal is so much clearer than before – I can just tap a particular part of the combine graphic on the screen and it instantly brings up the appropriate settings.

“The cab on the new TUCANO is a lot quieter and with all the concave and sieve controls now electronic it feels much more like the LEXION combines that I’ve driven previously,” says operator David Powell.

“Alternatively, if I’ve got greasy hands I can just use the armrest switches. Generally I’ll drive the machine according to the loss monitors – the new system is super accurate so I’m getting a much better picture of exactly how much grain is ending up on the floor.

That’s gives me much more confidence to push the stick forward when I can.”

ENGINE AND UNLOADING “The new engine obviously has more power that our old 430 but it’s cleverer than that. When it’s running in economy mode it’ll back off the power when it’s not needed, keeping fuel use down.

“Then when I start to climb a hill or switch on the unloading auger it boosts back up so you don’t find output dropping off – it works really well.

“On that note, the new spout is brilliant – it’s so much faster to empty the tank and the flap on the end stops any grain dribbling out when you’ve had to switch off the auger when it’s still full.”

“It’s fantastic being able to look in the returns window and just tweak settings as I go along – it means I can keep the combine running at its best all the time.”

WHY CLAAS? “Having run CLAAS combines for over 30 years we’ve had very few issues – we know they’re good dependable machines,” says Mr Johnston-Stewart.

“If we do have a breakdown we know we’ll get well looked after by our dealer GORDONS – when things go wrong they’ll always send someone straight away and they’re really good at swiftly sourcing parts.”

early action Until 30.11.18 HarvesTimes

28

NEW ROLLANT 540

by Mick Roberts

Bale quality is top priority

A pre-series ROLLANT 540 roller baler is helping a Devon-based contractor to deliver the dense, high quality bales its customers require.

By its own admission, Millman Contracting, is not the cheapest operator in its area around Rattery in Devon. It does, however, strive to deliver the highest quality of work.

Started nearly 35 years ago by John Millman, who has since been joined by his son Paul, the business now operates a formidable forage harvesting fleet of 16 CLAAS machines. This currently includes JAGUAR 870 and 850 self-propelled, which work in grass, maize and whole crop, a pair of QUADRANT balers – a 2200 and 5300 - as well as a range of DISCO mowers and LINER rakes.

Last year the CLAAS line-up was joined by one of the first ROLLANT 540RC fixed chamber balers, which makes 1.25m diameter x 1.2m wide bales. “We were using another make, but were looking to change,” explains Paul. “At the time CLAAS offered us a pre-

series ROLLANT 540RC. We thought it was a good opportunity and, because we have a good relationship with our dealer, HAMBLYS up in Honiton, we knew we could rely on good support and back-up,” says Paul.

Round baling is a relatively new service for Millman Contractors – which only started offering this in about 2012. But a change in local circumstances saw them enter this highly competitive area - and they now make about 15-20,000 round bales/year.

BETTER QUALITY SILAGE − CHEAPER FOR EVERYONE “We’re probably one of the most expensive in the area, but we aim to make the best dense, heavy bales we can,” explains Paul. “This produces better quality silage and it’s actually cheaper for everyone.

Making fewer bales saves on net, wrap and storage space as well as reducing handling.”

With the ROLLANT 540RC predominantly used for baling silage, Paul notes the strong roller set-up enables it to handle greener material more effectively. “Customers are looking to reduce the dry matter in bales, because this improves fermentation and the feed quality,” he adds. “We have found it makes great bales, whatever you put into it!”

29

BIG IMPROVEMENTS On a tour of the machine Paul points out where he sees big improvements on previous machines, starting with the pick-up wheels. “The simple system to fold these around within the width of the machine, instead of having to remove them, is really helpful,” he adds.

“The baler is well-built and reliable. It has good design features that make it easy to use and maintain.”

Paul Millman

Millman Contracting’s baler is equipped with the 15-knife chopping mechanism option, which can be engaged hydraulically from cab and also lowered to quickly clear any blockages. About two thirds of the bales they make are chopped says Paul, who adds, he has also noticed the improved crop flow through the pick-up, which he feels helps make consistently well-shaped bales.

