Claas Auto Header system is step towards automated combine harvester

The laser is positioned on the combine’s cab and records the height of the crop. The control technology then adjusts the height of, for example, the reel to the changing crop heights. The Auto Header uses the driver’s start-up setting as the starting point for variation.

Reducing crop loss during harvest

With this technique Claas wants to reduce the loss of uptake during harvesting. According to the manufacturer, the reel position is often not adjusted to the crop conditions during harvesting. In addition, the length of the cutting table, which is sometimes hydraulically adjustable, is often not set to the length of the crop, says Claas. The result is an uneven crop flow.

Automated harvesting

Like many other manufacturers, Claas expects agricultural machinery to become increasingly automated. The Cemos Auto Header system is therefore an important step towards this goal.

The system works as follows: the driver of the combine sets the reel depth and distance. If the crop height changes, Cemos Auto Header automatically adjusts the settings of the combine. The laser recognises tramlines. When the combine arrives at the headland, the system also automatically lowers the reel and harvests the last grain.