In 2024, CLAAS launched four top VOLTO tedder models (1300, 1500, 1300 TS, 1500 TS) with a new Y-frame design and optional trailing castor wheels on TS versions. These are now joined by five additional VOLTO and VOLTO T tedders (6.60–10.80 m working widths) that share many features with the larger models. Key new features include a new power train with hermetically sealed rotor gearboxes, a new rotor wheel mounting with a reinforced rotor shaft and new spreading angle adjustment for spreading angles of up to 18 degrees, as well as reduced hydraulic requirements, a new hydraulic power-flow steering unit (CKL) and KENNFIXX couplings for all hydraulic connections. 

Efficient and low-maintenance: MAX SPREAD rotors with the new PERMALINK drive and permanently lubricated gearboxes 

When it comes to rotor technology, the new VOLTO and VOLTO T models continue to rely on MAX SPREAD technology – tried and tested worldwide under a wide range of conditions of use – featuring tine arms angled 29.3° behind the main axis. This geometry combines high raking performance with clean raking action to ensure an optimal spread pattern, even with heavy, wet crop. Thanks to the small rotor diameters and the double hinges on the rotor frame, first-class crop pick-up is achieved even on uneven terrain. The crop is picked up layer by layer by the tines, which are all the same length and 9.5 mm thick, ensuring it is mixed and distributed even more evenly. The spreading angle can be adjusted to 12, 16 and 18 degrees without tools using the turning pins on the rotors. An hydraulically operated edge-tedding crop guard is available as an option for edge spreading.

To ensure consistent top performance, the larger PERMALINK HD drive has been adopted from the larger VOLTO large-area tedders. In addition to maximum reliability, the development focused above all on reducing maintenance effort and costs. The result: a robust yet lightweight, low-maintenance drive system featuring PERMALINK HD finger clutches – fully power-transmitting up to 180 degrees and proven in high-performance applications – as well as modular, sealed, oil-filled rotary gearboxes designed for multi-year maintenance intervals. The input shaft speed has been increased by 50 per cent to reduce the torque on the drive shafts.

Proven frame stability and improved running smoothness with the hydraulic power-flow CKL steering system 

A new, compact, trapezoidal support frame keeps the centre of gravity of the three-point-mounted tedders close to the tractor. This reduces the lifting force required, allowing the tedders to be used with smaller tractors, whilst also providing a better view of the rotors.

The tried-and-tested frame construction with square tubes rotated by 45 degrees has been carried over from the previous generation of VOLTO. These have a wall thickness of 8 mm, thus ensuring long-term operational reliability. 

Instead of a mechanical power suspension (CKL – CLAAS power suspension), the VOLTO models with three-point hitch are now, without exception, equipped as standard with a hydraulic CKL. This ensures even smoother tracking behaviour, centres the machine during lifting and after cornering, and also prevents it from rolling backwards on slopes. It also allows for higher cornering speeds and thus greater area output. When being transported on the road, it effectively absorbs road irregularities and vibrations.

For reduced re-wetting overnight: night swathing with all models

On the VOLTO 1100 T and 1100 models with a 1000 rpm PTO drive, the option is available as standard to create night swaths by operating at a reduced speed, ensuring faster drying whilst the crop lies overnight.

For the VOLTO 900, 800 and 700 models, optional night swath gearboxes are available; by reducing the rotor speed by 33 per cent, the crop is distributed evenly across several smaller swaths.

Accelerate wilting, save time and fuel: VOLTO 1100 / 1100 T operating as required using the 18-to-12 method

The 18-to-12 method enables increased productivity in grass harvesting whilst saving time. When mowing with the DISCO 9300 DIRECT SWATHER (with swath augers) or AUTO SWATHER (with swath belts), the crop from two DISCO units (front and rear) is deposited across two mowing widths, so that a LINER four-rotor swather can subsequently combine 18 m of mowing width into a single swath in a single pass.  This reduces the number of passes by 33 per cent, whilst 40 per cent more mass is placed into the swath, thereby making better use of the forage harvester’s capacity.

