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.
It comes with either RoTeC pro single-disc coulters or TwinTeC double-disc coulters on 12.5 or 15cm row spacings. A 2,000-litre twin-chamber hopper allows different combinations and application rates of seeds, fertiliser or other inputs to be sown in a single pass. Infinitely adjustable electric metering units allow precise application rates of 0.5 to 400 kg/ha.
RoTeC utilises a proven ‘single shot’ process, where the two inputs – for example, fertiliser and seed – are individually metered and then conveyed to a single-entry point via a shared conveying system. By comparison, TwinTeC is a two-shot process whereby the two inputs are individually metered and conveyed to different entry points via separate conveyors.
The main hopper can be divided 70/30 or 60/40, to suit a combination of seed and fertiliser requirements, while also offering a large opening for easy filling and access to the hopper and metering units via the loading platform. Meanwhile, an optional storage compartment is available for additional bags of seed and the drill can be equipped with a quick-emptying device for fast seed change-over.
The SmartCenter control panel is used for calibration and establishing machine settings, while the metering system is controlled via the AMAZONE AmaTron 4 terminal inside the cabin.
The unit can be easily connected to other AMAZONE tillage implements, such as the KE rotary harrows or the KG rotary cultivators, via the QuickLink quick coupling system and can also be used in conjunction with the GreenDrill 200 for the simultaneous sowing of catch crops or fine seeds. This combination allows a third material to be applied to the soil surface via baffle plates, with seed fed directly from the 200-litre mounted hopper.
