The agricultural machinery manufacturer Claas produces, tests and develops machines for forage harvesting and attachments for the Jaguar forage harvester in Bad Saulgau. In addition, the forage harvesting unit - the heart of the Jaguar - is manufactured in this production facility. In addition to state-of-the-art production facilities, the site also has one of the most modern test centers for forage harvesting technology in the world. For maize harvesting, the Jaguar is equipped with the Orbis header. This successful product series consists of circular knife segments that rotate under plate-shaped sheet metal housings with a diameter of approx. 1 meter. Arranged side by side and folded out, they reach working widths of 4.50 to 9 meters.

In the past, the large and sharp-edged elements had to be moved by hand. In addition to the physical strain, there was always a certain safety risk when handling the sharp blades directly. Although these are usually protected, injuries cannot be ruled out. Christian Schmidt, Head of Assembly at Claas, remembers the challenge: "We had the problem that we had to fit mounted disks with sharp blades onto the devices. It was clear to us that vacuum technology could be suitable here. However, it was not clear to us how to design such a device so that it would meet our requirements functionally and economically." Claas came to the vacuum specialists at Eurotech through a recommendation. The special feature of Eurotech is that customers can choose from a range of standard devices, which can then be individually adapted. This is made possible by the company's own engineering team, which is familiar with all the requirements of vacuum technology. Eurotech also has its own production of vacuum components, which can be replaced individually. Overall, this combination of standard, customization and accessories results in economical and functional vacuum solutions that meet the needs of customers.

Targeted adaptation

Eurotech's area sales manager, Mirko Weinhold, recommended the Et-Hover-Modesty vacuum lifting device to Claas. This device enables both horizontal and vertical handling and can be rotated manually or pneumatically. It is operated entirely with compressed air. With a load capacity of up to 250 kilograms, the device has sufficient reserves. Assembly manager Christian Schmidt describes the collaboration: "The vacuum lifting device was customized for us based on the standard. The necessary exchange with Eurotech was simply outstanding. Several variants were suggested to us, which we tried out until we had worked out the right solution for us together. Although our specific needs were taken into account, everything remained within budget. For us, the vacuum solution we found from Eurotech is a considerable gain for occupational safety and the health of our employees."

The Et-Hover modesty is attached to an overhead crane at Claas. This picks up the curved round plates horizontally from a storage trestle and transports them to a work table for knife assembly. First, the loose disks without blades are lifted onto the device, followed by the blades for fastening. Finally, the entire assembly is placed on a transport rack using the same Et-Hover modesty and then mounted on the machine, again with the help of the Eurotech vacuum lifting device. All Et-Hover units are operated using a clearly laid out, ergonomically designed control unit that is intuitive to use.

Several vacuum solutions in use

Six Et-Hover models are now in use as assembly aids for the Claas Orbis attachments. Some of them have also been modified for sheet metal handling. In addition, vacuum lifting devices with bellows suction cups were supplied, which can hold round pressure rollers the size of a fire extinguisher. Another device from the Et-Hover series used at Claas is the Et-Hover-Allround. This device lifts parts weighing up to 500 kilograms and is a versatile all-rounder.

This wide range of applications and the high degree of flexibility in adapting to customer requirements make Eurotech an ideal partner for agricultural technology. For another well-known agricultural machinery manufacturer, Eurotech supplies vacuum solutions that bring hoods to the vehicle at exactly the right angle for assembly. This was implemented with the Et-Hover-Univac Line, which is ideal for inserting sheet metal, roof structures or windscreens. Eurotech also offers specially developed MTC protective covers for the vacuum cups, which leave virtually no marks on the elements to be lifted. These features also make the Et-Hover-Univac Line interesting for agricultural machinery workshops, as it works efficiently and ergonomically as a self-sufficient module independent of external compressed air or power supply. Those responsible in the companies are often unaware of the many possible applications of vacuum technology or they seem too complicated. With Eurotech, it is easy to find new ways to move loads intelligently.