A week ago (August 10), AgriLand brought you news of updates to Lexion 700 series hybrid (rotary/straw-walker) and 600 series straw-walker combines from Claas.
These updates promise greater levels of output-boosting automation, along with a special app advising operators how to, for example, estimate losses.
Using a smart-phone, if an operator has a particular problem or wants advice on how to improve efficiency and throughput, they can use the app to find hints and suggestions.
Also Read: New ‘bells and whistles’ touch-screen for Claas LexionThis week, Claas revealed further updates – this time to its Quadrant big square baler line-up.
According to the firm, a number of new options will be available next season for Quadrant 4200, 5200 and 5300 models, including integrated bale weighing and a “high-end” LED lighting system.
In addition, the pull-out knife bank (drawer) will now also be available for the Quadrant 4200 model.
Bale weighing with ‘no loss of time’
Integrated bale weighing will appeal to farmers and contractors who want to keep a close eye on bale quality during the baling operation.
Using scales fitted in the bale ramp, the actual weighing process takes place automatically as part of the formation of each bale. According to Claas, there is “no delay in the baling operation”.
Bales can apparently be weighed at vehicle speeds of up to 20kph. The maximum measurement error under normal working conditions is +/-5kg, says the company.
The driver can read each individual bale weight directly from the ISOBUS control terminal display inside the cab. In addition, all bale weights are saved according to job or area-based records.
Using the Claas Telematics system, it will also be possible to use the bale weight data to generate total area yield data, as well as in-field yield distribution data. Records will be able to show bale location and individual bale weights, along with bale moisture levels.
‘High-end’ lighting
As an option, Quadrant 4200, 5200 and 5300 models can be fitted with a new “high-end” LED lighting system, consisting of seven additional lights. These lights are positioned at key operating points – for example at the drawbar, on the flywheel, on the feed rake and at the end of the bale chamber.
Pull-out knife bank
A new optional feature for the Quadrant 4200 is the pull-out knife bank; it is already available on the 5200 and 5300 ROTOCUT and FINECUT models.
According to Claas, being able to simply pull out the knife bank “dramatically reduces the time required for knife cleaning or to completely change over the knives – from one hour to around 15 minutes”. This time saving, claims the firm, will be a real boon for contractors.
