Big leap forward for CLAAS square balers

CLAAS has re-engineered its QUADRANT square balers for increased output and maximum durability. Among other things, the new QUADRANT EVOLUTION now has a new HD pick-up.

The CLAAS QUADRANT is Germany’s top-selling square baler. For the 2022 product year, the QUADRANT 5000 and QUADRANT 4200 series have been given a comprehensive technical upgrade along with the additional designation EVOLUTION.

New pick-up with two cam tracks
The highlight of the QUADRANT EVOLUTION is the new HD pick-up with two cam tracks. This unique design guarantees maximum torsional resistance and exceptional robustness. Furthermore, wear costs have been reduced by increasing the use of highly resilient components borrowed from the CLAAS JAGUAR pick-up and by reworking and strengthening bearings, intake panels and other parts. This has the added bonus of smoother running with reduced noise levels.

The mechanically driven pick-up with five rows of tines and 18 double tines per row has also been tweaked to increase throughput and further improve raking quality. The extra row of tines allows the pick-up to rotate more slowly, while the speed of the POWER FEEDING SYSTEM (PFS) roller has been increased. The feed roller has also been given extra paddles which can be removed when harvesting long-stalked crops. The spring-mounted PFS feed roller compensates for uneven swaths. The overall objective of the innovations is to enhance raking performance and throughput while ensuring gentle, loss-free crop pick-up. To handle the higher throughput volumes, the release torque on the friction clutch has been increased to 1,600 Nm and the diameter of the pick-up main drive shaft has been enlarged. Semiautomatic chain tensioning ensures reliable pick-up drive and automatic lubrication and a 6.3 l oil reservoir is available as standard.

Optimised bale chamber with additional HD components
The bale chamber has also undergone performance-enhancing modifications. The top section incorporating the header plate and side panels has been redesigned and strengthened to produce an even better bale shape and slightly higher bale density. Furthermore, factory-fitted side knives and deflectors are available to reduce material build-up in the ram guide area when baling straw, maize or sugarcane – further increasing operational safety and reducing the cleaning effort.

The automatic baling pressure control (APC) responds even more rapidly – and even more sensitively – to twine tension or load in the intake area.

The use of additional Hardox HD components (some standard and others optional) – such as HD bearings for the ram guide with up to four times the service life – has further reduced wear in the bale chamber, knotter area and intake. Thanks to these extremely robust and durable components combined with the massive pick-up with cam track on both sides and the simplified maintenance, the TCO (total cost of ownership) of the QUADRANT EVOLUTION has been greatly reduced once again. In an internal test involving 40,000 bales per machine under extreme conditions in some cases, the new design combined with the more wear-resistant components was found to reduce wear by up to 40 percent.

Hitching and handling improved
The QUADRANT 5300 EVOLUTION has a completely new front frame and headstock, while the QUADRANT 5200 EVOLUTION and 4200 EVOLUTION only have a new hitch frame. This provides additional hitching positions for drawbar eyes or K80. The hydraulic stand of the new QUADRANT EVOLUTION is double-acting, longer than the previous generation and built into the hitch frame. Standard Kennfix quick-release couplers make it easy to connect the hydraulic lines.

Modifications to the twine boxes have also made life easier for the operator. The twine guide swings out and can be locked in position. This means that the twine can be threaded when standing beside machine without having to use a stepladder. The twine brakes can be adjusted from the same standing position without needing tools. This saves time and increases workplace safety. A 10 l hand-washing tank is provided as standard for the driver to use after completing any adjustments.

There's a new optional function that is sure to go down well with drivers too: the bale ramp can be opened and closed hydraulically from the comfort of the cab, so no need to step down. This function also enables the final bale to be ejected from the driver’s seat, again eliminating the need to step down from the cab and actuate the lever beside the bale chamber.

Simplified terminal operation
Changes have been made to the electronic control panel of the QUADRANT EVOLUTION, which is accessed via CEMIS 700, CEBIS or any other ISOBUS-compatible terminal. Just two working menus and three settings menus provide a better overview and rapid navigation. In auto mode the machine capacity utilisation is displayed based on average bale weight and baling pressure. In addition, the driver can now monitor the oil temperatures and oil levels in the terminal at all times. Thanks to an optional PROFI CAM 4 camera – with additional display on request – the driver can also keep an eye on working areas such as the knotters, the bale chute or the entire area behind the tractor-baler combination when reversing. Comfort and safety have been enhanced in equal measure.