This season Strautmann will be unveiling a new forage wagon suitable for smaller tractors but still boasting many of the features of its larger capacity counterparts. We had the chance to check out how the Zelon sets about its grass-gathering job.
If you know your Greek then you’ll know that Zelon means ‘zealous’, or at least this is what Strautmann is telling us. Sett o replace the Super Vitesse line-up, the Zelon benefits from some of the features found within Strautmann’s larger capacity Mega, Giga and Tera Vitesse models. The Zelon family spans 23-31m3 (DIN rating) and has a long list of options to choose from. Our test machine is the middle model, the 2901 in base spec, with three hydraulic hoses for the load-sensing system.
Pick-up width is 1.70m, and the five rows of tines operate on a 55mm spacing. One of the many features that the Zelon borrows from the other models is the Continuous Flow System (CFS). Rather than having the pick-up tines in straight rows they’re positioned in a helical arrangement, which is said to help distribute the grass across the full working width.
Also part of CFS is a 200mm diameter roller located between the pick-up and rotor. Fitted with 8mm round bars, again in a helical arrangement, it is said to help pull the swath apart, making life easier for the rotor and knives. In fact it does just that, with the Zelon devouring grass in a similar fashion to the larger capacity machines.
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