Designed to eliminate strips of uncut grass when turning, Claas and fellow German firm Sauter have jointly developed a swivelling front linkage system for use with front mounted mowers.
Particularly useful for corners of fields, mowing around obstacles or compensating for side slopes, the system uses a pair of hydraulic, side shifting, lower link arms. These consist of a clever arrangement of parallel linkages, which give a turning effect of the mower when the hydraulics are activated.
Though several manufacturers have come up with 鈥榯urning' front linkages before, such as Valtra and New Holland, Claas reckons it is the simplicity and interchangeability which sets this new swivelling linkage apart.
As an alternative to just relying on a rear, triple mower's working width mechanism and/or a rear hydraulic stabiliser arm, the new system is capable of swivelling 30cm to either the left or the right. A double acting spool valve is required to operate the swivelling movement, with all control done manually.
To fit the system, it is only the main portion of the link arms which need swapping - essentially, the piece of the link arm which folds vertically for transport, is the piece which needs swapping. This also enables retrofitting without major space restrictions, says the manufacturer.
Though slightly heavier, link arm geometry stays the same, with the overall link arm length the same, as well as the lift capacity.
The kit does not require any structural changes to the tractor or front mower, which means that both new and older mower units of all types are suitable for operation with the retrofitting kit.
Lower link kits are pre-fitted for use with Claas Disco mowers and are suitable for use with the manufacturer's Axion 800 and 900 series tractors, as well as Fendt 700, 800 and 900 series models. More tractor makes and models are to follow, with Sauter currently concentrating on the 200hp-plus tractor market - tractors likely to be used with triple mowers.
For transport, the swivelling lower links are secured by a locking block, to prevent them moving sideways, and can be folded upwards and fixed in place like normal lower links when they are not needed.
The swivelling hitch is available in limited supply for 2020 and full available in 2021. Claas' dealer network is responsible for ordering direct from Sauter and for installation.
