CLAAS are set to launch a new line of swathers in 2018, rounding out their extensive range.
The German forage harvesting specialist has over 20 different single, twin or quad-rotor rakes with operating widths from 3.5 to 15 metres currently available.
The company has announced a new 8.4m Liner 1800 Twin will be launched in 2018.
Claas will also replace the 1750 and 1650 models with the Liner 1900 and the 1700 Twin.
Claas Harvest Centre, product manager, Luke Wheeler, said all three were high performance twin-rotor swathers.
“They feature a trailed, fully floating rotor suspension that is controlled via a ball head for maximum freedom of movement.”
“This innovative design allows the rotors to adapt to any ground contour, ensuring a clean raking performance and high feed quality,” he said.
Mr Wheeler said other features include a friction clutch that cushions peak loads and double U-bend tines.
“The tine brackets have a set bending point so that if they hit an obstacle, only the affected tine arm is bent, leaving the swathing drive undamaged,”
“Their specially-developed shape ensures gentle and reliable operation, so that even large forage quantities are picked up tidily without soiling the material.
“This simple technology means the driver can maintain the desired operating speed, even in difficult conditions or over small obstacles,” he said.
Mr Wheeler said both the 1800 and 1700 have telescopic arms which will provide the option to lay single or dual swaths.
A fourth model the Liner 320 will also be made available in 2018. Mr Wheeler said the single-rotor swather would be ideal for smaller areas and hillsides.
“It has a working width of 3.2 m and is fitted with eight tine arms, each with three spring tines.”
“Its three-point mounting and lightweight design makes the Liner 320 the ideal entry model for smaller farms where work regularly takes place on awkwardly-shaped fields or on difficult hillsides,” he said.