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The Claas 15m Tedder allows it to cope with changing ground contours.
Over the last two decades, the days of combi machines for spreading and raking grass have disappeared, with manufacturers and end users realising that dedicated machines lead to far better results.
Claas was one of the first to offer a harvesting system where mowers were matched with tedders, that in turn were followed by recommended swathers, to present the best possible row to the harvesting elements.
Produced at its Bad Saulgau facility, the latest Claas tedder range has been “topped off” with the Volto 1300 and 1500 models, each unit offered with the choice of non-steered or steered axles.
In the case of the 1500 model, which is equipped with fourteen rotors, each 1.5 metres diameter, the stresses placed on the machine chassis and sub-frames, in both sizes, have resulted in a completely re-engineered solution, alongside a new driveline.
The result is said to provide increased strength and durability, but also allows the machines to cope with the changing ground contours that are likely to be simultaneously encountered, both longitudinally and laterally, across the fully working width.
Clever geometry ensures the centre of gravity of the re-engineered frame remains close to the transport axle, ensuring maximum stability, particularly when lifting at the headlands. The steering axle option also comes into play on the headlands, allowing the rotors to stay in work and make the operation smoother.
Looking at the machine in more detail, the tedder rotors remain the company’s well known Max Spread units with arms angled at a very precise 29.3°.
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The 1500 model, which is equipped with fourteen rotors. |
The overall machine rake angle is adjusted by a single crank handle situated at the front of the main chassis, with the inclusion a large position indicator for easy adjustment. The angle of engagement can be adjusted between 12-16˚. The rotor houses are now oil filled to increase longevity and reduce service intervals.
Looking at the driveline, the shaft speed has been increased by 50% to reduce the torque loadings, while the finger drives, connecting each part of the frame, have also been reinforced to allow 180° folding, even at full power.
Moving the tedder from work to transport is achieved using a single- acting lift ram, with a double-acting spool valve controlling the folding of the two arms and lowering into the carrying cradles. Overall transport width is kept below 3m with a folded height of 3.29m.
In the case of the 13m version, the machine is configured with 12 rotors, although the driveline remains the same as its larger brother, as does the choice between either 15/70-18 or 500/55-20 tyres for softer conditions.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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