ORIGINAL parts compared.

Field tests show the difference.

Real-world performance can only be tested in real-world use. Discover the differences between ORIGINAL parts and non-genuine parts.

ORIGINAL parts compared.

Field tests show the difference.

Real-world performance can only be tested in real-world use. Discover the differences between ORIGINAL parts and non-genuine parts.

Field test of CLAAS ORIGINAL parts.

Since 2010, working in partnership with the Rendsburg branch of DEULA (German Training Centres for Agricultural Engineering), CLAAS has carried out intensive field tests with CLAAS ORIGINAL parts and non-genuine parts.

The testing process places great emphasis on using the parts in parallel under identical conditions. Only in this way is it possible to compare them and carry out a reliable assessment of their performance.

The documented results show that, apart from lower costs per hectare, CLAAS ORIGINAL parts offer much more:

  • Maintenance of the machine's full performance
  • Reduced fuel and maintenance costs
  • Optimal work quality
  • Longer service life
  • Very high campaign performance

The most interesting results of the comparisons are shown below, categorized by machine.

CLAAS ORIGINAL parts for combine harvesters compared.

  • Knife blades

    Advantages of ORIGINAL knife blades compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Less breakage
    • Longer service life and period of use
    • Reduced changeover times (negative costs)
    • Maximum area output

    ORIGINAL: 7% breakage

    Non-genuine: 60% breakage

    The increased breakage of the non-genuine blades necessitates more frequent replacement of the knife blades and leads to more idle time during harvesting. Furthermore, there is increased wear of the double fingers and the knife drive.

    Comparison of knife blades.

    More information about CLAAS ORIGINAL knife blades is available here.

  • Double fingers

    Advantages of ORIGINAL double fingers compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Sharper chop
    • Lower fuel requirement
    • Reduced load on the knife drive (knife heads and blade transmission)
    • Maximum service life

    CLAAS ORIGINAL – new

    The precise gap ensures that the knives are guided with absolute accuracy. This results in a perfect cut combined with a longer service life while keeping the energy required to a minimum.

    CLAAS ORIGINAL – 1,150 ha

    Only slight erosion is visible at the gap after 1,150 ha. The integrity of the knife guide is unaffected. The cut is clean and helps save fuel.

    Non-genuine – 1,150 ha

    Clear signs of wear are visible on the non-genuine part after 1,150 ha. The point is blunt and the cutting edge rounded. The gap in the knife guide is worn. The cutting performance is thereby reduced, and fuel consumption increases.

    After 1,150 ha, the non-genuine double fingers have clearly been used for too long. The energy required for the cutting action increases. This reduces the potential machine capacity utilisation by around 10 – 15 %. Thanks to the reduction in the time required to change the parts, a machine with CLAAS ORIGINAL double fingers can be used longer, thus achieving a higher seasonal performance.

    ORIGINAL double fingers

    CLAAS ORIGINAL double fingers have a predetermined breaking point. The knife guide remains intact in the event of contact with a foreign body, thereby preventing costly consequential damage.

    Non-genuine double fingers

    The absence of a predetermined breaking point means that the knife guide bar can bend on contact with a foreign body, thereby impairing the knife guide function. This can cause costly consequential damage to the knife drive.

    Comparison of double fingers.

    More information about CLAAS ORIGINAL double fingers is available here.

  • Straw choppers

    Advantages of ORIGINAL straw chopper knives compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Optimum chop quality
    • Optimum straw distribution
    • Excellent work quality for straw incorporation (soil mix, straw rot, mice nests)
    • Lower fuel consumption

    ORIGINAL straw chopper knives

    Non-genuine straw chopper knives

    After 100 ha and 150 ha of straw chopping, the wear areas are clearly visible. The non-genuine blade has to be replaced after 100 ha, which results in longer installation times during harvesting.

    Blade wear in mm2 for 100 ha

    Blade wear in mm2 for 150 ha

    The columns show the average wear on the chopper knives after 100 and 150 ha. The difference between the CLAAS ORIGINAL and the non-genuine parts in terms of wear can be clearly seen. It is also clear that the wear, and therefore the fuel consumption, too, increases drastically between 100 and 150 ha. Replacing the blades in good time is recommended.

