New SUNSPEED sunflower headers from CLAAS: row-independent up to 11.90 m working width

CLAAS is introducing three new SUNSPEED headers with working widths from 7.50 to 11.90 metres for row-independent sunflower harvesting. These are fully integrated into the CEBIS operating system and are characterised by a wide range of adjustment options.

When harvesting sunflowers, different row widths can be a challenge, especially for contractors. Thanks to their shuttle design and clever setting options, the three new SUNSPEED picking attachments from CLAAS can be used in different row widths and a wide variety of sunflower varieties and also enable performance-optimising settings to be made during operation in heterogeneous harvesting conditions.

Shuttles adjustable without tools
To adapt the SUNSPEED picking attachments to different varieties with shorter or longer stems and different head sizes, the 1.60 m long shuttles can be adjusted without tools. Each shuttle has a pull-out plate for this purpose, which can be used to continuously adjust the distance between 4.0 and 6.5 cm depending on the length of the stem and the size of the sunflower head. To do this, a screw at the tip of the shuttle is loosened without tools and the respective plate is moved parallel to the side by pulling or pushing the tip. The shape of the shell with raised edges effectively reduces harvesting losses and enables high harvesting speeds, while the CLAAS knife bar always ensures a reliable cutting process. This enables enormous daily outputs to be realised.

Variable reel with reinforced blades and adjustable reel bonnet
The speed and height of the reel can be adjusted hydraulically while the machine is travelling in order to respond to heterogeneous harvesting conditions. Both functions can also be assigned to the CMOTION ground speed control lever on the LEXION and TRION thanks to the full integration of the SUNSPEED functions into CEBIS.

The reinforced reel blades effectively clear the crop from the gaps between the shuttles and, thanks to their spiral arrangement, guide the sunflower heads evenly into the conveyor auger made of 5 mm thick sheet steel. The reel bonnet with adjustable inclination angle bends the plants forwards, gently pushing the head downwards and cutting it precisely without a stem.

The fingers in the centre section of the conveyor auger can be replaced if worn, and the number of fingers and the distance between them can be changed depending on the conditions of use. The snapping roller can be dismantled if shorter stubble is required and the stubble is to be harvested and chopped as well.

The most important new features of the SUNSPEED sunflower picker attachments at a glance:

• Three working widths: 7.50, 9.40 and 11.90 metres.
• Row-independent harvesting thanks to the structure and width of the shuttles with adjustable gap widths (tool-free gap adjustment from 4.0 to 6.4 cm).
• Bowl-shaped shuttle to reduce grain loss at the picker.
• Reel speed and height can be adjusted at the touch of a button while the operator is travelling.
• Adjustable reel bonnet for optimum adaptation to different varieties.
• Reinforced reel knives and CLAAS knife bar.
• Snapping roller can be dismantled.
• Full integration in CEBIS and CMOTION operation of LEXION and TRION.