He’s also noted the heavy-duty drive to the rollers. “All 15 rollers are driven by a single chain on the left-hand side. These are now fitted with individual stub axles, mounted on large bearings in flanges, which will make it much easier to change. There is also a larger (6.3 litre) tank for the chain lube, with an adjustable pump,” he comments.

All around the machine he points out small, but what he considers, important features. “The net system is much the same, but works well and is easy to load with new rolls. The bale kicker works well, and is a big improvement on our previous ROLLANT 374,” he says.

Paul Millman | Millman Contracting | Devon

Paul is pleased with his move back to using a CLAAS round baler.

“We have made about 14,000 bales with this machine so far and not had a single problem. It’s well made, with good design features and is easy to use and maintain. Importantly, it makes well-shaped dense bales – delivering the quality we need to provide our customers,” he adds.

Millman Contracting, based at Rattery in Devon, has made about 14,000 round silage bales this season with its pre-series CLAAS ROLLANT 540RC. The 50mm diameter stub axles are mounted in bearing flanges, which are not only stronger, but also make maintenance and replacement much easier.

Replacement net rolls are easily loaded from the ground using this loading ramp.

Threading the net is also a quick and easy operation.

Changing between fields on narrow lanes, is made easier with simple, spring-loaded system, which enables operators to swing the pick-up wheels to within the width of the machine.

HarvesTimes

30

AXION 800 • ARION 600 • ARION 400

Carving a niche in the market There is no denying it, Halloween has become big business for Oakley Farms for whom October 31st marks the end of a frenetic month of harvesting and dispatching over 5.5 million pumpkins.

As specialist growers go, Oakley Farms are hard to beat, as the only crops the company grows are 120ha of courgettes and 360ha of carving pumpkins, making them the largest pumpkin grower in Europe, responsible for half of all pumpkins grown in the UK.

HALLOWEEN “The whole of our farming year narrows down to just a 4-week window and after 31st October, that’s it – there’s just no market,” explains Tom Brown. “My father started the business 28 years ago, when he was given one acre by my grandfather, on which he started growing pumpkins, which were all hand planted and harvested. Over the years as Halloween has grown, so has the business, and we now supply all the major retailers.”

“Pumpkins are very labour and machinery intensive and at our peak we will have over 150 people working here. For the month leading up to Halloween we will have three harvesters working, each with a team of 15 who harvest and wash the pumpkins in the field. A further three tractors haul the pumpkins back to the farm in pallet boxes where they are graded and stored in glasshouses ready for dispatch in cardboard bins, each typically containing 70 pumpkins.”

PUMPKINS THE SIZE OF FOOTBALLS Five different varieties are grown to provide a range of sizes, but typically the supermarkets look for a pumpkin the size of a football.

In order to provide the 3 to 4-year break needed between crops, the Browns look to rent or swap land and currently grow pumpkins in 46 fields spread mainly within a 5-mile radius of their base near Wisbech in Lincolnshire to keep transport of the bulky crop down.

Five CLAAS tractors are run by the company, all supplied by B W MACK. The latest addition to the fleet is an AXION 850 CEBIS, which joins an older AXION 850 and three ARION tractors – a 650, 530 and a 420, and an additional ARION 630 is currently hired in.

“We made the move over to CLAAS in 2011 when we thought we would give CLAAS a try and bought an AXION 850. Typically we replace the tractors on a 4 to 5 year cycle and because we are working to such a tight timescale, reliability, service and back-up are very important to us, but the tractors and B W MACK have looked after us extremely well,” says Tom. The new AXION 850 has gone straight to work soil busting and ploughing, which is done immediately after the crop is harvested.

Pumpkins are a very delicate plant and because nothing is cleared for use with the crop, no herbicides are used. As a result, the crop is either hand or machine hoed using the ARION 420 during the growing season.

The small ARION is also responsible for planting, with half the crop direct drilled and the rest planted using modules. Using GPS on the tractor, the pumpkins are sown in a square, so that the crop can then be subsequently mechanically hoed in either direction.