    More information about CLAAS ORIGINAL straw chopper knives is available here.

  • PREMIUM LINE straw chopper knives

    Advantages of ORIGINALPREMIUM straw chopper knives compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Up to seven times longer service life per cutting side in comparison with the non-genuine part
    • Best chopping results over the entire season
    • Only one knife side per season (no idle times or change intervals)
    • Optimum basis for subsequent work stages

    PREMIUM LINE - 400 ha

    PREMIUM LINE - 830 ha

    Even after 830 ha, the CLAAS PREMIUM LINE straw chopping knife shows no signs of wear.

    Chop quality with CLAAS ORIGINAL straw chopping knives in new condition.

    Chop quality with CLAAS ORIGINAL PREMIUM LINE straw chopping knives after 830 ha.

    With its price advantage and performance characteristics, the CLAAS PREMIUM LINE blade delivers significantly higher work quality which makes it a compelling choice.

    Performance per cutting edge

    Price per unit

    Cost per ha

    PREMIUM LINE

    830 ha

    325%

     59%

    ORIGINAL

    150 ha

    100%

    100%

    Non-genuine

    100 ha

    83%

    124%

    PREMIUM LINE straw chopper knives from the customer's point of view.

  • Intake chains

    Advantages of ORIGINAL intake chains compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Less wear
    • Longer service life and period of use
    • Reduced changeover times (negative costs)
    • Reduced wear on chain sprockets

    Left chain: non-genuine 3,000 ha, 302 cm
    Centre chain: ORIGINAL 3,000 ha, 348 cm
    Right chain: ORIGINAL new, 347 cm

    The conveyor chains were installed in parallel in the feeder housing of a LEXION. After 3,000 ha, the radian measures clearly vary. These differences are due to the increased wear on the chain links and the bushes of the non-genuine chain. A complex disassembly procedure is required for their replacement.

    More information about CLAAS ORIGINAL chains is available here.

  • Drum belts

    Advantages of ORIGINAL drum belts compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Exact dimensions
    • Optimal power transmission
    • Very high tear strength
    • Temperature resistance
    • Lower fuel consumption

    CLAAS ORIGINAL drum belt, contact area 13.81 cm2

    Non-genuine drum belt,  contact area 12.88 cm2

    CLAAS ORIGINAL drum belts have side contact areas which are up to 10% larger. This leads to:

    • Lower wear
    • Longer service life
    • Optimal power transmission
    • Fuel savings

    ORIGINAL drum belt at 206 h

    Non-genuine drum belt after 197 hours

    After just 197 hours of drum operation, cracks in the fabric structure are clearly visible. Replacement is absolutely necessary in order to prevent a machine breakdown and costly consequential losses.

    More information about CLAAS ORIGINAL drum belts is available here.

  • Filters

    Advantages of the ORIGINAL filter over the imitation filter:

    • Higher filtration performance
    • Lower suction resistance
    • Up to 10% less fuel consumption*
    • Reduced cleaning effort
    • Reduced changing times

    Differential pressure in millibars.

    Red line: non-genuine filter
    Green line: ORIGINAL air filter

    Fuel consumption in litres.

    Red line: non-genuine filter
    Green line: ORIGINAL air filter

    Already at the start of the field test, the suction resistance differential pressure of the non-genuine filter was greater than that of the CLAAS ORIGINAL. This means that the engine load with the non-genuine filter is greater, something which is also reflected in the higher fuel consumption. Total fuel consumption with the non-genuine filter is significantly higher and therefore significantly diminishes the saving represented by the lower purchase price.

    More information about CLAAS ORIGINAL filters is available here.

CLAAS ORIGINAL parts for forage harvesters compared.

  • Maize knives

    Advantages of ORIGINAL maize knives compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Longer service life, thanks to more stable coating
    • Lower assembly costs, thanks to longer intervals between changeovers
    • Fewer sharpening cycles, thanks to better coating
    • Reduced fuel consumption, thanks to a sharper chop
    • Improved chop quality, thanks to finer manufacturing tolerances

    ORIGINAL maize knives

    After 360 ha, the CLAAS maize knife still has an identifiable level of blade sharpness. The remaining 14 mm of the coating allow a total of about 1,200 ha to be covered.

