CLAAS unveils next-generation dual rotor swathers

CLAAS’ latest generation of dual-rotor central LINER swathers offer excellent ground-contour following for optimum raking performance with minimal forage contamination.

CLAAS Harvest Centre General Manager – Product, Tim Needham, says the seven new models offer numerous innovative features and functions to ensure premium forage quality. “The GRASS CARE rotor guidance system ensures that the rotors are actively suspended during operation,” he says. “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.”

The two BUSINESS models also incorporate ACTIVE FLOAT rotor suspension and load-sensing hydraulics. “This functions in a similar way to the suspension of the same name in the DISCO CONTOUR disc mowers,” Tim says. “The ground pressure of the rotor can be adapted precisely to the forage quantity and ground conditions by adjusting the suspension pressure. This ensures faster operating speeds and reduces soil contamination. It can be easy adjusted directly on the machine, with a gauge on the main frame indicating the pressure in the hydraulic circuits.”

The LINER 2600 and 2700 use a simple pin-and-hole system to adjust the working width, whereas working and swath width can be adjusted hydraulically on the larger models. Raking height is adjusted by a crank handle on the rotors. Hydraulic rotor height adjustment is available as an option.

The tine arms are firmly attached by a 20-spline shaft and secured with a PROFIX bracket. “Inserting and removing the tine arms is quick and very straightforward,” Tim says. “In the event of a collision, they can be quickly replaced. The integrated pre-defined bending point provides optimum protection for the rotor housing.” Each tine arm is fitted with four 9.5 mm thick dual tines, which are secured via a bolt to prevent the tine from flying off in the event of a collision.

Each pair of tines is offset by 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.

The two rotors are mechanically driven via the PTO, increasing their raking force by up to 50 percent compared with hydraulic drives. 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. Friction clutches protect each rotor against overload and allow work to continue non-stop even during load peaks.

All rotors are fitted with a four-wheel chassis as standard for optimal ground-contour following. The wheels are positioned close to the circle of rotation of the tines to ensure smooth rotor guidance and optimum ground-contour following. The front two chassis wheels are steerable. Six-wheel chassis are optionally available for the LINER  2900 to 2700, and are fitted as standard to the LINER 3100.

The new models are steered by a wide, robust transport axle with zero-play mechanical forced steering. “The steering angle can be mechanically adjusted from a soft to a sharp response and for turning,” Tim says. “The angled position of the wheel mounts ensures that only light steering forces are needed and also makes for perfectly smooth running. Speeds of up to 40 km/h can be achieved on road.”

With the exception of LINER 3100, all models have a transport width of less than 3 m and a transport height of 4 m with tine arms attached.

Overview of the new LINER dual-rotor swathers from CLAAS