New CLAAS four-rotor swathers with working widths from 9m to 15 meters

Bad Saulgau/Harsewinkel, 7 September 2021. CLAAS has launched the next-generation four-rotor swathers with four completely redesigned models. The distinctive features of this new range include a low transport height, excellent ground-contour following by the rotors and ease of handling.

CLAAS is a leading supplier of rotary swathers. The revamped portfolio features four newly updated four-rotor swathers. Resigned from the ground up, the models offer numerous innovative features and unique functions to make life easier for users and guarantee premium forage quality combined with high work rates.

Overview of the new LINER four-rotor swathers from CLAAS

Sturdy main frames, internally routed lines and patented telescopic arms

The backbone of the new LINER models is the innovative main frame made from high-strength steel with a geometry resembling that of a telescopic crane. The enormous cross-section combined with the trapezoid profile absorbs forces evenly to guarantee exceptional stability, as proven by extensive endurance tests performed on the test rig and in the field. The control block, electronics module and hydraulic valves are located on the inside of the chassis, where they are well protected.

Unlike the predecessor models, the telescopic arms extend and retract by mean of a three-stage patented system comprising of a C profile and slide rails, enabling very rapid adjustment of the working width. In the BUSINESS models the arms can be retracted individually and in the TREND models in pairs. All models provide generous ground clearance and a large clearance height thanks to the top/raised linkage.

Working widths can be adjusted by 3.40 to 4.90 m depending on the model, with working widths across the entire series ranging from 9.30 to 15 m. Swath widths can be adjusted from 1.30 – 2.20 m (LINER 4700), 1.40 – 2.40 m (LINER 4800) and 1.40 – 2.50 m (LINER 4900). In the BUSINESS models the swath width can be hydraulically adjusted by ISOBUS operation and several swath widths can be stored in the terminal for optimum convenience. In the TREND models, the swath width can be adjusted in transport position without tools using a spring-loaded lever and hole matrix.

All four rotors are driven mechanically and thus efficiently and directly by PTO. This increases the raking force by up to 50 percent compared with hydraulic drives. All rotors are fitted with individual friction clutches to protect against overload – they respond more smoothly than cam clutches and allow work to continue non-stop even during load peaks. The shaft speed in the two Y-gearboxes on the main frame has been reduced from 540 to 350 rpm to protect the drivetrain. The freewheel of the drive shaft is positioned directly inside the Y-gearbox, enabling the rotors to rotate freely in transport position.

Rotor drive housing with long-lasting cam track

The rotor diameter, number of tines and rotor speed are identical on the front and rear rotors. This enables optimum interplay between the front, wide-raking rotors and the rear rotors, which handle a larger volume of forage, to ensure maximum throughput and uniform swathing. The LINER 4700 has 3.30 m diameter rotors while those of the LINER 4800 are exactly 3.50 m in diameter. The LINER 4900 has 3.80 m diameter rotors and 14 tine arms – two more than the smaller models. With a diameter of 57 mm, the tine arm bearings are also designed for maximum loads. The continuously lubricated Profi rotor drive assemblies are hermetically sealed and have a long-lasting, wear-resistant cam track made from ductile cast iron. The large cam bearings run smoothly in an oil bath with virtually no friction.

New cardan suspension for unique ground-contour following

All four rotors on the new LINER four-rotor swathers feature a redesigned floating cardan suspension system which enables them to move in three dimensions with the greatest possible degree of freedom as the rotors are pulled across the field. The patented GRASS CARE rotor guidance system with dual springs ensures smooth rotational movement even at high ground speeds. The two systems combined mean that only 20 percent of the weight is applied to the front rotor wheels, enabling optimum ground-contour following by the rotors. When the rotor arms are lowered, the rear rotor wheels touch down first, producing a ‘jet effect’ that prevents the tines from digging in and damaging the grass sward. In both the BUSINESS and TREND version, the front and rear rotors can be raised and lowered in succession by sequential control. The BUSINESS models also have a programmable individual rotor lift function.