    Non-genuine maize knives

    After 580 ha, there are distinct signs of erosion in the coating. To restore the cutting edge to uniform sharpness, the knife has to be ground down to a residual coating thickness of 5 mm. This means that the total coverage* is reduced to about 760 ha.

    (*The total coverage is determined by calculation. It is the hectare coverage provided per millimetre of coating starting from a knife in new condition.)

    CLAAS ORIGINAL maize knives are distinguished by their high-quality basic material and long-life coating. This significantly reduces the need for re-sharpening and increases the service life. The need for early replacement, along with the time required for it, is thus eliminated.

  • Grass knives

    Advantages of ORIGINAL grass knives compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Fewer sharpening cycles
    • Higher output per hectare
    • Longer-lasting sharpness means lower fuel consumption
    • Reduced load on the drive train

    ORIGINAL grass knives

    After 439 ha, there is a residual usable coating thickness of about 5 mm. Further use for about 100 ha is possible.

    Non-genuine grass knives

    After 332 ha, the coating of the non-genuine knife has been worn down completely. It has to be replaced. The total coverage is therefore only 60% compared with the CLAAS ORIGINAL grass knife.

    CLAAS ORIGINAL grass knives are remarkable for their extended period of use. Thanks to this benefit, the higher purchase costs quickly become relative, as the lower fuel consumption and the reduced changeover times make themselves felt.

  • Shear bars

    ORIGINAL shear bar, 360 ha

    CLAAS ORIGINAL shear bars have a significantly sharper edge. Together with the CLASS ORIGINAL knives, they ensure optimal chop quality.

    Non-genuine shear bar, 360 ha

    The non-genuine shear bar has significant wear to the edges. Fuel-saving chopping is no longer possible and chop quality is reduced.

    CLAAS ORIGINAL shear bars, in combination with the CLAAS ORIGINAL knives, ensure optimum chop quality. In addition, they offer a service life that is up to 100% longer, thereby saving an equal amount of changeover time.

    More information about CLAAS ORIGINAL shear bars is available here.

  • Accelerator paddles

    Advantages of ORIGINAL accelerator paddles compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Operational safety, thanks to greater durability
    • Less readjustment at the rear of the housing

    ORIGINAL accelerator paddle, 410 ha

    CLAAS ORIGINAL accelerator paddle without wear to the surface coating.

    Non-genuine accelerator paddle, 580 ha

    Clear wear on the coating of the non-genuine accelerator paddle after the harvest.

    Thanks to their highly wear-resistant coating, CLAAS ORIGINAL accelerator paddles achieve a significantly longer service life in comparison.

  • Filters

    CLAAS tests in the field. Only CLAAS has compared ORIGINAL filters and non-genuine filters in the field during an entire harvest season. In order to ensure that the tests were conducted under real-world conditions, established non-genuine filters were purchased in the market. The filters were then used on identical machines under comparable operating conditions. The interesting results of this field test are presented clearly and comprehensibly.

    In cooperation with a contractor in the Eifel region of Germany, a comparison between ORIGINAL and non-genuine filters in two CLAAS JAGUAR forage harvesters was carried out over the course of an entire harvest. The non-genuine filters tested were selected carefully with regard to their comparability.

    The field tests were conducted using two identical CLAAS JAGUAR machines in order to ensure comparability between ORIGINAL and non-genuine filters.

    To make the field tests as authentic as possible, a professional customer whose forage harvesters each clock up as many as 1000 operating hours during the harvest season was selected.

    In order to ensure the comparability of the filters, the non-genuine filters were purchased through established sales channels (e.g. online shops). According to the suppliers, the non-genuine filters tested corresponded to the CLAAS ORIGINAL filters in terms of quality, filtration performance and dimensions.

    Oil filter results:

    The test showed that this non-genuine filter is able to offer almost comparable performance. Nevertheless, doubts remain as to whether the maintenance interval prescribed by the engine manufacturer can be maintained. Furthermore, it is important to bear in mind that a non-genuine filter is not approved by the engine manufacturer.

