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 brand has been distributed in New Zealand for more than five years by Agtek Tractors & Equipment.
With more than 40 years’ experience in design and manufacture, Orizzonti places a great deal of emphasis on the quality of its products. The company also likes to forge relationships with its customers.
Centred around a heavy-duty frame, the mulchers feature a 5mm outer cladding, alongside a replaceable inner 5mm liner. The latter is easily exchanged to extend the working life of the machine.
Standard equipment includes a hydraulic side-shift system that offers 50cm of offset.
Externally, the machines are manufactured to incorporate bevelled panels and rounded sides, meaning the machines can work closer to plants, without fear of ‘hook up’ or damage.
The driveline takes the form of a centrally-mounted, double flange gearbox with an overrun clutch. This, in turn, sends drive to a side-mounted transfer case that uses four SPBX transmission drive belts to power the rotor.
Capable of handling materials up to 100mm in diameter, the heavy-duty rotor has 10mm thick walls. These carry 20mm thick flail hangers, which move 20 heavy-duty hammer flails, secured by 20mm diameter bolts. (Power 200, 2m cutting width). Throughout the machine, oscillating, double roller bearings incorporate a labyrinth and subsequent steel dust seals. This prevents sand, soil or foreign objects entering the assemblies, thereby prolonging the machine’s working life.
Balanced to remove vibration, an ideal finish is achieved by using two rows of ‘U’-shaped counter blades and one changeable counter blade, to achieve a very finely mulch.
Weighing in at 725kg, the HD Power 200 machine is equipped with a 194mm roller set-up that incorporates a cleaner/scraper, which is said to remove the need for side skids that can be prone to collecting debris.
“It’s easy to see these mulchers have a heavy-duty construction, alongside great features like the HD rear roller assembly, the hydraulic side shift operating on long-life self-lubricating bushes,” Agtek managing director, Gayne Carroll says.
“Mulcher and mower performance is principally dictated by tip velocity, rotor rigidity and discharge capacity – all areas in which Orizzonti excels.”
