Claas unveils next-generation large square baler concept ahead of Agritechnica 2025
Innovation awards at international agricultural events are always on the wishlist of manufacturers.
The CLAAS Harvest Centre display at Mystery Creek will include the public debut of the all-new CLAAS Disco 10 series side-mounted rear mowers.
Available in six widths from 2.2 to 3.4m, the Disco 10 incorporates the MAX CUT cutter-bar, a feature that has been progressively introduced across the entire range of Disco mowers over the past five years.
The cutter-bar features a wave-shaped mower bed, press-formed from a single piece of material, with the cutting disc positioned further forward, ensuring the largest possible overlap between each disc, to deliver optimal cutting quality under all conditions.
CLAAS Harvest Centre National Sales Manager – NZ, Roger Nehoff, says, “the special shape of the skids and the large channel between them creates a dirt-repelling tunnel for cleaner harvesting, while the bolted design of the bed and permanent lubrication of all drive components simplifies maintenance and guarantees dimensional stability and longevity.”
All models include features for easy maintenance, easy transport and safe storage, including a safety module and quick blade-change system. “In the event of a collision, the safety module shears at a pre-determined breaking point but the cutting disc is held in the module by an axial bolt and cannot fly off,” Roger says. “The module can be replaced easily and quickly.”
In the JCB area of the site, the Loadall Series III range comprises six models with lift capacities from 3.2 to 5.6 tonnes and a maximum reach of 6 to 9 metres. Roger notes that a new cabin, at 12% larger and 50% quieter than the previous model, raises the bar for comfort and functionality. “It features the same adjustable steering column, control layout and function-grouped switches found in JCB Fastrac tractors and wheeled loaders, making it easier for operators to switch from one type of JCB machine to another and to use each in the most productive way possible,” he says.
A wide opening door and adjustable push-away steering column with a working position memory make it easy for operators to enter and exit the cab. A seat-mounted joystick and control pod configuration is standard in the Agri Torque Lock4, Agri Super and Agri Pro specifications.
All models are equipped with the 4.4 L JCB EcoMAX engine that delivers 109 hp or 125 hp, with high spec models delivering 145 hp from a 4.8 litre variant. Transmission choices include a four-speed manual, four-speed automatic, torque lock and a combined dual hydrostatic/powershift model. The Auto Smoothride System engages at speeds of over 4 km/h, improving load retention and comfort when travelling at speed on roads and in the field. Meanwhile the high capacity hydraulic system delivers a flow rate of 140 L/minute for rapid boom operation.
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Dignitaries from all walks of life – the governor general, politicians past and present, Maoridom- including the Maori Queen, church leaders, the primary sector and family and friends packed Our Lady of Kapiti’s Catholic church in Paraparaumu on Thursday October 23 to pay tribute to former prime Minister, Jim Bolger who died last week.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Todd McClay is encouraging farmers, growers, and foresters not to take unnecessary risks, asking that they heed weather warnings today.
With nearly two million underutilised dairy calves born annually and the beef price outlook strong, New Zealand’s opportunity to build a scalable dairy-beef system is now.
Graduates of a newly-updated Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) course are taking more value than ever from the programme, with some even walking away calling themselves the “farm CFO”.
Meet the Need, a farmer-led charity, says food insecurity in New Zealand is dire, with one in four children now living in a household experiencing food insecurity, according to Ministry of Health data.
Applications have now opened for the 2026 Meat Industry Association scholarships.