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.
Said to be suitable for cultivation from 3 to 15cm, the unit can also be used for seedbed preparation after ploughing.
The machine layout has four independently mounted frame segments, with pressure on each segment adjusted pair-bypair via the Ground Contour System to ensure a constant pressure across the full working width.
Turning at the headland is achieved by the four swivelling front wheels of 400-60R 15.5, working in collaboration with the rear roller assembly, meaning despite its large working width, the machine turns tightly on 560 or 710 section oversized transport wheels.
Designed for use with prime movers from 350 to 650+hp, working at typical speeds of 10-15km/ h, with higher speeds creating a “boiling effect” of the soil around the discs, the unit weighing around 14.8 tonnes, is capable of high daily outputs.
The 600mm diameter conical discs are 6mm thick and heat treated, with an operating weight of up to 150kg/disc, to help ensure a full cut and thorough incorporation of debris or catch crops.
Designed to maintain a constant working angle, the discs are mounted on angled arms, each fitted with a large maintenancefree double ball bearing and 35mm axle. Special protection to the sides of the arm is achieved by a special 5-lip seal and the bearing protection joint, while the opposite side features a dust preventing O-ring assembly.
Working depth is achieved via two scales, mounted on the forward gauge wheels and the rear roller, adjusted separately to maintain the balance between the two rows of discs.
Depth adjustment is controlled hydraulically from the cab, allowing prompt changes as field conditions vary.
Final consolidation is achieved with either the 560mm diameter Actipack roller said to be suited to medium to heavy soils or the Actipress option, which features a twin roller layout, offering greater carrying capacity in lighter conditions.
Tractor connections require two double and one single acting outlet, the latter to raise and lower the transport wheels, one double acting supply for pressure adjustment and the other to fold the machine to its 2.95m transport width.
