In 2001, Amazone introduced the Catros for shallow stubble cultivation, shortly after the company had acquired BBG Bodenbearbeitungsgeräte Leipzig in Germany. Right from the start, its design was successful as a compact, three-point linkage mounted implement. This year, Amazone celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Catros.
The first Catros was model featured two rows of aggressively angled, individually suspended concave discs mounted on maintenance-free, rubber buffer blocks. To date, many milestones have marked its further development, such as the Smart Frame System, which offers ease of use and optimum handling, high working speeds and area coverage, as well as efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Over the years, the Catros has been continuously developed to meet the increasing demands of modern agriculture and the diverse needs of farmers. As early as 2003, the range was expanded to include additional working widths and offered with a new, fully hydraulic working depth adjustment feature. In 2004, the switch was made to oil-immersed, maintenance-free disc bearings. This not only significantly reduced set-up times and maintenance costs but also permitted a sustainable increase in performance. At this time, Amazone also offered its first catch crop seeder box for the simultaneous application of cover crops and fine seeds. This was further developed in line with market requirements and now provides flexible use across a wide variety of Amazone soil tillage implements and seed drills under the name GreenDrill. The trailed versions with integrated running gear extended the product range from 2005 onwards and enable greater working widths and use with smaller tractors. In 2007, the range of rear rollers was widened to meet the individual challenges encountered in practice.
TG bogey chassis
With the introduction of the Catros+ model in 2011, the disc harrow concept was significantly expanded: new disc diameters of 510 mm enabled the more intensive incorporation of organic matter. The TS bogey chassis and, for the first time ever, bolt-on bearing shafts on the disc arms ensured even greater flexibility and durability. In 2013, the pro-Pack was added as an optional extra for certain models. This is a special solution for long-term use in slurry application, which was supplemented shortly afterwards with a convenient central lubrication system. From 2016 onwards, the Catros+ 12003-2TS became the new flagship of the Catros family for large farms and contractors. The 12 meter working width adapts perfectly to any uneven ground thanks to the ContourFrame with its hydraulically pre-pressurized frame sections and individually suspended discs.
The introduction in 2020 of the CatrosXL, brought a new dimension to the range of discs offered, thereby expanding the range of applications. Its 610 mm discs enable deep and intensive mixing of large amounts of organic matter, especially in very heavy and wet soil conditions.
Sustainability and efficiency
Recent years have been dominated by technical innovations designed to make soil tillage more sustainable and efficient. Special optional equipment, such as the X-Cutter disc with a wavy profile, has been developed in response to the increasing demand for shallower soil tillage to protect the soil structure and conserve soil moisture in dry locations. Amazone responded to the growing importance of field hygiene with leading tools such as the knife roller. This enables intensive shredding before incorporation, thereby accelerating the decomposition process. The front-mounted Crushboard provides a powerful crumbling and levelling effect which, in combination with a rear roller and a harrow is therefore ideal for seedbed preparation.
The latest developments have further improved the Catros range in terms of comfort and durability. The Smart Frame System allows the working depth to be adjusted hydraulically from the cab without having to readjust the frame angle. The depth is also adjusted independently of any leading tool. The disc bearing, which has proven itself over two million times, and the HD roller bearing with metal face seal are completely maintenance-free thanks to being filled with gear oil.
Last year the Catros+ 12003-2TX was introduced. This new model feautures 12.25 meter working width with a new folding design and integrated central running gear, a wide range of disc and roller options as well as the option of an extended disc element for controlled traffic farming systems, making it suitable for large farms and contractors. In addition, Amazone presented AutoLane, a true-track following system which automatically compensates for drift on slopes.