All four rotors are fitted with a four-wheel chassis as standard. The wheels are positioned close to the circle of rotation of the tines to ensure smooth rotor guidance and optimum ground-contour following. The two rear chassis wheels on all rotors are freely rotating. All four rotors can be optionally fitted with a six-wheel chassis. With this option, the rear rotor wheels are replaced with pendulum axles. To provide optimum sward protection, wide tyres are optionally available for the rotor chassis for extremely precise and gentle rotor guidance. The new chassis design combined with the cardan suspension with generous three-dimensional rotational movement ensures outstanding ground-contour following even on slightly uneven ground. The result is optimum raking performance with minimal forage contamination. The raking height can be easily read off the scale on the rotor’s central shaft and quickly adjusted by means of a crank handle on the rotors. Hydraulic rake height adjustment for all four rotors controlled from the cab with storage of up to four rake heights is optionally available for the BUSINESS models.

The tine arms are firmly attached by the 20-spline shaft with no play and secured with a PROFIX bracket. Inserting and removing the tine arms is quick and very straightforward, and in the event of a collision they can be quickly replaced – while the integrated predefined bending point provides optimum protection for the rotor housing. The dual tines with windings are fitted on the tine arm and secured with a bolt to reduce the risk of breakage. Should a breakage occur, the retainer reliably prevents the tine from flying off. Each tine arm is fitted with four 9.5 mm thick dual tines. The double-angle silage tine is kinked at an angle of 10 degrees to create a 10 mm long trailing end to help lift the crop from the ground. This design ensures gentle and effective raking performance and optimal swath formation.

Compact on the road

The telescopic arms are fully retracted and folded up at 90 degrees to the main frame for road travel. Once the main frame has been hydraulically lowered, the 4.0 m transport height is achieved without having to remove the tine arms. This reduces setup times since the machine can be folded into transport position and unfolded into working position in a matter of seconds without having to step down from the tractor. The front rotor suspension automatically locks in transport position for smooth road travel. The telescopic arms have an automatic transport lock which unlocks hydraulically in the BUSINESS models. Large main frame tyres with diameters up to 1240 mm ensure safe travel on roads and field tracks at up to 40 km/h and soil-friendly turning at the headland. Furthermore, even with 800/35 R22.5 tyres – the largest main frame tyres on the market – the transport width of new LINER four-rotor swathers remains below 3.0 m

The new 2-point hitch with a maximum turning angle of 80 degrees allows for tight turning manoeuvres. The rear lighting arms fold inwards to allow adjustments to be made or for negotiating narrow field entrances, and the lights then automatically reset once past the obstacle.

Enhanced operating functions for BUSINESS

The TREND models are operated conventionally and directly via the tractor spool valves or optionally via the PLUS control on the CEMIS 10 control unit using six back-lit hard keys for preselection operation. Combined with the tractor sequential management and electrohydraulic spool valves, this enables functions to be automated using the tractor's intelligence.

The LINER 4800 BUSINESS and the top-of-the-range LINER 4900 BUSINESS with load-sensing hydraulics as standard can be optionally operated by ISOBUS universal terminal or tractor ISOBUS terminal, the CEMIS 700 ISOBUS terminal or the new CEMIS 100. On the CEMIS 100, the operator has ten back-lit hard keys and a monochrome display for controlling individual functions and for monitoring purposes. With the BUSINESS models, a thumb screw is provided on the hydraulic block to switch the hydraulic circuit between open and closed.

A semiautomatic stand and parking bracket with colour-coded hydraulic hose connections simplifies the attachment and removal of the new LINER four-rotor swathers.

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About CLAAS

CLAAS (www.claas-group.com) is a family business founded in 1913 and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery. The company, with Head Office in Harsewinkel, Westphalia, is the European market leader for combine harvesters. CLAAS is the global market leader for another large product group: self-propelled forage harvesters. CLAAS also holds the top spots in global agricultural technology with its tractors as well as its agricultural balers and grassland harvesting machines. Cutting-edge agricultural information technology also forms part of its product range. CLAAS employs more than 11,400 staff worldwide and in 2020 generated a turnover of 4.04 billion euros.