Farming Monthly National April 2016 | Page 50

| Machinery Revolutionary DISCO MAX CUT mower range Launched last year, the latest CLAAS DISCO range of mounted and trailed mowers all feature the revolutionary new CLAAS MAX CUT disc mower bed that sets a new standard for cut quality. he new range of DISCO MAX CUT models covers a total of 19 models, ranging from the simplest 2.6m mounted mower up to advanced, ISOBUS compatible, high capacity triples with cutting widths as wide as 9.1m. Revolutionary MAX CUT mower bed The new MAX CUT mower bed features a waved shape leading edge, which means that unlike a mower bed with a straight leading edge, the cutting discs can be mounted as close to the front of the bed as possible. In combination with the new, specially formed discs, this means there is a greater overlap between the blades, so creating an enlarged cutting area for optimum cutting quality and flow through the mower. The new MAX CUT mower bed is manufactured in-house by CLAAS at its Bad Saulgau mower factory in southern Germany. A new unique feature is that instead of welding, the mower bed is made from two pieces of pressed steel plate, which are then bolted together. This means that a high torsional strength can be achieved, but the potential of cracks developing is reduced as there are no heat stresses, which are caused during the welding process. In order to achieve a clean cut and avoid soil contamination, extra-wide skids are fitted to the underside of the mower bed, which guide dirt and foreign material backwards. There are also additional wear skids and high cut skids available as an option. The satellite drive train of the T new MAX CUT is permanently lubricated and maintenance free, and designed so that in lighter crops it can be run at 850 rpm instead of 1000 rpm, which will help reduce fuel consumption by up to 20%. To fully protect the drive train, each mowing disc is mounted using a CLAAS SAFETY LINK module, which incorporates a pre-determined breaking point that will shear in the event of a collision, and is easy to replace. Five model range To clearly identify the range of model specifications, type of operation and control systems, the 19 new DISCO models have been divided into five variants: TREND, CONTOUR, BUSINESS, AUTOSWATHER and DUO. The simpler TREND mower units are operated using the tractor spool valves without any electric control terminal, but if required can be incorporated into the tractor's headland management. The optional individual lifting function is operated using a hydraulic isolator valve, which makes it possible to pre-select the mowing units. CONTOUR series mowers are again operated using the tractor's spool valves, but the pre-selection is made using the new OPERATOR control panel or