In order to provide solution for crop stubble burning which causes massive pollution on the skies of north Indian states after Kharif crop harvest, CLAAS India, a 100 percent subsidiary of German agri-machinery conglomerate CLAAS KGaA, recently announced the virtual launch of its new range of straw balers, highlighting CLAAS’ contribution to the cause of crop residue management and effort taken to adapt to the new normal. During this first of a kind virtual agri-machinery launch, CLAAS introduced two of its most advanced straw balers – MARKANT 650 high-pressure square baler and globally renowned ROLLANT 520RF round baler.
Equipped with extended draw bar and dual drive shaft, MARKANT 650 has a wide straw pick-up span of 1.85 m with pick-up height adjustment via control cable from the tractor cab (hydraulic optional). To prevent damage, it comes fitted with slip clutch and shear bolt. The legendary CLAAS Knotter (patented since 1921) provides stable knots in the bales under all crop conditions. This knotter is suitable for different kinds of binding material and can be easily adjusted for different baling lengths. MARKANT 650 has storage capacity of 10 twine spools that allows longer working duration without the need of refill. The twine box is placed in such a manner that it is easily accessible for the operator.
ROLLANT 520RF, with pick-up width of 2.1 m, a rugged design and reliability in the most challenging operating conditions, has established itself as the world’s top-selling straw baler. Reinforced rollers, intelligent chain lubrication and ROTO FEED system ensure that it stays that way. In the ROTO FEED system, a high-performance rotor draws the forage in, accelerates it into the fixed chamber and ensures very high compaction. Its intelligent lubrication system tensions and lubricates the drive chains automatically and adjusts the quantity of oil to requirements.
During the launch event, Mrityunjaya Singh, Managing Director, CLAAS Agricultural Machinery said, “CLAAS India strongly believes that technological intervention can help in reducing impact on the environment generated from crop stubble burning. Our new series of straw balers esp, the ROLLANT 520RF, are the appropriate solution for making bales in adequate sizes which makes them ideal for the ethanol and biogas plants in India that use crop residue as raw material.”
Dr. Jens Oeding, Regional President Asia, CLAAS Group, also highlighted, “We are continually striving to bring new technologies that can benefit Indian farming community with improved productivity and higher earnings. With the launch of ROLLANT 520RF round baler, CLAAS has reinforced its commitment to enhance efficiency of farming in India. These balers would provide the opportunity to farmers to earn from waste crop residue, which would otherwise be burnt thereby causing tremendous damage to the environment”.
Anil Menon, Head of Market Development, CLAAS India did a virtual machine walk around as the machine rotated on a turntable, explaining features and benefits of the ROLLANT 520RF and MARKANT 650 balers.
Prem Kumar, National Sales Head, CLAAS India touched upon returns from baling as a business for potential customers and the strength of distribution in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal in terms of sales, service and parts locations.
