CLAAS, one of the world's leading manufacturers of agricultural engineering equipment, has redesigned its QUADRANT square baler to increase output and maximize durability

CLAAS QUADRANT is one of the best-selling square balers in Germany. In the 2022 product year, the QUADRANT 5000 and QUADRANT 4200 series have received technical upgrades and a new heavy-duty picker with the additional name EVOLUTION.

New pickup with two cam tracks

The highlight of QUADRANT EVOLUTION is the new high-definition pickup with two cam tracks. This design aims to achieve maximum torsion resistance and superior robustness. By increasing the use of highly elastic parts borrowed from CLAAS JAGUAR pickups, as well as reworking and strengthening the bearings, air intake panels and other components, the noise level is reduced, thereby reducing the operating speed and reducing the cost of wear.

The mechanically driven picker with five rows of prongs and 18 double prongs in each row has also been adjusted to increase production and further improve the quality of the harrows. An extra row of tines allows the picker to rotate more slowly while increasing the speed of the power feed system (PFS) rollers. The feed roller is also equipped with additional paddles, which can be removed when harvesting long-stemmed crops. The PFS feed roller mounted on the spring can compensate for uneven banding.

The overall goal of the innovation is to improve the performance and throughput of the rake, while ensuring gentle, loss-free harvesting of crops. To handle higher throughput, the release torque on the friction clutch has been increased to 1,600 Nm, and the diameter of the pickup main drive shaft has been enlarged. Semi-automatic chain tensioning ensures reliable pickup drive and automatic lubrication, standard 6.3 liter oil tank.

Optimized bundling chamber with additional HD components

The bale compartment has also been improved in performance. The top including the header board and the side panels have been redesigned and strengthened to produce a better bale shape and slightly higher bale density. Factory-installed side knives and deflectors can be used to reduce material accumulation in the press head rail area when baling straw, corn or sugar cane-further improving operational safety and reducing cleaning work.

Automatic Packing Pressure Control (APC) records a higher response level and sensitivity to twine tension or load in the intake area.

Further introduction of additional Hardox HD components (some standard and other optional), such as HD bearings for plunger guides, four times the service life to reduce the wear of the bale compartment, knotter area and air intake . Component changes and simplified maintenance reduce TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).

According to CLAAS, in some cases, in some internal tests involving 40,000 packs per machine, it was found that the new design combined with more wear-resistant components can reduce wear by up to 40%.

QUADRANT 5300 EVOLUTION has a new front frame and headstock, while QUADRANT 5200 EVOLUTION and 4200 EVOLUTION have only a new hook frame. This provides an additional hook position for the towing ring or K80. The hydraulic support of the new QUADRANT EVOLUTION is double-acting, longer than the previous generation, and is built into the hook frame. The standard Kennfix quick release couplings are designed to simplify the connection of hydraulic lines.

The twine box has been modified to improve the efficiency of the operator. The twine guide swings outwards and can be locked in one position, which means that the thread can be threaded while standing next to the machine without using a stepladder. The rope brake can be adjusted from the same standing position without tools to save time and improve workplace safety. It is equipped with a 10 liter hand-washing sink as standard for the driver to use after completing any adjustments.

The new optional feature, that the bale ramp can be opened and closed hydraulically, allows the last bale to be ejected from the driver's seat, again eliminating the need to step down from the cab and activate the lever next to the bale room.

The electronic control panel of QUADRANT EVOLUTION has been changed and can be accessed via CEMIS 700, CEBIS or any other ISOBUS compatible terminal. Two working menus and three setting menus provide overview and quick navigation. In the automatic mode, the machine capacity utilization rate is displayed based on the average bale weight and bale pressure. In addition, the driver can now monitor the oil temperature and oil level in the terminal at any time. Using the optional PROFI CAM 4 camera and an additional display on request, the driver can also keep an eye on the work area when reversing, such as the knotter, bale chute or the entire area behind the tractor-baler combination. The improved design of the machine has improved comfort and safety to the same extent.

For more information, please visit www.claas-group.com

Alain Charles Publishing, University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, UK Tel: +44 20 7834 7676, Fax: +44 20 7973 0076, Website: www.alaincharles.com