CEBIS PERFORMANCE DATA “Typically each of the tractors will do at least 1,000 to 1,500 hours a year. All the tractors have creep boxes and most of them now have CEBIS, partly because of the ease of operation and comfort it provides, but we also do a lot with GPS steering. CEBIS also makes it easy to record a lot of the performance data that we are now looking to gather,” concludes Tom.

31

“We are working to such a tight timescale that reliability, service and back-up are very important to us.�

Tom Brown

Tom Brown | 480 ha | Cambridgeshire

HarvesTimes

32

AXION 830 CIS+

Specifying for the future “The whole package is hard to beat – the engine, transmission, suspension and cab comfort, plus the support I get from RICKERBY.” Jonathan March

Jonathan March | 160ha | Northumberland

The new CIS+ specification option has proved ideal for Jonathan March, giving him all the features he wanted, such as electric spools and CMATIC CVT transmission, without needing full CEBIS. By opting for CIS+ on his new AXION 830, what Jonathan March has saved by not needing to go for the full touchscreen CEBIS, he has instead invested in options such as an S10 terminal with full GPS steering, a hydraulic top link and larger Michelin AxioBib tyres.

“Basically I have looked to future-proof the tractor,” says Jonathan, who works his 160ha arable farm near Ponteland in Northumberland by himself, only using contractors for drilling and additional help at harvest.

“CIS+ gives me everything that I need and all the functions that I had with CEBIS on my old AXION 820, which served me well for 10 years. Instead of going for the full touchscreen CEBIS, this has allowed me to invest in options that will help make life easier and more comfortable, such as GPS steering with the higher

specification S10 terminal with all the latest ISOBUS functions, such as section control.

“In all probability, my next investments will be a new sprayer or fertiliser spreader with ISOBUS, and it will make sense to have section control shut-off. The AXION is the first stage in making that move as I know that it will be compatible. The S10 terminal is very intuitive and easy to use and having GPS steering just makes jobs so much easier and takes a lot of the stress out of working a long day. I have bought myself a wider working window.

“Having CIS+ with the CMATIC CVT transmission is the ideal combination. There is nothing that I didn’t have before with CEBIS, as I still can still have electronic spools, which once you have had them you would never go back to manual, and I don’t know why I never opted for a hydraulic top link before.”

Making the step up in power from 190hp to 235hp with the new AXION was also a conscious decision as again in future it will allow Jonathan to move to wider cultivation equipment.

“I have been extremely impressed by the FPT engine,” he says. “It’s lower revving but just sits there and pulls. It has a lot of low down power. The whole package is hard to beat – the engine, transmission, suspension and cab comfort, plus the support I get from RICKERBY. I did consider one other make, but ultimately it came down to the dealer. I know RICKERBY and I know the people there and the fact that they and CLAAS will look after me.”

TORION 1812

33

King of the clamp The arrival of the first TORION wheel loader to be sold in Scotland has revolutionised Ian Evans’ silaging operation and the clamp management in particular.

“It’s pushing power is awesome,” says Ian of his large frame TORION 1812, which was supplied by GORDONS. “To see it go up behind a large trailer load of grass tipped end-on and just push the whole lot up without hardly changing engine tone is amazing.”

The ability to achieve this is thanks to the TORION’s 195hp 4-cylinder Leibherr engine which develops a massive 1215Nm of torque at just 11,000rpm. Drive is through a CMATIC transmission and the engine is also fitted with DYNAMIC COOLING. Having previously always run two large tractors with front buckrakes on the clamp, Ian made the move to replace these with the TORION in order to simplify clamp management and keep well on top of the grass coming in from his JAGUAR 950.

“Most of the time we are running three large trailers and the TORION, which has a 14ft folding buckrake, will put away a trailer load in just two pushes, giving plenty of time to then roll,” comments Ian, who is based near Wigtown in south west Scotland. “I reckon with a full load she weighs in the region of 26 tonnes. I am really delighted with the compaction we are achieving and looking forward to seeing some of the results.

“Features such as the self-greasing system is a great selling point as I don’t have to worry about whether it has been done. We have also had problems in the past with tractors overheating due to dry grass blocking the air intakes, but being able to reverse the fan on the TORION will avoid this. Also everybody who has driven it has commented how good the visibility is from the cab and having the rear view camera is also a good feature.”

