Press release

New ORBIS 900 with 3 m transport width and automatic transport protection

CLAAS has renewed the top-of-the-range model in its line-up of ORBIS row-independent front attachments for the JAGUAR. Stand-out features include a transport width of only 3 metres and the new, automatically folding transport protection with integrated lighting.

Fast folding, compact transport

As with the ORBIS 750, the frame of the ORBIS 900 consists of 5 parts. This makes it unrivalled for fast folding and enables an extremely compact, road-travel-friendly design without compromising visibility to the front or sides to any significant degree. As a result of the new transport width of just 3 metres, road travel is now possible without the need for special authorisation. And thanks to the outstanding visibility, a transport speed of 40 km/h can be maintained safely. During folding/unfolding, the fully integrated transport protection with warning stickers and lighting automatically pivots into the appropriate position for road travel or field work. The entire folding process takes only 30 seconds and does not even require the operator to get down from the cab. This cuts transit and setup times considerably and reduces the operator's workload during transfers. At speeds between 2 and 7 km/h, a touch of a button is all that is required to start the automatic folding process. With the front attachment in working position, the transport protection remains safely out of the way in its parking position.

In order not to exceed a drive-axle load of 11.5 t, an integrated transport system is available. This is deployed automatically when road travel mode or oscillation damping is activated. Attaching the 8.93 m wide ORBIS 900 is also child's play. Front attachment detection and automatic drive coupling ensure that no valuable harvesting time is wasted here either.

Universal use

The flat mounting angle with two different positions and the very flat design make it possible to attain stubble heights as low as 85 mm. These characteristics and the use of both small and large three-stage transport discs mean that the ORBIS 900 can be used to harvest not only maize, but whole crop silage too. In addition, it is also suitable for low-growing, low-yield crops. Large discs immediately ahead of the feeder unit ensure that even large crop volumes can be handled reliably. Paddles and cob retainers always ensure that cobs that have fallen down are also transported to the feeder unit. As before, the guide strips in the high-wear areas can be replaced easily. Instead of the standard crop-flow components, wear-resistant PREMIUM LINE versions can be specified as an option. The latter comprise guide strips in steel, feeder drums with an additional coating and particularly wear-resistant knives with the proven, reliable crescent shape. The modular design of the drums makes repairs easy.

The V-shaped, energy-saving crop transport system is supported by two feeder cones on the impellers on each side. Feeder drums with three speed adjustment settings handle the safe, longitudinal transfer of the crop to the feeder unit. When lodged maize is to be harvested, side covers with a hydraulically driven lodged maize auger as well as lodged maize cones for the outer transport discs, an extended centre point and point extensions are available. Optional guide bracket extensions can be fitted when working in very tall maize.

The two-speed main gearbox makes it easy to adjust the speed to different operating conditions. Where the forage harvester has a variable front attachment drive, the first speed is always used. The gearboxes operate at low revs and therefore reduce wear. Furthermore, all drives have comprehensive overload protection.

Excellent ground contour following, whatever the ground characteristics

Despite its large working width, the ORBIS 900 is able to follow the ground contours optimally. This is made possible by the tilting frame with a +/- 5° tilt correction in combination with AUTO CONTOUR hydraulic swing movement compensation. In addition to the two standard sensor bands at the outer edges, a third, centrally fitted sensor band is available as an option. This provides a further noticeable enhancement of the ground contour following performance, especially on uneven ground. The long, spring-loaded sensor bands ensure reliable front attachment guidance, whatever the ground characteristics.