ROLLANT / VARIANT assembly
All CLAAS balers are manufactured using a "mixed assembly" principle, for enhanced productivity and flexibility
The balers were formerly assembled on three assembly lines: a parallel production process allowed the simultaneous manufacture of ROLLANT round fixed-chamber balers, VARIANT variable diameter balers and QUADRANT square balers. Step by step, the many and varied components entering the assembly line were formed into a complete machine. The parts were provided at the side of the assembly line, often in the form of prefabricated subassemblies.
To address future challenges, in April 2009, the plant adopted a mixed production system. Following the successful implementation of the PROPRESSE project, the plant now has only two assembly lines – one specialising in ROLLANT/VARIANT round balers, and the other in QUADRANT high-density balers. This assembly mix allows UCF to be more responsive to market requirements, and more flexible in its production operations.
During the manufacturing process, the prefabricated pick-up, rotor and binder subassemblies are positioned on vertical chains, ready for direct integration in the assembly line when required. This boosts line productivity by allowing the parallel production of machines with a very wide range of equipment options. The belt or roller drive systems are then fitted, and the machines are tested.
All machines undergo exhaustive testing on two test benches – one for mechanical functions, and the second for all the other electrical, hydraulic and electronic functions. To complete the process, all these quality tests are validated with a final full-speed simulation test.
At the end of the assembly line, the final touches are added to the machine (bonnet, labels, etc.), ready for shipment to destinations all around the world.
