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Claas’ latest dual-rotor swathers.
Claas' latest generation of seven, dual-rotor central LINER swathers are said to offer numerous innovative features and functions to ensure premium forage quality.
The Grass Care rotor guidance system ensures that the rotors are actively suspended during operation and when lowered, the rear rotor wheels touch down first, producing a ‘jet-effect’ that prevents the tines from digging in and damaging the grass sward.
The 2900 and 2800 BUSINESS models also incorporate Active Float rotor suspension and load-sensing hydraulics, functioning in a similar way to the suspension of the same name in the Disco Contour disc mowers. By adjusting the suspension pressure, the ground pressure of the rotor can be adapted precisely to the forage quantity and ground conditions, allowing faster operating speeds and a reduction soil contamination.
LINER 2600 and 2700 models use a simple pin-and-hole system to adjust the working width, whereas working and swath widths can be adjusted hydraulically on the larger models. Raking height is adjusted by a crank handle on the rotors.
The tine arms are firmly attached by a 20-spline shaft and secured with a PROFIX bracket, while an integrated pre-defined bending point provides optimum protection for the rotor housing in the event of a collision. Each tine arm is fitted with four 9.5mm thick dual tines, each pair offset by 10 degrees to create a 10mm long trailing end to help lift the crop from the ground.
The twin rotors are mechanically driven via the PTO, increasing their raking force by up to 50% compared with hydraulic drives, with the shaft speed in the two Y-gearboxes reduced from 540 to 350rpm to protect the drivetrain.
The freewheel mechanism of the drive shaft is positioned directly inside the Y-gearbox, enabling the rotors to rotate freely in transport position.
Each rotor is fitted with a four-wheel chassis for optimal ground-contour following, with wheels positioned close to the arc of rotation of the tines to ensure smooth rotor guidance and optimum ground-contour following, while the front two chassis wheels are steerable. The new models are steered by a wide, robust transport axle with zeroplay mechanical forced steering, with mechanical adjustment for steering response.
With the exception of LINER 3100, all models have a transport width of less than 3m and a transport height of 4m with tine arms attached.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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