Biogas an all-rounder

Major business segments: Provider of components and substrates, supplier / Operator, planner, advisor

CLAAS

Leading competence in substrate production systems

Substrate quality and efficient management of the full substrate production system is the key success factor for every running biogas plant. CLAAS provides leading mechanisation and management solutions for substrate production systems to secure profitable biogas production.

CLAAS is a family-owned German company and one of the leading manufacturers of agricultural technology worldwide. The name CLAAS has been synonymous for customer orientation and continuous innovation for more than 90 years and has proven for decades to be first choice for entrepreneurs, farmers and contractors with high expectations on efficiency, performance, reliability and service.

Cost-effectiveness is of paramount importance for operators of biogas plants. Investment costs and maintaining of the plant are of leading interest at the start of a biogas project. However, once the plant is running, substrate and residue turn out to account for some 50% of total operating costs. To boost profitability, the main variables to tackle will be

• costs of substrate production
• substrate quality and gas building potential of the substrate
• residue management

Whichever substrate is ultimately used, the quality of chopping and the way it is preserved will be absolutely crucial.

Potential methane yields are first of all determined by chopping quality, proper cracking of plant structures and clean, soil-free harvest. To reach high-yielding silage, compaction weight and technology on the silage clamp have to match perfectly with the performance of the chopper and the whole process chain.

At the end of the process, substrate residue is not a waste but a valuable source of nutrients, which is as important for the final result as proper planning and management of the full substrate-process chain.

CLAAS provides all major mechanisation and management tools for the complete value chain of substrate and residue:

Seed, soil and grain management: AXION

Available with CMATIC – continuously variable transmission. Advanced engines offer high outputs at low fuel consumption. Top speeds of 40 and 50 km/h are achieved with reduced engine revs. CEBIS board information system and different GPS steering systems enable efficient operation at maximum comfort.

Forage harvest: JAGUAR

Chopping length from 3.5 to 15 millimetres. Adjustable from the cab. CORN CRACKER with high differential speed ensures perfect cracking of kernels and plant structures. CLAAS QUANTIMETER yield measurement system records all data relating to harvest quantities, volumetric flow rate and dry matter content. Two different silage additive applications systems are available. Every machine is equipped with the CEBIS on-board information system.

Forage harvest: CLAAS forage machines

ACTIVE FLOAT mowing and GRASS CARE raking technology to ensure perfect working height and prevent forage from dirt.

Seed, soil and grain management, ensiling and residue management: XERION

It covers more applications more economically. Four equal sized wheels and optimum weight distribution for maximum traction. Crab steering and a total weight of up to 36 t ensure perfect work on the silage clamp, which matches compaction even with very high forager outputs. Full frame construction for high payloads – ideal for residue distribution with large tanks. Pivoting cab for an optimised view on the implements. Continuously variable transmission (CVT). Max. 50 km/h in both directions of travel.

Transport: CARGOS

Efficient, dual purpose vehicles. Useable as loading or transport wagons. Load volume up to 50 m³. Loading unit removable in just 15 minutes.

Telescopic loaders: SCORPION

Compact, manoeuvrable 4-wheel steering machine with variable transmission and speeds of up to 40 km/h. Available with lifting height of up to 8.95 metres and lifting capacity of up to 4.4 tonnes.

Data Management: AGROCOM software

CLAAS AGROSYSTEMS provides a number of software solutions specifically designed for purposes like planning, management, logistics, trading, or documentation to optimise the entire substrate production chain.