    Video: Engine oil filter testing

    Hydraulic oil filter results:

    The graphs clearly illustrate the reality: the CLAAS ORIGINAL hydraulic oil filter is able to filter significantly more foreign particles out of the hydraulic oil. It is clear from the measurements that the hydraulic oil in the machine with an ORIGINAL filter is cleaner.

    Video: Hydraulic oil filter testing

    Air filter results:

    • Higher filtering performance
    • Lower suction resistance
    • Up to 10% lower fuel consumption
    • Reduced cleaning effort
    • Reduced changeover times (negative costs)

    Video: Air filter testing

    Fuel pre-filter results:

    The non-genuine filter does not reach the scheduled maintenance interval. It would have to be replaced earlier. In addition, considerably greater amounts of water and dirt particles entered the fuel system (e.g. through refuelling in the field) than were filtered out. The overall contamination level actually exceeds the limit set for the sale of diesel fuel in the EN 590 diesel fuel standard (24 mg of dirt per kg of diesel fuel). The CLAAS ORIGINAL filter, by contrast, protects your injection system against contamination by dirt and water all the way to the scheduled maintenance interval.

    Fuel filter results:

    The inferior filtration performance of the non-genuine filter resulted in more dirt particles entering the fuel system. The contamination level actually exceeds the limit set for the sale of diesel fuel in the EN 590 diesel fuel standard (24 mg of dirt per kg of diesel fuel). It seems likely that the dirt content that was initially retained was suddenly released when the filter became oversaturated. In view of the degree of contamination, it would have been necessary to change the filter before the replacement interval.

    Video: Fuel filter testing

CLAAS ORIGINAL parts for balers and forage harvesting machines compared.

  • Leaf springs (CLAAS DISCO)

    CLAAS ORIGINAL bolts

    Non-genuine bolts

    The material quality of the non-genuine bolt is inferior. Clear shrinkage is visible in the contact area with the knife blade. As the wear progresses, the risk of the bolt failing increases.

    The illustrations show the wear limit at which it is advisable to change to a new part. Only parts which function optimally will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your CLAAS machine. Do not use parts beyond the wear limit and ensure that they are changed in time. 

    Take note of the wear limit indicated by the thickness of the
    mower blade holder:
    W: 3 mm
    Z:  4 mm
    Also replace in the event of visible cracks or heavy wear of the weld seams (S) on the mower blade bolt.

    Replacement in the event of deformation (bending) of the mower blade holder or if the mower blade bolt is no longer straight in the disc mounting hole.

    The mower blade holder should be replaced if the contour of the mower blade holder is worn.
    Wear limit:
    X: 15 mm
    Y: 12 mm

  • Baler knives

    Advantages of the ORIGINAL baler knives compared with the non-genuine parts used in the field test:

    • Low wear
    • Sharper chop over a longer period
    • Lower fuel consumption
    • Less time required for resharpening

    ORIGINAL baler knife

    The blade on the CLAAS ORIGINAL knife is forged and hardened.

    Non-genuine baler knife 1

    The blade on non-genuine knife 1 has been machine-stamped and induction-hardened.

    Non-genuine baler knife 2

    The blade on non-genuine knife 2 is machine-stamped.

    Result after 2,700 bales:

    Left baler knife: non-genuine 1: 17mm
    Centre baler knife: non-genuine 2: 19 mm
    Right baler knife: ORIGINAL: 24 mm

    CLAAS ORIGINAL baler knives in comparison with two different non-genuine knives. After 2,700 bales, the lower degree of wear on the CLAAS ORIGINAL knives is clearly recognisable. Owing to the better material quality and the sophisticated manufacturing process, the chop quality is maintained longer, significantly reducing the need for sharpening. This means more bales per knife.

    More information about CLAAS ORIGINAL baler knives is available here.

  • PREMIUM LINE baler knives

    PREMIUM LINE knife after 815 bales and 20 sharpening cycles.

    ORIGINAL knife after 815 bales and 30 sharpening cycles.

    Actual number of bales per year

    Actual number of bales per year

    Sharpening cycles

    PREMIUM LINE

    815

    20

     66%

    ORIGINAL

    815

    30

    100%

    CLAAS PREMIUM LINE knives have a significantly reduced requirement for sharpening. This increases the overall performance of the knives and saves time and fuel.