For clampman Douglas Kiltie, the TORION 1812 is a considerable step-up from the AXION 820 he previously used on the clamp.

“The TORION has made the job just so much easier. With two tractors on the clamp you were always having to keep an eye out for where the other tractor was, especially on smaller clamps.

“The TORION is fantastic to drive and it didn’t take long to get used to it. It’s power and torque are unbelievable. In two pushes it will do what took at least four with a tractor, so it just makes the job effortless and relaxing, and gives me far more time to roll and level the clamp. Fuel consumption has consistently averaged 11.5 litres/hour, which is about the same as the AXION, yet it is comfortably doing the work of two tractors.

“It’s comfortable, the cab layout is good making it simple to use and its really responsive. Also for a large machine its really good on the road. I love it!” he concludes.

Ian Evans | Contractor | Wigtown HarvesTimes

IT’S HERE

NEW extended CLAAS ARION 500 and 600 range The NEW 145-205hp, 6 cylinder ARION 600 and 125-165hp, 4 cylinder ARION 500 provide improved performance across a wider horsepower range with additional specification offerings.

New PROACTIV front axle with increased carrying capacity and comfort levels and reduced maintenance

New CIS+ – a new mid-range offering complete with electric programmable spools.

CALL your local DEALER now for MORE DETAILS. Or call the CLAAS Hotline on 01284 777666. claas.co.uk

New 660 Cmatic model topping the range with 205hp CPM transport boost.

New CEBIS touch screen.

ARION 650 CEBIS Touch

35

Making technology easy to use David Scobbie | Contractor | Stirling

David Scobbie has run CLAAS JAGUAR foragers and green harvest machinery for many years, but the arrival of an ARION 650 with the new CEBIS touchscreen terminal marks a change of colour within his fleet of tractors.

“The one thing I don’t want on a tractor is power boost,” explains David. “A lot of our silaging work is on fairly steep ground and a power boost that only comes in at certain speeds or for the PTO is no good. If the tractor is 185hp I want all of that power all of the time, so that rules out quite a few makes.

“We had a demo of an ARION from GORDONS last year and liked it, and so when the new model was launched I thought we would give it a go. The ARION will be a general purpose machine, doing everything from haulage to slurry work, ploughing, power harrowing and cultivating. For me, reliability and support are a big thing and I know in this respect GORDONS are exceptional. They have a very good team and the workshop is extremely well run.

“I am a great believer in buying the highest level of specification possible. But having technology such as headland control on the

tractor is not there to look pretty, it’s there to make the tractor more efficient. But it only makes sense to have it, if it is easy to set up and use.

“The new CEBIS Touchscreen is extremely good and makes it simple to use the headland control or allocate functions to the ‘F’ buttons.

Now that John my son and Craig who works for us have got the hang of it, it’s very easy to use and they do make full use of it. The touch screen is very different to the push button CEBIS terminal we had on the demo tractor, but the screen layout is good and its very intuitive to use. The boys love it” Based at Tillycoultry near Stirling, D. Scobbie & Sons provide a wide range of contracting services, with foraging (using a JAGUAR 850) and slurry handling (including deep injecting) being two of the major operations.

At peak times, David and his son John will bring in up to five extra drivers, all farmers sons, so as a general purpose tractor the ARION is used by quite a wide range of drivers.

“The ARION has gone down extremely well. No-one who has driven the tractor has had any problems using it and quite a few have been pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it is and how well it performs,” states David. “The suspension system means that it is really comfortable. I also like the way that the engine just hangs on and keeps pulling, especially when you are working it hard.

The (HEXASHIFT) gearbox is also really smooth and when used in the automatic (HEXACTIV) mode it’s really good on the road or for loader work.”

HarvesTimes

“It’s been bomb proof.”

Customer Matthew Pickering Lincolnshire June 2018

AXION 920-960 325 hp - 445 hp.

CEBIS Touch

CIS+

Pure Power

Integral Strength

12" touchscreen display combined with CMOTION multifunction control lever.

Multifunction armrest with CMATIC DRIVESTICK and A-pillar colour display.

