Farming Monthly National May 2016 | Page 54

| 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. www.farmingmonthly.co.uk