Weather conditions may make it necessary to carry out a tedder operation between the mower and the swather to speed up the wilting process – particularly when mowing without a conditioner. Here, the use of the VOLTO 1100 / 1100 T allows the dry matter content to be adjusted retrospectively. Furthermore, the coordinated working widths in the 18-to-12 configuration enable the VOLTO 1100 / 1100 T to respond flexibly to weather conditions.

Just one control unit – thanks to the integrated headland position

No terminal is required to operate the new VOLTO and VOLTO T tedders. Thanks to the headland position integrated into the hydraulic folding mechanism, a single double-acting (VOLTO 700: single-acting) tractor control unit is sufficient for operation. An additional single-acting control unit is required for optional equipment such as the hydraulic boundary spreader. 

When folded, the tedders have a width of less than 3m. Thanks to the large chassis wheels, the VOLTO T models ensure safe and swift manoeuvring on roads and tracks. On the VOLTO 1100, an additional carrier foot enables ‘floating’ parking with full relief of all land wheels.

In 2024, CLAAS introduced four new top-of-the-range models to the VOLTO tedder range: the 1300, 1500, 1300 TS and 1500 TS, featuring an innovative Y-frame design and, as optional TS variants, a castor that trails behind in the working position. These are now followed by five new VOLTO and VOLTO T tedders with working widths ranging from 6.60 to 10.80 m, which share many technical features with their larger counterparts. Key new features include a new power train with hermetically sealed rotor gearboxes (similar to the VOLTO 1300/1500/1300TS/1500TS), a new rotor wheel mounting with a reinforced rotor shaft and new spreading angle adjustment for spreading angles of up to 18 degrees, as well as reduced hydraulic requirements, a new hydraulic power-flow steering unit (CKL) and KENNFIXX couplings for all hydraulic connections. 

The key features of the new VOLTO 1100 T to 700 at a glance:

• 5 new VOLTO and VOLTO T models with working widths from 6.60 to 10.80 m.
• Rotors with a diameter of 1.50 m and six tine arms each; VOLTO 800: 1.70 m rotor diameter and seven tine arms.
• New hydraulic stabiliser/power suspension (CKL) as standard on three-point mounted models – for greater area output, smooth caster operation and improved stability on slopes.
• MAX SPREAD crop flow with tine arms angled to trail behind for clean raking and an optimal spread pattern.
• Strong, isosceles tines, 9.5 mm thick, for layer-by-layer crop feeding and even distribution. Five windings ensure stability and secure tine loss protection.
• Tool-free setting of the spreading angle via a spring-returned pivot pin with a locking function (12/16/18 degrees).
• Newly designed L-shaped wheel axles.
• 16-inch wheels; centre-mounted with wide tyres and reinforced bearings for headland manoeuvres and road transport.
• Optional additional feeler wheel in the mounting bracket (three-point version) or on the drawbar (VOLTO T).
• Completely newly developed PERMALINK HD drive system from the VOLTO large-area tedders: more power with less torque, finger clutches with larger bearings, and new, sealed rotor gearboxes with an oil filling.
• Extremely simple operation without a terminal: only one double-acting (VOLTO 700: single-acting) hydraulic control unit required; plus 1 x single-acting for the optional boundary spreading curtain.
• Hydraulic headland position integrated into the folding process (two hydraulic cylinders per side); smooth and even raising and lowering.
  Additional carrier foot for the VOLTO 1100: full relief of the land wheels when parked in the transport position.
• A PTO drive shaft with integrated anti-twist protection eliminates the need for the cumbersome chain mounting.
• Optional mechanical or hydraulic boundary spreader cloth and night swath gearbox available (night swaths possible as standard with the VOLTO 1100 and 1100 T).
• New, modern LED lighting for high visibility and greater safety during road transport.
• The VOLTO 1100 / 1100 T with HD drive can be used as required to accelerate the wilting process using the 18-to-12 method.