Nick,
We are running a new Claas Lexion 600 this year with the 10.5m (35 ft) header on the Essex/Herts border.
Although we still have a small area of wheat and most of our beans to cut, so far we are very pleased with the header. We have not had any problems with the additional weight or width, and the two most noticeable features, the split reel and split feed auger have performed faultlessly. I did have a concern that we might encounter some potential bridging problems with trash on the two central support points, but I can confirm we did thoroughly test this issue when we put an area of thistle infested winter rape through it without incident or wrapping.
There is no doubt that the high potential throughput of the 600, in high output conditions, necessitates wider headers to reduce forward speeds, and the 10.5m is a major step in the right direction, as by slowing forward speed, it gives the knife a chance to cut the straw without the "ripping" effect that occurs at 7 kph and above. This is especially important this year, as our straw is tougher and greener that ever before due to strobulurins and wet growthy conditions in May, June and July. I can't remember such a difference between unripe straw and the ripe grain in the ears above. Slower forward speed also gives the operator a chance to make header adjustments without being overly rushed. It's not been a season for huge average tonnes per hour thoughput, but we still consistantly managed spot rates through the crop of 75 / 85 tph with a 103 tph when cutting high. Given the performance of the 10.5m, and the existing Lexion 600 features of chopper spread width, 200 tph grain elevator, increased axle strength; the Lexion 600 with this header, is a much more balanced machine in terms of correct matching up of the individual components. One welcome upgrade is to the header trailer, which is often overlooked. The new trailer has a single main support axle, and bogey setup at the tow end, with much larger tyres which not only take the weight, but being larger diameter, don't overheat causing punctures. Dropping the header on the trailer dead square can be a bit testing, and some lining up indicators might be useful, particularly at the ends, as it only takes a few degrees out of square for the header to resist sitting in the cradle correctly.
Overall a great success.
Simon Collins