FWi user Bob Ranger sent us this picture of the new Claas Lexion 780 combining oilseed rape (and dodging showers) at a demonstration near Raynham in Norfolk.

At 598hp, it is the German firm’s biggest combine to date and now has six concaves per rotor – one more than the smaller 770. Grain tank capacity is 12,500 litres.

It also gets Claas’s new automatic adjustment system. Called Cemos Automatic, this changes settings such as rotor speed automatically on the move to minimise the workload of the driver.

Drivers can choose whether settings are adjusted to maximise throughput in tight weather windows, minimise fuel consumption or opt for high threshing quality. There’s also a so-called balanced option, which is a combination of all three settings. The 780 will be on sale for the 2013 harvest.

Look out for full technical details in the 24 August issue of Farmers Weekly.