2009

The new VARIO 1200 variable cutterbar has a 12-metre cutting width - providing a previously unattainable harvesting output. The VARIO concept turns this cutterbar into a combine harvester implement with all-round capabilities. The cutterbar can be converted from cereal to rape seed threshing within a very short space of time.

With the VARIO cutterbar, the distance between the finger bar and the intake auger can be varied by 30 cm from the comfort of the cab. This allows the implement to be quickly adjusted to different harvest conditions - whether it be a short crop of spring barley or long stalks of rye. An improvement in crop flow of up to 10 % can be achieved in this way.

Due to the exceptional width of the cutterbar, the drive system had to be redesigned. The new VARIO 1200 is now equipped with a dual-sided synchronous gear drive, instead of the previous system of a single-sided drive with V-belt and chain. This ensures the smoothest possible operation of the cutterbar and minimises maintenance.

The finger bar is split in the middle and likewise driven on both sides. Cutting frequency has been increased to 1334 strokes per min by the use of a linear knife drive.

Another special feature is the intake auger, which has been enlarged to 660 mm in diameter (VARIO 1050 – 580 mm diameter). This improves the uniformity of the crop intake.  

The reel carrier on the new VARIO 1200 runs on patented polymer bearings. These ensure ease of movement and high wear resistance. The crescent-shaped design of the reel tine arms is another new feature, providing better protection against grain coiling.

The reel and intake auger also run on bearings at the centre. This gives them increased strength and longer service life.  

The cutterbar is very well equipped. It comes with spare finger bars, folding crop dividers and crop lifters as standard.

CLAAS has also launched a new transport vehicle for the new VARIO 1200. The front and rear axle have the same track width, and due to the wider front axle this means road speeds of up to 40 km/h can be reached. The transport vehicle also includes a storage box for lateral knives and plate inserts in combination with the rape equipment. This ensures fewer separate items to carry, less handling and safe equipment stowage. Additional supports also allow the attachments of the SUNSPEED and CONSPEED series to be transported on the dump wagon.

New photo material you can find here: http://app.claas.com/presseseite-09/