Claas has introduced a new size of big baler that fits between the existing 3200 and 3400 Quadrant models, targeted at both farmers and contractors.

The new 3300 delivers a bale measuring 120cm x 90cm, filling the gap between the larger 120cm x 100cm and the smaller 120cm x 70cm. Said to be of benefit to both farmers and straw hauliers, the new size means transport is easier and fits in well with trailer limits, while bale density isn’t compromised, says Claas green harvesting specialist Ian Brydson.

The 2.35m wide pick-up and roller crop press is protected by a cam-type slip clutch alongside an oil-hydraulic suspension system, while the 500mm diameter Roto Feed gets a new star arrangement which allows more material to be transferred from the pick-up to the pre-chamber in a shorter time.

The redesigned pre-chamber can be operated either manually or automatically. In automatic, the cam-controlled plunger makes two smaller feeder strokes before a full stroke takes the material into the bale chamber. In manual, the operator can choose between three settings ensuring even fill, before the settings change and one full stroke takes the material into the chamber, he adds. “Lots of smaller strokes work quicker and produce a tighter bale,” he explains.

The driveline now has a speed sensor that trips the overload in the packer clutch, meaning that the pre-chamber never blocks when completely full. A pressure sensor detects when the feed is above 200 bar and stops both the rotor and the pickup.

Like the 3400, the 3300 has six knotters, each which swivel to allow them to grip the twine at any angle. The six knotters are kept clean using the company’s Turbo Fan system, which directs a flow of air equivalent to 140km/hr at each to avoid blockages. Needles are powered in and out of the bale to speed up the process.

With the in-cab Communicator control box, settings can be changed on the move and information such as the size of the last three plunger strokes can be displayed. The display also warns the operator when pressure exceeds the before mentioned 200 bar. The last 20 customer records can be stored, making for improved billing records, too, adds Mr Brydson.

When tested in UK conditions baling barley straw, average weights of 492kg have been achieved, reports the company, and the 3300 will need a tractor with at least 180hp to pull it. It’s possible to opt for single, tandem or steered tandem axles and all are fitted with flotation tyres and Claas’s automatic lubrication system, controlled via the Communicator. Prices are yet to be announced but the 3300 will be available to buy from September.

<B>Liner 3100 and new single rotor rakes</B>

Those looking for an alternative to a four-rotor rake can now opt for a Liner 3100, a wider trailed twin rotor version that offers the equivelant output, according to Mr Brydson.

With working widths from 8.7m to 10m, four 3m swaths can be put into one, ideal for Quadrant balers of mid-sized Foragers.

Each rotor has 14 tine arms with a constantly lubricated hub and Claas’s existing Profix quick change system should an obstacle be encountered.

Cardam suspension and a six-wheel chassis means the rake follows the ground contours at speed and the rotors can be lifted up to 90cm for headland turns. It’s possible to opt for individual rotor lifting if required, says Mr Brydson.

Transport heights are reduced by removing three tine arms which have a nifty storage place on the main frame and transport speeds are possible up to 50km/hr.

Three new three-point linkage mounted single rotor rakes, with working widths from 3.5m to 4.5m were also shown for the first time. Offering smaller operators the benefits of the larger Liner, like the life-time lubricated hub, 20-spline Profix tine mounting system and cast cam track, each of the rotors is mounted on a tandem axle to prevent the rotors coming into contact with soil.

<B>Disco 9100 C Autoswather</B>

For those dealing with crops like lucerne or that need to be swathed straight after mowing, there is now an Autoswather version of the 9100 triple butterfly moco. Although not often used in the UK, Autoswather models prove popular in Ireland, says Claas.

Offering cut widths of 9.1m, each of the two auto swathers can be separately engaged from the cab and for tasks like moving grass away from the headlands to allow for easier raking, an outside grouper can be dropped in place from the cab, too. For heavier crops, it’s possible to take both swathers out of action using the Communicator control box.