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CLAAS VARIANT variable chamber round balers are renowned for their high output and the density of the bales that they produce, regardless of bale width. For 2011, CLAAS has introduced a new version of the VARIANT baler – the VARIANT PRO, which has the potential to achieve greater output and efficiency.

Four models will be available, all of which feature a 2.1m wide pick-up, four endless high-tensile belts in the bale chamber running at 2.7m/second, a hydraulically operated bale density pressure system and variable core density.

On the VARIANT 360RF PRO and 365RC PRO bale diameter can be varied from 0.9m wide to 1.5m, whilst the VARIANT 380RF PRO and 385RC PRO creates bales up to 1.7m wide. 

Both the VARIANT 360RF and 380RF PRO models feature the ROTO FEED star rotor behind the pick-up to provide a positive flow of material into the bale chamber. The VARIANT 365RC and 385RC PRO versions feature a heavy-duty drive system and the 14-knife ROTO CUT bale chopping system to accurately chop grass silage for greater density and bale quality.

A particular feature of the new VARIANT PRO models is a hydraulically operated floor in the ROTO FEED or ROTO CUT chamber immediately behind the pick-up, which enables blockages to be quickly and simply cleared. This gives the operator the confidence to push the baler to its maximum capacity, so improving efficiency and baling output.

As material flows through the ROTO FEED or ROTO CUT chamber, sensors will automatically detect a potential blockage and trigger both a trip clutch to stop the drive and an alarm to alert the operator.

To clear the blockage, the operator then simply hydraulically lowers the floor, then re-engages the drive so that the blockage can pass safely through to the main bale chamber, prior to closing the floor again and recommencing baling.

As standard, all four PRO models come with the CLAAS Medium Terminal which enables functions such as bale and core density pressure control, total and daily bale counters and bale size adjustment to all be quickly and easily controlled from the cab. As an alternative, the CLAAS COMMUNICATOR terminal is available which allows a wider range of functions to be controlled or automated.