325 hp - 445 hp. Full engine output available at all times, in all applications. CLAAS leading torque.

Integral cast sump provides strength and added manoeuvrability.

CALL YOUR LOCAL DEALER NOW FOR A DEMONSTRATION. Or call the CLAAS Hotline on 01284 777666. claas.co.uk

CEBIS Touch

By Alistair Chambers

37

Touchscreen perfection Based in the heart of Ireland just outside Killucan in County Westmeath, Scally Silage, which is owned and managed by Paul Scally, harvests 1,400ha acres of silage each year.

CLAAS grass machinery and tractors are the main stay of the business and have been so since 2004, when Paul made the step to a self-propelled harvester, buying a CLAAS JAGUAR 870 second hand from his local dealer LEINSTER FARM MACHINES. Paul is currently on his third JAGUAR, this time a new 860 purchased in 2016 and has become a big fan of CLAAS tractors to the point where his full fleet of seven tractors is now in the distinctive CLAAS green.

The reason, he says, for his love of the CLAAS tractors is simple; he believes that they are the most comfortable tractor on the market and this along with the use of well proven components gives the green tractors the ability to fulfil his requirements and much more.

Paul Scally | Contractor | Co Westmeath

The fleet consists of 4 ARION 600 and 3 AXION 800, the latest of which is a 2018 AXION 800 fitted with Touch Screen CEBIS. Of the silage acreage that they cover, just shy of 1,200ha is grass silage, so in order to keep the CLAAS JAGUAR 860 busy, serious mowing output is required. For this reason Paul runs two sets of mowers − a 9200C DISCO CONTOUR butterfly paired with a 3200FC DISCO PROFIL mounted on a 2016 AXION 850 and a 3200C DISCO CONTOUR paired with another 3200FC DISCO PROFIL on the new AXION 800.

Using the Touch Screen CEBIS control unit with its impressive 12 inch screen, by allowing the operator to change all the settings on the move and also to set up and operate the headland management system, Scallys have found that this new screen allows them to get the mower set up perfectly.

Once set up CEBIS has allowed the operator to increase output and do better quality work. The AXION is mainly operated by two different operators, but because the touch screen CEBIS allows them to have their personal settings saved, this minimises down time when a driver change is required.

The touch screen is set up in such a way that small changes can be made very easily, so they have found this very useful to get the optimal work rate from the tractor and implement.

A new feature of this CEBIS is the ability to edit the headland management programs on the go without the requirement to re-record the sequence. Scallys operators have found this very useful where the mowers may be entering the next cut at an angle.

The speed and timing of the PTO engagement and lowering of the links arms can be adjusted very easily to insure that the mowers are on the ground and running when required.

HarvesTimes

38

DISCO MOVE

by Mick Roberts

Top cheesemaker chooses CLAAS combination With its working width of 10.3m, a CLAAS front and rear mower combination is increasing efficiency for one of the largest and oldest farmhouse cheese makers in the world.

For the past 180 years the Barber family has been farming in Ditcheat, Somerset, where it combines traditional, age-old practices with the latest technology to produce award-winning Cheddar cheese.

Barber’s is one of the world’s oldest producers of Cheddar cheese, which it makes using the only remaining traditional cheese starter cultures. It is also one of a few dairies with Protected Designation of Origin accreditation for ‘West Country Farmhouse Cheddar’.

Milk quality is paramount to great cheese. So, to secure not only the quality but also supplies, the Barbers also maintain nearly 1,500ha in Ditcheat and milk about 3,500 cows, which are split into small herds across the farm.

As one of the world’s largest Cheddar producers, Barber’s also requires huge quantities of milk – up to 0.5 million litres/day. This is drawn from 150 dairy farms, in a 30 mile radius, all of which comply with its own in-house assurance scheme.

This, he adds, is not just from the relatively minor amount of additional width. “I can now drive consistently faster. Previously, on undulating ground in some fields, I had to slow down because the previous mowers didn’t follow the ground so well and didn’t react to the changes quickly enough. The CLAAS combination is also noticeably smoother to use, particularly the front mower. I used to be able to be able to ‘feel’ it working, now I don’t even know it’s there.

