Northland to Showcase Europe's Best

THE latest offerings from some of Europe’s leading farm machinery manufacturers, including CLAAS, AMAZONE and JCB, will be on show at the CLAAS Harvest Centre display at Northland Field Days.

New JCB Series III Loadall Telehandlers

They include the NZ debut of the all-new series of JCB Loadall telescopic handlers, CLAAS DISCO 10 mowers and CLAAS NEXOS Tier 4 compact tractors.

Boasting a new cab and a host of improvements that further enhance the brand’s renowned performance, efficiency, safety, comfort and serviceability, JCB’s new Series III range comprises six models with lift capacities from 3.2 to 5.6 tonnes and a maximum reach of 6 to 9 metres.

CLAAS Harvest Centre National Sales Manager – NZ, Roger Nehoff, says the new cab raises the bar for comfort and functionality even higher.

“It features the same adjustable steering column, control layout and function-grouped switches found in JCB Fastrac tractors and wheeled loaders,” he says.

“This makes it easier for operators to switch from one type of JCB machine to another and to use each in the most productive way possible.

“A seat-mounted joystick and control pod configuration is standard in the Agri Torque Lock4, Agri Super and Agri Pro specifications. “Overall, the cab is 12 percent larger and 50 percent quieter than the previous model. “The wide door opening and adjustable push-away steering column with working position memory make it easy for operators to enter and exit the cab.

All models are equipped with the 4.4 L JCB EcoMAX engine that delivers 109 hp or 125 hp, while high specification models are fitted with a 4.8 L version delivering 145 hp.

A range of transmissions are available, including a four-speed manual, four-speed automatic, torque lock and a combined dual hydrostatic/powershift model. The Auto Smoothride System engages at speeds of over 4 km/h, improving load retention and comfort when traveling at speed on roads and in the field.

The high capacity hydraulic system delivers a flow rate of 140 L/minute for rapid boom operation. The boom end damping system improves material retention and makes for a smoother work cycle. Hydraulic auxiliary venting can be activated from inside the cab or outside the cab for quick and safe attachment changeover.

The auto bucket control system makes it easier to meter out or fully empty material from the bucket.

 New CLAAS DISCO 10 mowers

CLAAS Harvest Centre site will also unveil the new CLAAS DISCO 10 series of side-mounted rear mowers at Northland Field Days.

Available in six working widths from 2.2 to 3.4 m, the series incorporates the award-winning  MAX CUT cutterbar, which has been progressively introduced across the entire range of DISCO mowers over the past five years.

The cutterbar features a wave-shaped mower bed is press-formed from a single piece of material. “This unique design has become synonymous with cutting quality, operational efficiency and reliability,” Roger says.

“The cutting disc is positioned further forward on the cutterbar, ensuring the largest possible overlap between each disc for optimal cutting quality under all conditions.” “The special shape of the skids and the large channel between them creates a dirt-repelling tunnel effect for clean harvesting. 

“The bolted design of the mower bed and permanent lubrication of all drive components simplify maintenance and guarantee dimensional stability and longevity.”

The new models incorporate a number of other features for maximum efficiency, including centre-of-gravity hitching. “This system ensures that the mower bed has a uniform contact pressure over the entire working width, similar to centre-mounted mowers,” Roger says.

“The line of force of the suspension spring runs exactly through the centre of gravity of the mower unit. “These units can angle up to 45 degrees upwards and 20 degrees downwards.”

All models feature a host of smart features for easy maintenance, easy transport and safe storage, including a safety module and quick blade-change system. “In the event of a collision, the safety module shears at a pre-determined breaking point but the cutting disc is held in the module by an axial bolt and cannot fly off,” Roger says. “The module can be replaced easily and quickly.”

CLAAS NEXOS: Short on stature, big on performance

Also making its debut at Northland is the CLAAS NEXOS series of compact tractors, which now boast Tier 4 engines.

They are available in five models spanning 75 to 112 hp and four different widths ranging from 1 m for use in the narrowest vineyards through to 1.45 m for use in orchard work. “These latest models are more powerful, efficiency, more manoeuvrable and every more versatile in the field,” Roger says.

All models have a smooth and efficient 3.5 four-cylinder FPT engine. Engine speed can be precisely adjusted at the touch of a button for optimal performance of PTO-driven implements.

The new engines have an extended service interval of 600 hours. The latest generation of NEXOS tractors sport the characteristic ‘narrow waist’ found on all CLAAS tractors. “This design feature allows a higher steering lock angle, resulting in a much smaller turning radius,” Roger says.

“The front overhang has been reduced by 88 mm and the wheelbase extended by 50 mm to make the tractors even more manoeuvrable and stable.”
A range of transmissions are available, including powershift and mechanical units that provide 24 forward and reverse gears and a clutchless reverse function.

Optional front suspension, 4WD, linkages, PTO and hydraulic connections provide even more flexibility. PTO is available in conventional 1000 rpm and 540 rpm economy.

The NEXOS cab is surprisingly spacious in every respect, with an enormous volume for a narrow-width tractor. It boasts an outstanding all-round view, thanks to six-pillar cab and large glass windows.

The low transmission tunnel, optimised layout of the controls and digital colour display in the instrument panel afford more space and greater comfort for the driver. Large, wide opening doors and a non-slip step make access to the vehicle safe and convenient.

The cabin has front and rear cable feedthrough, allowing front- and rear-mounted implements to be operated without opening the cab window.

The CLAAS Harvest Centre site at A-B10-11 will also display the complete range of CLAAS AXION 600/500 and ARION 400 tractors and AMAZONE spreading technology.