Claas will be launching its new Liner twin-rotor rakes at this year's Grassland and Muck 2008 event.

The new models are claimed to give a clean swath with increased outputs, both in the field but also through savings in time lost to service and transport.

Four models are available, all with infinitely adjustable working widths. The new Liner 2600, 2700 and 2800 models are direct replacements for the previous 680, 780 and 880 models, and offer raking widths from 6.0m up to 8.3m.

Liner 2900

The Liner 2900 is a new addition to the range and has an infinitely variable working width from 8-9m, with a central swath width ranging from 1.4m to 2.4m.

Rotor diameters range from 2.9m to 3.8m and are fitted with 11-, 12- or 14-tine carrier arms, each carrying four double tines. On the three larger models, the tine arms are mounted using Claas's new Profix grooved tine-fixing system which holds the arm firmly in place, but allows it to be removed easily if necessary.

Each of the rotors is fitted with a Cardan suspension system that ensures that the tines stay parallel to the ground for clean swathing. On the 2700, 2800 and 2900 each of the rotors can be lifted and lowered independently using a three-way valve or with the new Claas Standard Terminal.

Y gearbox

To keep maintenance downtime simple and as quick as possible, both rotors are driven through a low-load Y gearbox, with all the main drives easily accessible and only need lubricating every 250 hours.

For transport, all four models can be quickly and easily folded from the driver's seat. To further reduce time, as the rake is folded the rotors automatically retract downwards. This lowers the centre of gravity, says Claas, and means that even the Liner 2900 with its 3.8m diameter rotors folds to a transport height of just 4m without needing to remove any tines.