Two new ranges of rear mowers that feature a centre-of-gravity side mounted system have been introduced by Claas.

The Disco 10 and Disco 100 ranges comprise of seven models that cover working widths from 3.4m down to 2.2m and also incorporate the proven Max Cut mowing bed, which was previously only available on wider models. They replace the Disco Inline and Disco 50 series for 2021.

The main feature now for all side-mounted Disco disc mowers is a centre-of-gravity hitching system, which ensures the mower bed – like mowers with centre pivoting – has a uniform contact pressure over its working width. A large suspension spring engages in the middle of the machine frame to enact this, working with another support to keep the mower level in undulating ground.

The Max Cut mower bed, familiar from the the rest of the Disco family, moves down the food chain to the entry-level segment of disc mowers on the Disco 32, 28 and 24 side-mounted mowers of 3m, 2.6m and 2.2m.

This bed is manufactured in-house by Claas and is made from two pieces of bolted pressed steel plate, giving a higher torsional strength with less risk of cracking caused by welding heat stresses. It also has a waved leading edge to allow the cutting discs to be mounted closer to the front of the bed which, in combination with the new, specially formed discs, provides a greater overlap between blades for a cleaner cut.

To achieve a clean cut and avoid soil contamination, extra-wide skids are fitted to the underside of the mower bed, which guide dirt backwards. Additional wear skids and high cut skids are available as an option.

Its drive train is maintenance free and to fully protect it, each mowing disc is mounted using a Claas safety link module, which incorporates a pre-determined breaking point that will shear in the event of a collision and is easily replaced.

The Disco 10 series can work on slopes up to an angle of 45° and a mechanical anti-collision mechanism of the mower bed immediately responds to collisions and releases the mower bed to the rear, re-engaging when reset.

A drive with a double gearbox comes as standard, allowing an extremely narrow transport position and a new folding angle of 95°. Its pto shaft speed can be reduced from 540 rpm to 460 rpm in light crops, significantly reducing diesel consumption.

The 100 range consist of the ‘straight’ 360 and 320 mowers of 3.4m and 3m respectively, replacing the 3150 and 3450 models. Both also have the new mechanical centre of gravity and suspension springs that are adjustable without tools to ensure the mower can accurately follow ground contours, plus a double gearbox, integrated anti-collision device and quick blade change.

These, though, fold up to 105° for more stable road transport, especially with lighter tractors, using a double-acting hydraulic ram for the folding process.

Two new mower conditioner versions are available – the 320C and 280C have a working width of 3m and 2.6m, respectively, are fitted with a full width steel tine conditioner and fold to 95° for transport.

For the UK, a headland stop is fitted as standard on the 360, 320, 320C and 280 models, but will be a new option on the 32, 28 and 24.

Claas has also significantly extended the versatility of its dual-purpose and forage transport wagons. All new Cargos models with the ‘Business’ equipment configuration can now be fitted with the ISOBUS-compatible Cemis 700 universal terminal.

Further equipment includes a camera input for real-time images from up to two cameras and ISO 11783 compatibility, along with Aux-O and Aux-N and UT1 and UT2 functions. Another new feature is the optional side extensions for the Cargos 8400 dual-purpose wagon. This boosts the loading volume by 2.5m3 to 38m3.