| 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 an
ISOBUS control terminal.
BUSINESS and DUO mower
units utilise load sensing
hydraulics and are controlled
using either the new OPERATOR
terminal or the ISOBUScompatible COMMUNICATOR II
terminal, which allows the various
mower functions to be assigned to
the function buttons on the
tractor’s multi-function control
lever. The AUTOSWATHER model
series is also controlled using the
54 | Farming Monthly | May 2016
ISOBUS COMMUNICATOR II
control terminal.
Included in the 19-model
DISCO MAX CUT range there are
seven high output DISCO triple
mower and mower conditioners
are now available, ranging from
the 9.10m wide DISCO 9400 C
DUO to the 8.10m DISCO 8500
TREND
A total of nine new mounted or
trailed CONTOUR mower or
mower conditioner versions are
available, ranging in working width
of 2.80m up to 3.80m, providing a
wide range of models for small
and medium-sized farms.
In the trailed mower range two
new models are available, the
DISCO 3200 TC and the TC AS
which has a conveyor system for
swath grouping, both of which
have working widths of 3.00m.
All the new CONTOUR models
retain the hydro-pneumatic
ACTIVE FLOAT suspension, which
enables the ground pressure on
the mower unit to be changed
from the driver's seat when
mowing and adjusted to the
conditions in the field. They are
also protected by a mechanical
break back system which moves
the mower unit backwards and up,
so that it is raised above the
obstacle. To continue driving, the
machine must simply be reversed
slightly until the mechanical break
back system is locked again.
PROFIL front mowers
Completing the DISCO mower
line-up are two front mowers, the
DISCO 3200F and the DISCO
3200FC mower conditioner, both
of which have a 3.00m cutting
width.
To ensure optimum ground
contour following, the mower units
are fitted with the proven PROFIL
kinematics. On the principle that it
should be the ground that guides
the mower, and not the tractor, the
mower is suspended and pulled
using a trailing linkage around a
pivot point close to the ground.
This allows the mower bed to
swing both longitudinally and
laterally, so accurately following
the ground contours independent
of the tractor front axle.
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