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.
Offering an easy solution to dissolving fertilisers – such as ammonium sulphate, urea or micronutrients for easy transfer to a sprayer – the unique configuration answers the problems created by attempting to create premixes with flat-bottomed tanks to speed up spraying logistics.
It features a robust, weather and UV-resistant tank of 3,500-4,000L. This is mounted in a robust galvanised steel frame, with the set set-up said to be the ideal size to accommodate single bulk bags of fertiliser. This allows operators to dissolve 1,200kg of sulphate of ammonia in 2,500L of water in around 15 minutes.
With 2-inch inlet and outlet fittings, with the latter incorporating a bung, the lower cone-shape of the tank creates a vortex as the water is circulated. This helps to quickly dissolve solids that are added.
In practice, a portable pump with a capacity of around 600L/minute is connected to the inlet and outlet fitting of the tank.
Once the required volume of water is placed in the tank, the lower outlet is opened to create a circular flow and the fertiliser is added through the top opening and quickly dissolved.
Said to be easily cleaned, without leaving any solid residues, easy access is gained with twin 450mm openings. Meanwhile, in the off-season the mixer tank can also be used to store grains, meals or other liquids – adding to the versatility of the unit.
“I trialled the new cone-bottomed mixing tank and was really impressed with its functionality,” says Nigel Greenwood of Southbridge.
“Sturdy and well built, the unit is easy to fill, add product to, mix and empty out into the sprayer. It’s easy to clean and certainly looks the part.”
