CLAAS is expanding its range of tedders with seven new VOLTO and VOLTO T models, positioned below the VOLTO 1500 – 1300 TS series introduced in 2024. In addition to even more user-friendly operation, improved ground contour following and enhanced working quality, particular attention was paid during the development process to the low-maintenance, oil-filled rotor gearboxes, which have been carried over from the larger models. Tried-and-tested features such as the MAX SPREAD crop flow concept with angled tine arms and the HD tines of equal length for layer-by-layer forage collection have been carried over from the previous models, whilst the CKL hydraulic power suspension is now fitted as standard on all three-point models.
In 2024, CLAAS introduced four new top-of-the-range models to the VOLTO tedder range: the 1300, 1500, 1300 TS and 1500 TS, featuring an innovative Y-frame design and, with optional TS variants, self-steering chassis wheels to support the rotor frame when in the working position. These are now followed by seven new VOLTO and VOLTO T tedders with working widths ranging from 6.60 to 10.80 m, which share many technical features with their larger counterparts. Key new features include a new power train with hermetically sealed rotor gearboxes (similar to the VOLTO 1300/1500/1300TS/1500TS), a new rotor wheel mounting with a reinforced rotor shaft and new spreading angle adjustment for spreading angles of up to 18 degrees, as well as reduced hydraulic requirements, a new hydraulic power-flow steering unit (CKL) and KENNFIXX couplings for all hydraulic connections.
When it comes to rotor technology, the new VOLTO and VOLTO T models continue to rely on MAX SPREAD technology – tried and tested worldwide under a wide range of conditions of use – featuring tine arms angled 29.3° behind the main axis. This geometry combines high raking performance with clean raking action to ensure an optimal spread pattern, even with heavy, wet crop. Thanks to the small rotor diameters and the double hinges on the rotor frame, first-class crop pick-up is achieved even on uneven terrain. The crop is picked up layer by layer by the tines, which are all the same length and 9.5 mm thick, ensuring it is mixed and distributed even more consistently. The spreading angle can be adjusted to 12, 16 and 18 degrees without tools using the turning pins on the rotors. An hydraulically operated edge-tedding crop guard is available as an option for boundary spreading.
To ensure consistent top performance, the larger PERMALINK HD drive has been adopted from the larger VOLTO large-area tedders. In addition to maximum reliability, the development focused particularly on reducing maintenance effort and costs. The result: a robust yet lightweight, low-maintenance drive system featuring PERMALINK HD finger clutches – fully power-transmitting up to 180 degrees and proven in high-performance applications – as well as modular, sealed, oil-filled rotary gearboxes designed for multi-year maintenance intervals. The input shaft speed has been increased by 50 per cent to reduce the torque on the drive shafts.
A new, compact, trapezoidal support frame keeps the centre of gravity of the three-point-mounted tedders close to the tractor. This reduces the lifting force required, allowing the tedders to be used with smaller tractors, whilst also providing a better view of the rotors.
The tried-and-tested frame construction with square tubes rotated by 45 degrees has been carried over from the previous generation of VOLTO. These have a wall thickness of 8 mm, thus ensuring long-term operational reliability.
Instead of a mechanical power suspension (CKL – CLAAS power suspension), the VOLTO models with three-point hitch are now, without exception, equipped as standard with a hydraulic CKL. This ensures even smoother tracking behaviour, centres the machine during lifting and after cornering, and also prevents it from rolling backwards on slopes. It also allows for higher cornering speeds and thus greater area output. When being transported on the road, it effectively absorbs road irregularities and vibrations.