“The suspension system works really well and helps the mowers follow the ground contours much better than before. I now drive faster and leave a much more even stubble without ever snagging the ground,” he explains.

Steve operates the mowers through the tractor’s ISOBUS terminal and assigns the lifting and lowering functions to its joystick. He says while he could program it into the headland management system, he finds it easier to control manually.

“I have noticed that the CLAAS mowers react quickly to the controls.

Now I know when I press the button they will move, the previous mowers used to ‘hang’ for a split second and I had to anticipate that short delay in response. And that was really annoying,” he comments.

As well as a happy operator the owners are also pleased with the purchase: “We bought the combination based on the performance and its contour following ability,” says Alfie Barber, “plus CLAAS WESTERN offered us a great deal and provide us with excellent service.”

Barber’s cheese is exported all over the world and to maintain the high quality required for export markets the herds are fed solely a grass diet.

Without forage maize, it puts a big priority on making high quality grass silage and, to secure that supply and quality, the farm runs its own in-house harvesting operation. Based around a CLAAS JAGUAR 950 forage harvester, this also includes a LINER 3600 rake and a recently purchased DISCO 1100 C Business rear- and a pre-series frontmounted DISCO MOVE 3200 mower combination.

“The previous mower was up for replacement and we chose the CLAAS set up to increase efficiency, because at nearly 11m, it is the widest in the market. We also know we can rely on good service and back-up from CLAAS WESTERN in Frome,” says Alfie Barber a seventh generation member of the family.

To spread the workload of its annual 2,800ha grass harvest the farm sows early, mid-term and late leys. This entire area is all cut by a single tractor and the CLAAS mower set-up.

“I usually start mowing at nine in the morning and finish at nine at night, aiming to cover about 80ha/day, to keep ahead of the forager,” says its operator, Steve Fry. “Fortunately most the land is local – in a block in and around Ditcheat. So, basically we start at one end and work across the farm. But I’ve also noticed I do get more output from the new set-up compared with the previous mowers.”

Steve Fry | Barber’s | Ditcheat, Somerset

39

“The new mower combination has increased output because I can drive faster, thanks to their ability to closely follow ground contours.”

Steve Fry

Barber’s still uses traditional cheesemaking processes, such as ‘Cheddaring’ which involves cutting up and stacking the curds by hand.

Barber’s combines traditional cheesemaking techniques with the latest, state of the art processing technology to make its awardwinning cheese.

Operator Steve Fry starts mowing about 9am and by 9pm he can knock down about 80ha of grass, which means he can keep ahead of the forager. Steve Fry says the front-mounted DISCO MOVE 3200 works smoothly, reacts quickly to controls and its high lift provides plenty of clearance above the swathes.

This CLAAS combination mows 2,800ha of grass each season, helping to secure the silage harvest for Barber’s in Somerset, one of the oldest and largest makers of West Country Farmhouse Cheddar cheese.

HarvesTimes

If you are an expert in

your field

…you are going to love ours

Come and work as a SERVICE ENGINEER for a CLAAS dealership.

CLAAS is a privately owned family business that values every one of its 11,500 employees and shares the rewards of its success.

The CLAAS dealer network is the envy of the industry.

Based in one of our locations across the UK and Ireland you will play an important role in servicing, maintaining and repairing CLAAS and other key franchise equipment to the highest standard, with a consistently excellent level of customer service. You’ll need to display good time management, proficient communication skills, be self motivated and have a willingness to work longer hours during harvest as and when necessary.

In return we offer a competitive salary, incentives and pension plan, extensive holidays, service vehicle and full training programme.

ENGINEER YOUR CAREER

TM

claas.co.uk claas.ie

You can also enjoy career longevity with our continuous training programme and we’ll do all we can to manage your work/life aspirations. You will also share all the benefits of working for a key CLAAS dealer affiliated to a highly successful global band.

Service Engineers are KEY to our success. Excellent people build excellent companies, so make CLAAS your next move, whether you are a school leaver or skilled service technician, we have a career path to suit you.

In the first instance please contact Sarah Steggall, HR Manager, CLAAS — email sarah.steggall@claas.com All enquiries are treated in the strictest of confidence.