CLAAS expands new ORBIS generation

The new generation of CLAAS maize front attachments for the JAGUAR is expanding again with the addition of the ORBIS 450 and the ORBIS 600 with large discs. The line-up stands for optimal crop flow, high efficiency and operational reliability. The tilting frame concept reduces weight and increases resistance to wear while the innovative folding system ensures that the front attachments are ready for use in a matter of seconds.

With a working width of 6.0 m, the new ORBIS 600 is equipped with large-diameter discs which make it ideal for medium to tall maize crops. The ORBIS 450 with a 4.5 m working width rounds out the lower end of the new generation of front attachments. In 2018, CLAAS had previously presented the ORBIS 600 SD with small discs, for low to medium-height maize crops, and the ORBIS 750. In both models, the proven V-shaped crop flow results in excellent operating reliability, even in variable maize stands.

The redesigned guide fingers ahead of the knives ensure low-loss crop take-up. The points can be removed when harvesting laid maize. The knives, which have a new, crescent-shaped blade, deliver excellent cutting quality in all crops.

Tilting frame with T-panels
The new tilting frame concept ensures centred feeding of the crop to the precompression rollers of the JAGUAR. This robust component provides optimal absorption of the loads associated with the front attachment. Depending on the harvesting conditions, the mounting angle of the tilting frame can be set to one of two positions. AUTO CONTOUR offers active control of lateral compensation and ensures precise control of the stubble height across the entire working width. This system is fitted as standard in the ORBIS 750 and is available as an option for the ORBIS 600 and 600 SD models.

Newly designed, modular T-panels support the drive train and the discs. The new frame design enables low, even cutting without dirt adhesion. The T-panels are press-hardened and therefore dimensionally stable and resistant to wear. This ensures that the gear units are protected against wear and structural loads.

New folding system: ready for action in next to no time
The folding concept for these models has been completely redesigned with the aim of reducing folding times to a significant degree in order to keep setup times to a minimum. In the case of the ORBIS 600, 600 SD and 450 models, the side units both fold up towards the centre line of the machine, while those of the ORBIS 750 fold over each other symmetrically. This compact folding function offers the operator excellent visibility during road travel. All the models have a transport width of 3.0 m, which makes for more straightforward licensing.

In order to comply with the statutory requirements, an integrated transport system is available for the ORBIS 600 and higher. The system is operated conveniently from the cab. Once the transport system has been activated on the road, two transport wheels support the main load of the front attachment in order to comply with the permissible axle loads for the JAGUAR. Integrated vibration damping ensures smooth and comfortable road travel at up to 40 km/h. The system enables fast and safe transfers between fields and avoids unnecessary setup procedures.

Drive concept for top-quality chopped material
The drive concept is perfectly matched to both the JAGUAR 900 and the JAGUAR 800 model series and ensures top-quality chopped material. The overall speed of the maize front attachments is controlled via a two-speed gearbox. An additional three-speed gearbox for the intake drums enables perfect coordination of the crop flow. The automatic function for the variable front attachment drive in the JAGUAR 900 allows the crop flow to be optimised conveniently from the cab.

The small number of gearboxes and the effective power transmission keep the energy requirement low and so makes for extremely efficient operation. Furthermore, the oil-change intervals have been extended to 2,500 hours or 5 years with a positive effect on maintenance costs as a consequence.

Every ORBIS is equipped as standard with a communication module which transmits data from the front attachment to the forage harvester and stores the JAGUAR settings. The settings are retained, even after the front attachment has been changed, thereby saving time and avoiding operating errors.