Claas Markets New Chopper-Baler

Claas Markets New Chopper-Baler HAY & FORAGE HARVESTING Balers (6) 18-5-4 Round balers that chop hay as you bale have been catching on fast in Europe. Claas recently started selling its "Roto Cut" in North America. It increases bale density and improves hay quality while cutting costs, according to the company. Hay from the pickup is pulled by a rotor over a bank of 14 stationary knives - spaced 2 3/4-in. apart - before it goes into the bale chamber. It produces 4-ft. dia. bales that weigh up to 2,000 lbs., depending on dry matter. "Bales are up to 30 percent more dense than conventional round bales. That means you end up with fewer bales which reduces baling, wrap-ping, and handling costs. The chopped hay makes higher quality feed," says a company spokesman. The star-shaped knives mount in an off-set pattern to produce a smooth flow of crop over the knives and cut peak loads on the rotor. The knives are spring-loaded for protection from rocks and other foreign objects. When the knives hit a rock, they retract downward to let the object pass through, then reset themselves. The entire knife mechanism can be engaged or disengaged on-the-go by flipping a switch in the cab. The Roto Cut sells for about $3,000 more than the company's conventional round baler. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Claas of America, Inc., 3030 Norcross Drive, Box 3008, Columbus, Ind. 47202 (ph 812 342-4441).

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