The Variant 485RC Pro is the top model in Claas’s variable-chamber baler range producing a 0.90m to 1.80m diameter package. For those happy enough with a 1.55m max diameter, there are the 460 and 465 in their various guises.

Claas introduced the Variant 485RC Pro two years ago to replace the Variant 385. We had the opportunity to run the baler in straw, hay and silage last season. Here is our report on the good, the bad … and a couple of items that could do with sorting