How to make perfect silage
Creating perfect silage is both a science and an art, and it all begins with the right tools, according to machinery maker Claas.
These will add to its current mower range that offers more than 30 front-mounted, rear-mounted and trailed models – with operating widths from 2.2 to 10.7 metres.
These new models come with working widths from 2.2 to 3.4 metres and are pitched at farmers and owner-operators. They also incorporate CLAAS’s award-winning MAX CUT cutter bar, which has been progressively introduced across the entire range of DISCO mowers over the past five years.
CLAAS Harvest Centre product specialist Blair McAlwee says the MAX CUT cutterbar features a wave-shaped mower bed press-formed from a single piece of material.
“This unique design has become synonymous with cutting quality, operational efficiency and reliability,” he explains.
“With the cutting disc positioned further forward on the cutterbar, ensuring the largest possible overlap between each disc for optimal cutting quality under all conditions.”
The MAX CUT mower bed is equipped with the Safety Link safety module as standard. So, in the event of a collision, the module shears at a pre-determined breaking point but the cutting disc is held in the module by an axial bolt and cannot fly off.
Design details see the use of special shaped skids with a large channel between them creating a dirt-repelling tunnel effect for clean harvesting. Meanwhile, the bolted design and permanent lubrication of all drive components simplifies maintenance and guarantees dimensional stability and longevity.
The new side-mounted models incorporate a centre-of-gravity hitching feature. This ensures the mower bed has a uniform contact pressure over the entire working width, with the line of force of the suspension spring running exactly through the centre of gravity of the mower unit. The units can angle up to 45 degrees upwards and 20 degrees downwards.
The entry-level DISCO 10 Series – 24, 28 and 32 models – offer working widths from 2.2m to 3.0m in a sturdy, yet lightweight design. As with previous models, power is directed into the inner mowing disc from above, which means that no inner shoe is required.
The PTO shaft speed can be reduced from 540 to 480 rpm in light crops or when topping. This significantly reduces fuel consumption, while a narrow transport position is achieved by folding to 95 degrees.
Three further 100 Series models, with working widths from 2.2 to 3.4 m, have also been added. These fold to 105 degrees, using a new double-acting hydraulic ram, to ensure a reliable and safe folding process even on hilly ground. Meanwhile, end position dampening and can be fitted with a roller or tine conditioner.
The new compact CLAAS DISCO series can be ordered from November onwards for spring 2021 delivery.
