CLAAS has added four new VOLTO models to the top end of the tedder product range and introduced numerous innovative solutions. A particular highlight is the TS version with self-steering chassis in the working position, available for both working widths.
Up until now, the CLAAS tedder programme covered working widths from 4.50 to 13.00 m. Now four new top-of-the-range models have been added to the VOLTO series. The VOLTO 1500 T with a working width of 15.10 m joins the new VOLTO 1300 T. These new high-performance tedders feature a new frame and chassis concept with optimal ground-contour following and soil protection, very simple operation and folding geometry, optimised rotor guidance in the form of multi-functional XXL chassis/guide wheels with a diameter of 1,050 m, and a completely re-engineered, stronger PERMALINK drive. Furthermore, small MAX SPREAD rotors guarantee first-class crop pick-up and uniform wide distribution. Thanks to the new frame concept, both working widths are also available in the TS version with innovative self-steering chassis.
Large working widths, small rotor diameters and MAX SPREAD rotor design: the new VOLTO 1300 T / TS and 1500 T / TS stand for outstanding efficiency and quality of work.
The slender central frame with innovative Y-axle beam and individual wheel suspension combines several advantages: the long swing arm in relation to the rotor frame achieves unrivalled ground clearance during lifting. Yet the rotor frame’s centre of gravity remains close to the axles, ensuring maximum stability at the headland – even on uneven ground. The wide axle with large tyres minimises rolling movements when the rotor frame is raised and ensures smooth, safe road travel. The compact length and height improve visibility to the rear and make it easier to negotiate tight bends and narrow spaces in the yard, machinery shed or field.
The TS versions of the VOLTO 1300 and VOLTO 1500 are equipped with a unique self-steering chassis. This enables tight bends and headland manoeuvres to be negotiated without lifting the rotors. It also prevents distortion between the chassis and rotor frames, as well as damage to the sward caused by the rotor wheels. When the rotor frame is raised, the chassis wheels automatically align in the direction of travel.
Tyre sizes from standard 15/70-18 to optional 500/55-20 with 1,055 mm diameter guarantee soil-friendly driving and tedding on grassland with the rotor frame raised on grassland and safe road travel even at higher speeds. This makes them ideal for farms with damp, vulnerable grassland. The chassis wheels are multi-functional, also serving as guide wheels and effectively preventing the rotor tines from sinking into the soil.
Large chassis wheels protect the soil by guiding the tedder gently and lightly over the ground. In the TS version, the wheels are equipped with positive steering for even greater manoeuvrability and sward protection.
The new high-performance tedders also feature tried and tested rotor engineering: the MAX SPREAD technology with spreader arms angled at 29.3° has demonstrated its capabilities in many different conditions worldwide. It ensures maximum raking performance with a cleaner rake and optimal spread even in damp, heavy crops. The VOLTO 1300 T/TS has 12 rotors, each with a 1.50 m diameter and six spreading arms, while the VOLTO 1500 T/TS has 14 rotors of the same design. The small diameter and double hinge on the rotor frame ensure first-class pick-up even on uneven terrain. The spreading angle can be adjusted from 12 to 16 degrees on the rotors without tools, while a crank handle on the left of the chassis frame provides central adjustment of the raking height. A scale on the lifting ram support acts as a guide. A hydraulically operated edge-tedding crop guard is optionally available.
The PERMALINK drive has been re-engineered for continuous peak performance from a working width of 13 to 15.10 metres. The development involved several thousand hours of testing both in the field and on the test rig, and focussed on customer satisfaction as well as maximum reliability. The completely redesigned PERMALINK HD finger clutch and modular, oil-filled rotor drives are the stand-out features that set it apart from other drives on the market. The shaft speed has been increased by 50 per cent to reduce the torque on the drive shafts. At the same time, the finger clutches have been reinforced and fitted with new, larger bearings. As before, they enable 180-degree folding with full power transmission. In addition, the rotors have been given new encapsulated drives, extending maintenance intervals to several years.
No terminal is needed to operate the two VOLTO large-scale tedders. A single-acting tractor spool valve controls the lift ram, a double-acting one controls folding and unfolding of the rotor frame. No awkward cables or stabiliser rods are required, nor is it necessary to switch the hydraulics. The VOLTO 1300 T/TS and VOLTO 1500 T/TS fold to a width of under 3.00 metres – in transport position the rotors lie on the chassis frame with an overall height of just 3.29 metres and a very low centre of gravity. Supported by the wide track and the large chassis wheels, this ensures safe, fast manoeuvring on roads and lanes.
