A new 10.9 metre unloading auger and improvements to the 12.3m variable cutterbar mark upgrades to the Claas Lexion 700 harvesters making them ideal for 12m controlled traffic farming systems.

Claas Lexion product manager, Jono Ham, says the new 7XL unloading auger, available on 2017 delivery machines, was developed to meet the needs of CTF tramlines.

“Until now, chaser bins have been unable to follow these tramlines because the unloading auger on most harvesters had insufficient reach.

“This means it’s not uncommon to have upwards of 70 tonnes of tractor, chaser bin and grain travelling off the tramline,” he said.

“The 10.9m reach of the 7XL auger means tractors and chaser bins can now be driven along exactly the same track created by the harvester.”

The new auger features a 2.11m folding end-piece mounted to the existing 8.8m Claas 4XL auger, previously the largest available.

Operated using the CMOTION multifunction lever, the end-piece folds 120 degrees around the rear of the harvester during transport.

A safety mechanism means it can only be folded or unfolded when the unloading auger tube has been extended to its operating position.

The grain bin has been strengthened to accommodate the extra load.

The Vario 1230 variable cutterbar, which allows direct heading of cereal and canola crops, has also been improved.

“With a true cut of 12.27m, the Vario 1230 is ideal for controlled traffic farming systems,” Mr Ham said.

“Vario allows the distance between the knife bar and the intake auger to be adjusted on-the-go to suit different crops and harvesting conditions.

“On existing models, the table length can be extended from -10cm to +20cm for cereals and up to +50cm for direct cutting canola via the addition of manually-fitted filler plates.

“On 2017 delivery models, the table length can be infinitely adjusted over a range from -10 cm to +60 cm and the cutterbar table incorporates integrated canola plates,” Mr Ham said.

“This new design also means side-knives can be fitted without tools, saving considerable time.”

Claas says the new design increases throughput, flexibility and ease of operation across a range of harvesting conditions and crops.

Mr Ham said the improvements add to the Lexion’s CTF suitability.

“The majority of Lexion harvesters are now sold with the optional Terra Trac tracked assembly,” he said.

“This technology has proven its worth over the past six years in allowing smoother, faster operation, improving access in wet conditions and reducing soil compaction.

“The 635, 735 or 890mm wide rubber tracks and three-metre centres are ideal for controlled traffic programs,” he said.

“The hydraulic suspension and automatic leveling reduces sway, particularly when operating wide fronts at high speeds.”