CLAAS' agricultural machines refuel more quickly with tank filling system by NORMA Group
Maintal, Germany, 20. August 2013
NORMA Group, an international market and technology leader for engineered joining technology, has cooperated with CLAAS KGaA mbH (“CLAAS”), a globally leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery, in developing a diesel tank filling system for quicker and safe refuelling of combines and large tractors. The system consists of a tank filling pipe and a corresponding tank ventilation pipe that speed up the filling process and ensure a tight connection.
“It was critical for us to obtain a single-source solution. It had to be reliable with harmonised components. We are impressed by the good collaboration with NORMA Group and the short development time. Furthermore, we are reducing our costs for instance through shorter assembly times,” adds Rüdiger Feldkamp, Head of Components Purchasing at CLAAS.
The tank filling system provided by NORMA Group for the combine Lexion and the large tractor model Xerion consists of a special multi-layer corrugated pipe that connects the main 800 litre tank with the filler head. The corrugated pipe optimises flow characteristics and enables filling capacities of at least 250 litres per minute. The specially designed NORMACONNECT PS 3 push&seal quick connector ensures a quick and safe connection to the tank's filler head and the tank. The quick connector can be mounted and removed easily and safely. Bernd Nagelsmöller, who has overseen the development at CLAAS: “Our agricultural machines drive very long distances with as few interruptions as possible to ensure efficient harvesting or ploughing. Quick refuelling is critical. The tank filling system provided by NORMA Group clearly accelerates the refuelling of our agricultural machines.”
Werner Deggim, CEO of NORMA Group: “Special client requirements such as shorter refuelling times and higher tank volumes are a particular motivation for us. We are pleased that we could significantly exceed CLAAS' expectations of the development time. Barely six months passed between the request and the delivery of the first mass-produced parts.”
The tank filling system stands out for its low weight and shorter assembly time. An optional additional 350-litre expansion tank for the combine can be connected to the main tank via an additional multi-layer corrugated pipe and a PS3 quick connector. The system resists temperatures of between -20°C and +80°C and can be manufactured up to a length of 220 cm. Since the pipe systems have a modular design, they can also be implemented in other vehicles of CLAAS.