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.
Italy-based telehandler manufacturer Merlo seems to think so. It used the recent EIMA event held in Bologna to showcase the latest concept for its Generation Zero range – the TFe43.7.
Like the currently available e-Worker, the key points for consideration are zero carbon fuel consumption, no noise or vibrations and, of course, no polluting emissions.
It received an Honorable Mention Award in the event’s Technical Innovations competition, and like its ICE equivalent, the new machine offers a maximum load capacity of 4300kg, combined with a maximum lift height of seven metres, and a road speed of 33km/h.
Featuring a battery pack that is said to offer up to eight hours duration, complemented by a 3.5 hour recharge time, the manufacturer is says the total cost of ownership (TCO), which encompasses the purchase price and total service costs across its lifetime, is significantly lower than the comparative traditional model.
