Separate sensors mean the tension arms can be controlled independently – one keeps the chamber belts tensioned, the other determines the bale pressure. Dean Cottey of Claas UK explains that this will allows users to determine if they want a soft centre in hay for example before increasing pressure as the bale nears full size. Likewise, it can create a hard centre straight from the off. Choosing one of the three crop types on the control box gives some pre-set densities that can then be fine-tuned.
The pick-up has gained the quick swing-in/out gauge wheels already seen on other Claas balers. There is a choice of 2.10 or 2.35m pick-up widths.
Whereas the smallest Variant 500 variable chamber baler was limited to 1.55m, the new model available next season gets a slight increase to 1.60m in the shape of the 565RF and 560RC while the 585RF and 580RC can stretch to 1.80m.The net binding system has also been given a makeover. Not only is it now positioned much lower with a new gravity controlled brake, the net knife release uses the same trip mechanism as the knotters on the Quadrant square balers. And because there is a new chassis, Claas took the opportunity to design the baler to take larger tyres up to 560/45-22.5.
