With the grass merger concept becoming increasingly popular around Europe, Ploeger used Agritechnica to launch its new self-propelled machine.

The CM4240 merger has a number of capabilities. Thanks to a side-shift function that allows a push-button change from central to side-delivery mode, it can merge both outer swaths to one central swath, similar to how a rake works. It can vary the width from 0.8m to 1.5m. It can merge the entire working width of both mergers to either the left or the right. It also has the capability to work each merger in the opposite direction, allowing it to form two swaths.

It features technology from Austrian manufacturer Reiter, with a number of Ploeger’s own innovations. Each merger has a 5m working width. Both are supported by five skids each underneath and have a three-point suspension system. Ploeger claims its double-powered swath rollers allow for working speeds of up to 20km/h.

The CM4240 merger has a side-shift function that allows a push-button change from central to side-delivery mode.

The fact that it’s a self-propelled machine means it doesn’t have to drive over the crop, helping to reduce ash content. The machine is fitted with a Claas cab, the same as that used in their Jaguar series. Meanwhile, it’s powered by a 260hp FPT engine and fitted with a hydrostatic transmission that has a top transport speed of 40km/h. It weighs in at 12,350kg.

Working speed is from 12-18km/h depending on ground and crop conditions and claimed output is 12-18ha/hr. The price is €275,000 plus VAT.