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 change is thanks to new side covers that match the Massey Ferguson 3100 Series fixed chamber balers.
Beneath those covers the RB 4160V and RB 4180V take their design from the well proven Lely-Welger RP160V, as AGCO acquired the Lely brand in recent years.
Featuring the patented HydroFlex rotor floor and Constant Pressure System (CPS), the MF4100 is said to provide high throughput and density, while also offering reliability in a range of conditions from wet silage, to cereal hay and even header tailings.
Minor changes for the 2020-built units include the moveable pick-up rake being fitted as standard across all models to even out lumpy swaths and provide up to 5% additional capacity. The reservoir for the auto-lube system has doubled in capacity to 8 litres, aimed at reducing maintenance time.
The RB 4160V and RB 4180V share a common platform and produce bales 0.9m to 1.6m or 1.8m in diameter respectively. The standard camless pick-up is 2.25m wide, incorporating five tine bars at 64mm spacing and a reinforced crop press roller, positioned close to the rotor to improve crop flow and reduce the risk of blockage. The camless design gives higher working speeds, quiet operation, and low maintenance.
Chopper versions of the MF RB round balers can be equipped with 13, 17 or 25 extra-long knives to allow a thorough and consistent chopping effect. Indent specification Xtracut 17 and 25 machines feature two sets of hydraulically operated knife banks, allowing the operator to engage one, both or neither from the cab.
Bale formation falls to four seamless, double-ply belts that maintain excellent grip and positive rotation of the bale, while withstanding the high loads imposed when forming heavy silage bales, thanks to their stretch-resistant core layers.
A small bale start-off section within the chamber uses two additional rollers for better bale core formation, while also reducing pressure on the intake area, distributing pressure evenly among all key components and a general reduction in power demand.
The CPS combines spring and hydraulic action to exert constant pressure on the bale as it grows.
To secure the bale, the Varionet net wrapping system handles all net widths and provides excellent side-to-side bale coverage, with 2020 Xtra models offering the choice of a 500/55-20 tyre option in flotation or V-pattern for reduced compaction and higher ground clearance.
