Claas Axion 8 CMATIC: New Range Replaces Axion 800
Scheduled to replace its Axion 800 series, Claas has released details of the new, three model, Axion 8 CMATIC range.
The new side-mounted, side mower models will come with working widths from 2.2 to 3.4 metres and are pitched at farmers and owner-operators.
CLAAS will soon release six new side-mounted rear mowers.
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.
OPINION: The time has come for the Government to back the organic sector.
Plan ahead and be patient. That’s the message to farmers and horticulturalists from the chairman of the NZ Agricultural Aviation Association, Kent Weir.
The industry is crying out for graduates with agricultural related degrees.
While GPS and guidance have become the norm and yield mapping and variable application continues to gain traction, most agricultural machinery manufacturers continue to expand their technology offerings, amalgamating the vast amounts of data being collected to streamline real-time and ongoing management decisions.
Supply chain problems, growing protectionism and a move to greater food security are some of the key challenges facing New Zealand exporters, according to our top trade negotiator, Vangelis Vitalis.
A spat within the ranks of the New Zealand Deer Farmers Association has resulted in the suspension of outspoken North Canterbury farmer Barry Cuttance.

OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…