CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager – CLAAS JAGUAR and Greenline, Luke Wheeler, says the linkage-mounted VOLTO 65, 55 and 45 have operating widths of 6.4, 5.2 and 4.5 metres, respectively. “These tedders are ideal for small to medium-sized farms that use their own machinery,” Luke says. “They are professional machines that provide reliable operation in small, awkwardly-shaped fields or on hilly terrain.”

The VOLTO 55 features rotors with a diameter of 1.7 m, while the VOLTO 45 and 65 have a rotor diameter of 1.5 m. Just like their larger counterparts, the new models will utilise the proven MAX SPREAD crop flow concept. “Compared to conventional tedding systems, MAX SPREAD causes the spreading arms to work considerably longer in the direction of travel, thereby increasing crop pick-up,” Luke says. “The tines distribute the crop evenly right across the maximum operating width, regardless of the working speed.

“This allows higher travel speeds and higher performance, and thanks to the lower engine speed, reduced fuel consumption. The crop flows between the rotors in almost straight lines, which means even leafy crops such as lucerne can be tedded without any problems.”

The new models will also incorporate the patented PERMALINK finger clutch between the transmission systems. “This maintenance-free system delivers full power transfer in all working positions,” Luke says. “PERMALINK enables folding movements of up to 180 degrees, ensuring a compact transport position.”

The power drawbar, which has adjustable sensitivity, ensures clean and safe working on difficult, hilly terrain. “It allows smooth trailing when turning and prevents machine overrun when travelling downhill,” Luke says. The machine is automatically centred when the power drawbar is raised. “The drawbar remains active during road transport and transfers the weight of the machine to the lower linkage,” he says. “This takes the weight off the carrier frame and fixes the machine in position.”

All models have a lift function via a single-acting hydraulic ram and a wire cable for transport locking. Other standard features include an integrated holder for the universal drive shaft, parking position for the hydraulic hose and flexible protective frame brackets. 

Options include a night swathing gearbox, a guide wheel and an edge-tedding crop guard for clean field edges.

The new models complete the revamped VOLTO series, which has 13 models up from 4.5 to right up to 13 metres.