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.
Featuring nine models, the range is comprised of the 4-rotor Vendro 470 and 560, the 6-rotor Vendro 620, 680 and 790, the 8-rotor tedders Vendro 820 and 900 and the largest 10-rotor machines dubbed Vendro 1020 and 1120. The complete range offers working widths of 4.70m to 11.20m.
Said to be coupled closer to the tractor, more weight is transfered to the front axle, while also reducing transport length and lift requirement compared with the predecessors. In addition, they offer better manoeuvrability in the working position.
The driveline features a sealed, maintenance-free main gearbox with integral overrun clutch to maximise service life and reliability. Krone Octo-Link clutches are fitted between each section of the machines, but unlike universal joints, these eight-finger and maintenance-free clutches require no daily lubrication and establish frictional connections at any operating angle. Rotor gearboxes are mounted under the main structural beams, so are not submitted to any stresses, while also being maintenance-free with the incorporation of liquid grease.
The Krone OptiTurn rotors are fitted with patented Krone OptiTurn tines that pick up grass cleanly. and the curved shaft results in a loss-free and uniform spread of the material along the shafts, which have different lengths within the pair. A standard border spreading curtain makes for clean work along boundaries, with actuation from the cab either manually or hydraulically. Operator convenience comes from a definable headland position, hydraulic damper struts and special stands for storage.
All 10-rotor machines feature a defined headland position that is set using a hydraulic spool valvet.
