On the heels of releasing its newest line of forage harvesters, Claas continued to launch new products and machinery upgrades this week at Farm Progress Show.
The company announced two new additions to its Lexion 8000 Series combines: a new 8500 available wheeled or tracked that delivers the same horsepower as last year’s 8600 at 506 rated hp with 549 max hp. That means the 8600 will get a bump of 50 hp, making it a Class 9 combine, and the 8700 will get a 20-hp bump. All Lexion combines, including the 7000 models, will now run on MAN engines.
“We don’t look so much at class size. Class size is only determined by horsepower. What we look at are combine horsepower models that fit the specific market needs, and that’s why we expanded our 8000 Series line,” says Jeff Gray, product performance manager for the Claas central region.
New, larger 510-bushel grain tanks will also be available in the 8000 Series. The combines will also get an LED lighting package and Claas Connect technology for enhanced steering, mapping and machine management.
Cab improvements include new storage spaces, new fabric on the cab roof and rear wall, leather-wrapped steering wheel and armrest, and an upgraded package with heated and cooled swiveling leather seat; side window shades; and enhanced radio sound system.
Hay tool upgrades
The company also announced upgrades to its Disco mower and Liner rake hay tools.
Steel rollers are now available across the Disco mower line, including the 3600 RC Contour rear mower, 3600 FRCS Move front mower, and Disco 9300 RC, 9700 RCAS and 1100 RC triple mowers.
The new steel rollers are designed for high throughput and crimping in crops that are traditionally difficult to condition but still easy on alfalfa.
In addition to the steel roller option on the Disco 3600 Contour is now compatible with a standard quick hitch, features a double roller drive on roller conditioner machines and an optional counterweight for improved stability.
The Liner 2600-3100 two-basket center delivery rotary rakes will feature a center-swath turning option for better windrow formation.
Not stopping now
It’s been a big show season for Claas. A few weeks ago in California the company unveiled its new Jaguar 1000 Series forage harvesters with four new models — 1080, 1090, 1100 and 1200 – that provide horsepower options from 850 to 1,110.
The company was also planning to break ground this week on a new research and development center in Omaha, Neb., its North American headquarters.
Even in this down farm economy, Claas CEO Jan-Hendrik Mohr says the company is still focused on increasing its market share in the U.S.
“We believe in North America. The U.S. market is very important for forage. It’s the single biggest country market for Claas,” he says.