Press release

New CLAAS four-rotor swathers with working widths from 9.30 m to 15.00 m

CLAAS has launched the next-generation of four-rotor rakes with three completely redesigned models. The distinctive features of this new range include a low transport height, excellent ground-contour following by the rotors and ease of handling.

CLAAS has long been a leading supplier of rotary rakes and the revamped portfolio for 2022 features three newly updated four-rotor rakes with working widths from 9.30 metres up to 15 metres. Resigned from the ground up, these new models offer numerous innovative features and unique functions to make life easier for users and guarantee premium forage quality combined with high work rates.

Overview of the new LINER four-rotor rakes from CLAAS

LINER

Working width

Rotor diameter

Tine arms per rotor

LINER 4900 BUSINESS

10.10 - 15.00 m

3800 mm

14

LINER 4800 BUSINESS

9.30 - 13.60 m

3500 mm

12

LINER 4700 TREND

9.30 - 12.70 m

3300 mm

12

 

 

 

 

Sturdy main frames, internally routed lines and patented telescopic arms

The backbone of the new LINER models is the innovative main frame made from high-strength steel with a geometry resembling that of a telescopic crane. The enormous cross-section combined with the trapezoid profile absorbs forces evenly to guarantee exceptional stability, as proven by extensive endurance tests performed both on the test rig and in the field. The control block, electronics module and hydraulic valves are located on the inside of the chassis, where they are well protected.

Unlike the previous models, the telescopic arms extend and retract by mean of a three stage patented system comprising of a C profile and slide rails, enabling very rapid adjustment of the working width. On the BUSINESS models the arms can be retracted individually and on the TREND models in pairs. All models provide generous ground clearance and a large clearance height.

Working widths can be adjusted by 3.40 to 4.90 m depending on the model, with working widths across the entire series ranging from 9.30 to 15 m. Swath widths can be adjusted from 1.30 – 2.20 m (LINER 4700), 1.40 – 2.40 m (LINER 4800) and 1.40 – 2.50 m (LINER 4900). On the BUSINESS models the swath width can be hydraulically adjusted using the control terminal, making it very easy for the driver.

On the TREND model, the swath width can be adjusted in transport position without tools using a spring-loaded lever and hole matrix.

All four rotors are driven mechanically and thus efficiently and directly by PTO. This increases the raking force by up to 50 percent compared with hydraulic drives. All rotors are fitted with individual friction clutches to protect against overload – they respond more smoothly than cam clutches and allow work to continue non-stop even during load peaks. 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.

Rotor drive housing with long-lasting cam track

The rotor diameter, number of tines and rotor speed are identical on the front and rear rotors. This enables optimum interplay between the front, wide-raking rotors and the rear rotors, which handle a larger volume of forage, to ensure maximum throughput and uniform swathing.

The LINER 4700 has 3.30 m diameter rotors while those of the LINER 4800 are 3.50 m in diameter both with 12 tine arms. The LINER 4900 has 3.80 m diameter rotors and 14 tine arms – two more than the smaller models. With a diameter of 57 mm, the tine arm bearings are also designed for maximum loads. The continuously lubricated Profi rotor drive assemblies are hermetically sealed and have a long-lasting, wear-resistant cam track made from ductile cast iron. The large cam bearings run smoothly in an oil bath with virtually no friction.

New cardan suspension for unique ground-contour following

All four rotors on the new LINER four-rotor swathers feature a redesigned floating cardan suspension system which enables them to move in three dimensions with the greatest possible degree of freedom as the rotors are pulled along the field.

The patented GRASS CARE rotor guidance system with dual springs ensures smooth rotational movement even at high ground speeds. The two systems combined mean that only 20 percent of the weight is applied to the front rotor wheels, enabling optimum ground-contour following by the rotors.

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. On both the BUSINESS and TREND versions, the front and rear rotors can be raised and lowered in succession by sequential control. The BUSINESS models also have a programmable individual rotor lift function.

The LINER 4700 and 4800 are fitted with a four-wheel chassis as standard while the 4900 has a 6 wheel system on all four rotors as standard, which is an option for the two smaller versions. The wheels are positioned close to the circle of rotation of the tines to ensure smooth rotor guidance and optimum ground-contour following. The two rear chassis wheels on all rotors are freely rotating. To provide optimum sward protection, wide 9.5 inch tyres instead of the standard 6.5 inch are optionally available for the rotor chassis for extremely precise and gentle rotor guidance.

The new chassis design combined with the cardan suspension with generous three-dimensional rotational movement ensures outstanding ground-contour following even on uneven ground. The result is optimum raking performance with minimal forage contamination. The raking height can be easily read off the scale on the rotor’s central shaft and quickly adjusted by means of a crank handle on the rotors. Hydraulic rake height adjustment for all four rotors controlled from the cab with storage of up to four rake heights is optionally available for the BUSINESS models.

The tine arms are firmly attached by the 20-spline shaft with no play and secured with a PROFIX bracket. Inserting and removing the tine arms is quick and very straightforward, and in the event of a collision they can be quickly replaced – while the integrated predefined bending point provides optimum protection for the rotor housing. The dual tines fitted on the tine arm are secured with a bolt to reduce the risk of breakage.    Should a breakage occur, the retainer reliably prevents the tine from flying off. Each tine arm is fitted with four 9.5 mm thick dual tines. The double-angle silage tine is kinked at an angle of 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.

Compact on the road

The telescopic arms are fully retracted and folded up at 90 degrees to the main frame for road travel. Once the main frame has been hydraulically lowered, the 4.0 m transport height is achieved without having to remove the tine arms. This reduces setup times since the machine can be folded into transport position and unfolded into working position in a matter of seconds without having to step down from the tractor.

The telescopic arms have an automatic transport lock which unlocks hydraulically in the BUSINESS models. Large main frame tyres with diameters up to 1240 mm ensure safe travel on roads and field tracks at up to 40 km/h and soil-friendly turning at the headland. Furthermore, even with 800/35 R22.5 tyres – the largest main frame tyres on the market – the transport width of new LINER four-rotor swathers remains below 3.0 m.

The new 2-point hitch with a maximum turning angle of 80 degrees allows for tight turning manoeuvres. The rear lighting arms pivot to allow for negotiating narrow field entrances, and these lights then automatically reset into position once passed an obstacle.

Enhanced operating functions for BUSINESS

The LINER 4700 TREND is operated conventionally and directly via the tractor spool valves with the PLUS control on the CEMIS 10 control unit using six back-lit hard keys for preselection operation. This allows individual front rotor lift and lower via the tractor spool valves or via function buttons on the tractor control lever for example.

The LINER 4800 BUSINESS and the top-of-the-range LINER 4900 BUSINESS have load-sensing hydraulics as standard and can be optionally operated using an ISOBUS universal terminal or tractor ISOBUS terminal, the CEMIS 700 ISOBUS terminal or the new CEMIS 100. With the BUSINESS models, a thumb screw is provided on the hydraulic block to switch the hydraulic circuit between open and closed.

A semiautomatic stand and parking bracket with colour-coded hydraulic hose connections simplifies the attachment and removal of the new LINER four-rotor swathers.