For 2010 two new mower conditioners, the Disco 8400C Contour and Disco 9100C Contour, have been added to the Claas triple-mower range.
The addition of these two new butterfly-type triple mowers gives customers the option of five conditioner and two non-conditioner triple or butterfly models to choose from with working widths from 8.10-9.10m.
On both the new 8.10m Disco 8400C Contour and 8.90m Disco 9100C Contour mower conditioners, in order to reduce weight loading, and hence compaction, in addition to using higher strength materials, the mounting system for the outer two rear-mounted units is designed so that the mowers are positioned as close to the tractor as possible to reduce axle loading.
The two outer units are centrally suspended and incorporate the Claas Active-Float hydro-pneumatic suspension system. Depending on ground conditions, this system allows the operator to adjust the suspension pressure from the cab, so ensuring a clean cut and minimal risk of crop soil contamination.
The outer units also incorporate an automatic breakback feature where, due to the 15-degree mounting of the pivot arm, when an obstruction is hit the whole mower unit swings back and lifts to avoid potential damage.
All three mower units utilise the well-proven Claas conditioner unit that is fitted with rubber-mounted steel tines. To further reduce wilting time, if required a full width spreader hood is also optionally available that allows the crop to be spread across the full width of the mower.
Both mowers use the Claas P-Cut cutterbar, which is designed to achieve an extremely even and clean cut. Drive to the discs is through a smooth running, low wear transmission using large diameter gearwheels, with an individual drive system for each cutting disc.
The cutting discs themselves are set lower in the cutterbar for a cleaner cut and improved crop flow, and are mounted in a new, high strength sealed double tapered roller bearing assembly.
The P-Cut cutterbar itself is manufactured from high strength steel, and incorporates robust cutterbar skids underneath with Hardox inserts between each skid. In addition, the design is such that groves on the underside of the cutterbar funnel away any built-ups of earth for a cleaner cut.
In addition, each cutting disc is protected by the unique SafetyLink drive protection system, where defined shear points prevent gear and cutterbar damage should an object be hit.
As standard the cutting discs use the Claas quick knife release system, in which the knives are held in place using a spring leaf to ensure that damaged or worn blades can be quickly and simply replaced without using tools.
For more information visit: www.claas.co.uk.
