Courtesy of its new dual rakes, Austrian farm machinery manufacturer Pöttinger has focussed on delivering high forage quality, perfect ground tracking and extreme manoeuvrability. In essence, the new centre swath TOP 612 C, TOP 702 C and TOP 762 C dual rakes have been developed to deliver unique manoeuvrability and protection of the ground and forage.

Connection to the tractor is via a yoke tube. A practical PTO shaft holder and hose harness are provided to create a tidily laid out headstock. All models feature a steering angle of 73 degrees with a turning angle indicator. High manoeuvrability of the rake is ensured thanks to a single wide angle PTO shaft and a 200 mm shorter frame.

The new TopTech+ rotor unit combines proven technology with a new design. The new rotors with a diameter of 2.80 m on the TOP 612 C, 3.07 m on the TOP 702 C and 3.30 m on the TOP 762 C and 11 or 13 tine arms retain their field proven characteristics.

On the TOP 702 C and 762 C, Pöttinger offers the largest cam track diameter of 420 mm and a tine arm bearing spacing of 600 mm. The smaller TOP 612 C features a cam track diameter of 350 mm. The large diameter and smooth cam track without steep inclines ensure uniform tine movement and gives the tine arms maximum stability with minimum stress on the arm bearings. The tine arms are easy to replace using just two bolts. If a collision should occur, a damaged tine arm can easily be removed and replaced. This is another positive contribution to ensuring availability of the machine. The cam track can be adjusted according to changing forage quantities and harvesting conditions. The rotor transmission unit is extremely rugged with the gears submerged in oil and completely sealed. A large diameter gear wheel guarantees smooth running and a long service life. The complete system is fully encapsulated and sealed to keep out dust. The new rotor unit guarantees more productivity, stability and reliability at the same time as enhanced service friendliness.

In spite of the impressive rotor diameter of up to 3.30 m (with 13 tine arms) the transport height is below 4 metres on all models, without having to remove the tine arms. These machines are also narrow during transport with a width of just 2.55 m, for quick and safe transfer from one field to the next. For the highest stability on slopes, the chassis frame is available with an outside width of 2.55 m or 2.90 m.

On TOP 702 C and TOP 762 C models there are three different ways of adjusting the working width (2x mechanical and hydraulic). Pöttinger offers a wide selection of rotor chassis: from the standard 3 wheel chassis (with Multitast ground tracking wheel as an option) through to the 5 wheel tandem axle version, likewise with or without the Multitast add on. Adjustment of the transverse angle of the chassis is possible using offset bolts. This selection ensures operators will find the right chassis for their soil and working conditions. Best forage quality is achieved thanks to perfect ground tracking provided by a cardan shaft with a pivot angle of +/- 5 degrees and the unique field proven Pöttinger Multitast ground tracking wheel.

With the TOP 702 C and TOP 762 C models the chassis follows precisely in the tractor’s tracks thanks to the steered axles. The steering linkages are maintenance free. Lighting and fenders are supplied as standard. The TOP 612 C is supplied with a rigid chassis – steered axles are available as an option. A selection of different tyre options is also available to ideally match individual operating conditions.