New CLAAS four-rotor swathers with working widths from 9.30 m to 15.00 m

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.