Originally launched for the 2008 harvest, the Claas Tucano combine range has proved extremely popular with smaller- to medium-sized arable farmers and contractors who want a high-capacity combine, but without all the additional sophistication of the Lexion range.
One of the reasons the Tucano has stood out in the medium-sized sector is the use of the well proven APS threshing system, and more recently the APS Hybrid system, that helps ensure that high outputs can be maintained even in difficult threshing conditions. The ability to also use the Vario cutterbar on the Tucano has also proved extremely popular.
For the 2015 harvest, a completely new range of Tucano models will be available. While remaining true to the principle of providing arable growers with an alternative to the Lexion, the new combines draw on that range for some of its new features in order to further boost output and productivity.
The new Tucano is available in three ranges with a total of six models. Topping the line-up will be the new Tucano 570, which is fitted with an APS Hybrid threshing system. The four-model Tucano 400 range uses the APS system in combination with straw walkers, whilst the Tucano 320 has just a single conventional drum and straw walkers.
The new Claas Tucano line-up
| Tucano | 570 Hybrid | 450 | 440 | 430 | 420 | 320 |
| Threshing mechanism / width | APS / 1,580mm | APS / 1,580mm | APS / 1,580mm | APS / 1,320mm | APS / 1,320mm | Conventional 1,320mm |
| Residual grain separation | Roto Plus | 6 straw walkers | 6 straw walkers | 5 straw walkers | 5 straw walkers | 5 straw walkers |
| Grain tank volume (litres) | 9,000 | 9,000 | 8,500 | 8,000 | 7,500 | 6,500 |
| Discharge performance (lit/sec) | 105 | 105 | 105 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
| Maximum engine power (hp) | 354 | 313 | 286 | 286 | 245 | 245 |
From the outside, the most notable difference is the appearance of the new Tucano range, which more closely follows the Lexion, especially with the adoption of a top-pivot type unloading auger. The main benefit of this is an increase in loading height and discharge speed, which is now about 30 per cent higher, and on the new Tucano 570 Hybrid means that its 9,000-litre tank can be emptied in less than two minutes. This also means that longer discharge augers can now be available, plus it makes access for servicing far easier.
The new Tucano is powered by a Stage IV compatible Mercedes-Benz engine, with the exhaust gasses treated using selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Fresh air for the engine is drawn in through a rotating radiator screen and active pre-separation ensures that fewer particles get into the two air filters.
For difficult or hilly conditions, a new four-wheel-drive axle is available, which uses two central hydrostatic motors integrated into the axle and provides 30 per cent more traction.
As previously, the new Tucano can be used with the complete range of Claas cutterbars, including the new Vario and Cerio models, which are quickly mounted using the simple multi-connector.
On the Tucano 400 and 570 models, the APS threshing system accelerates and subjects the crop to a high centrifugal force so that 30 per cent of the easily threshed grains are removed in the pre-concave, leaving the main drum and concave to handle the harder to thresh grains. Both the accelerator and main drum (and also the impellor on the Tucano 570) are synchronously driven, so that the crop maintains an even flow and speed to avoid damaging the straw.
On all the new Tucano models, the concaves are now adjusted using Cebis and incorporate a hydraulic overload device. The concave is hydraulically pre-tensioned and opens as the pressure increases, after which it returns automatically to the set working gap.
Having passed through the APS threshing system, on the Tucano 400 and 320 models, the remaining grain is separated using either five- or six- straw walkers with the Intensive Separation System (ISS) for efficient separation. The two larger six-walker machines have three-channel sieves, which have the benefit of being stronger, provide greater separation and improved material control.
The Tucano 570 Hybrid uses the APS threshing system in combination with a single 570mm diameter Roto Plus rotor. This wide diameter rotor achieves a high centrifugal force at a low rotor speed, so that maximum secondary separation can be achieved without damaging the straw.
Unlike the previous Tucano 470, which just had six pre-set drum speeds, the drum speed on the new Tucano 570 can be infinitely adjusted over a speed range from 480-920rpm, which is set using Cebis and is adjusted totally separately to the APS rotational speed.
This gives the operator far greater control over grain separation and straw quality, especially if the straw is to be baled. The Roto Plus rotor also features mechanical flap adjustment. Using a lever on the left-hand side of the combine, the first and second concaves can now be closed independently of each other.
As crop conditions change, the operator now has the option to close either the first or both the concaves, so that throughput can be better maintained. This means that in damp conditions, the large separation area can be better used to achieve improved separation of harder to remove grains, or in very dry conditions both concaves can be fully opened for maximum throughput.
Another new feature on the Tucano 570 Hybrid is the electrically operated rotor guide plate, which is controlled using Cebis. Depending on moisture content and the condition of the straw, this allows the operator to quickly and easily ensure that residues are fed centrally into the straw chopper. In addition, in place of the previous manual engagement system, the straw chopper is now automatically engaged electro-hydraulically when the straw plate is folded back.
Other new functions within Cebis include automatic crop settings, with default settings for over 35 different crops. In addition, the operator can also then save their own settings for different crops or varieties, which can be called up at any time. A rear-view camera can also now be integrated into Cebis.
All the main operating and cutterbar functions are controlled using either a multifunction joystick control or the new CMotion ground speed control lever. From the seat, the operator can also easily monitor the grain tank level and the quality of the crop through a wider, centrally positioned grain tank window. The grain tank lids are also now controlled electronically using a switch in the armrest.
All the new Tucano models can be used with the full range of Claas steering systems, using either the latest S7 terminal or more advanced S10 terminal, which can also be used to monitor up to four cameras. As an option, the new GPS Pilot Flex steering wheel is also available, controlled using the S7 terminal.
For more information visit: www.claas.co.uk.
