Claas Balers Turn 30
Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years and the fifth generation of the Variant name, recently complemented by the new Cerex Series introduced in 2025.
The ALTA system, available across the Pichon SV slurry tanker range, makes complete unloading on hilly terrain a reality, using a combination of a front unloading pipe for downhill emptying and rear unloading pipe for uphill discharge. Pipes are selected using two immersed hydraulic valves that are manually controlled from the in-cab iControl 7S terminal.
The ALTA system's compatibility with the upper unloading pipe, which is linked to the flow regulation valve and turbo feeder, prevents system failures, and ensures an even and consistent spread.
Tanks will soon include an inclinometer to provide an include reading in real time, with information sent to the in-cab iControl 7S human-to-machine interface, which will be able to automatically select the front or rear valve without operator input needed. This is aimed at reducing the operator's workload, making it easier to drive in the emptying mode.
