New variable cutterbars a cut above

GLOBAL harvesting leader, CLAAS, has announced a number of improvements, including a new reel drive, automatic reel height adjustment, easier access to the stripper bars and mechanically-driven canola knives, to its range of VARIO variable cutterbars. The new features will be fitted as standard on 13.8, 12.3 and 10.8 m models delivered to Australia from 2022 onwards.

Purpose-engineered for CLAAS LEXION combine harvesters, VARIO cutterbars ensure optimum performance in all crops and harvesting conditions by allowing ‘on-the-go’ adjustment of the knife position by up to 70 cm.

CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager – CLAAS LEXION, Steve Reeves, says the improvements will deliver even greater performance, ease of operation and reduced maintenance. “The new reel drive uses a hydraulic driveline, replacing the former chain drive,” he says. “The narrower drive makes it possible to use the full adjustment range of the VARIO table, even with canola knives fitted. An important benefit of having a hydraulic drive is that the maintenance interval has increased from 100 to 500 operating hours.”

The new models also feature a pressure-dependent reel height adjustment that automatically matches the reel speed to ground speed. “A sensor measures hydraulic pressure in the reel drive,” Steve says. “If large crop volumes cause the reel speed to decrease, the reel is automatically raised until the required reel speed is recovered. The reel then automatically lowers to the pre-determined height.” All settings are controlled via the CEBIS operating system.

Another measure to improve operator comfort and convenience is the hydraulic height adjustment of the intake auger. “This allows the operator to adjust the height of the auger by up to 25 mm upwards and 10 mm downwards to adapt to changing harvesting conditions,” Steve says. Once again, this is controlled by the CEBIS terminal inside the cab. “The height adjustment control unit mounted on the cutterbar features a rotary switch that moves the auger into its cleaning and transport positions."

“It also activates work lights on the combine harvester to assist with the fitting and removal of the cutterbar at night. Another rotary switch can be used to manually adjust the auger height, with any adjustment synchronised in the CEBIS terminal.”

The optional mechanically-driven canola knives have an integrated overload clutch and a 50 percent greater cutting force. “This means the front can cope with even the most challenging areas, such as at the edges of fields or those with heavy weed growth,” Steve says. “The knives can be fitted in a matter of seconds without using tools, thanks to the clever plug-in and quick-release couplers. They are also one third lighter than the previous units, making installation even easier.”

Fitting and removing the dividers for grain threshing is also made easier by a new clamping system.