CLAAS' Lexion headers ongoing development has seen a number of improvements unveiled for its 2016 release 700 series harvesters.
2016 delivery machines will incorporate optional Tier 4 engines with dynamic cooling and improved residual grain separation, residue management and electronic control systems.
Lexion product manager for Australian distributor Landpower, Jono Ham, said the biggest change was to engine technology.
“All Lexion models are now available with bigger engines that comply with Tier 4/Stage 4 emissions standards,” he said.
“The top-of-the-range 780 and 770 models are equipped with a new 15.6 L Mercedes-Benz engine that delivers a maximum rating of 625 or 585 hp (459 kW or 430 kW) respectively.
“In keeping with this increased power, these two models are now available with larger grain tanks to a maximum of 13,500 litres.
“The 760 features a 503 hp (430 kW) Perkins engine, while the 750 has a 10.7 L Mercedes-Benz engine that delivers 435 hp (319 kW).
“We’re recommending the Tier 4 engines because they have the additional power and improved cooling that allows them to operate at their peak performance under hot conditions.
“Alternatively, those producers who still prefer a Tier 3 engine can specify their 770, 760 and 750 models with the proven CAT C13 engine."
The Lexion harvesters feature Claas’ Hybrid threshing technology, which combines an accelerated pre-separation (APS) threshing system and twin longitudinal rotors.
“Approximately 70 per cent of the separation occurs before the crop even reaches the rotors, which means the machine can operate more efficiently and longer in all conditions,” Mr Ham said.
“Combined, the two technologies achieve up 20 per cent more throughput with minimal grain loss and no increase in fuel consumption.”
An automatic crop flow control that monitors the rotational speeds of the engine, the APS threshing mechanism and the ROTO PLUS residual grain separation system will be on 2016 models.
This automatically shuts down the feeder, threshing, separation and grain tank discharge systems if critical load peaks are detected.
All models are available with the new Claas’ 4D grain cleaning system to improve results when harvesting on hilly country.
Slope-dependent rotor cover plates automatically open or close depending on the angle of the machine, as well as its separation and cleaning output.
“Likewise, the blower speed is automatically adjusted when driving up or downhill,” Mr Ham said.
“These improvements will help to push the envelope further.”
The straw chopper gets beefed up with a five cm increase in diameter to produce a more uniform intake, chopping length and guidance.
“The larger chopper drum improves the acceleration of the chaff, producing a wider and more even spreading pattern,” Mr Ham said..
“The friction concave plate and the counter-knives of the chopper can now be adjusted from within the cab via the CEBIS terminal.
“The driver is also able to change between the transport position, chopping and swathing at the touch of a button.”
Claas’ Cemos Automatic system automatically optimises harvesting operations for maximum throughput, grain quality or fuel efficiency, to suit the prevailing conditions has also been improved.
“Initially available for wheat, barley and canola, the system can now be used to optimise harvesting operations in maize and soy beans,” Mr Ham said..
It is also now controlled directly via the CEBIS operating system rather than a separate terminal.