Production years
2016-2023
Claas baler ยท 2016-2023
Claas Variant 485 Baler
The Claas Variant 485 is a variable-chamber round baler built at Bad Saulgau, Germany, from 2016 to 2023. It is well known on British farms for making a broad choice of bale sizes for silage, hay and straw, using an active-rotor or cutting-rotor feed arrangement.
Baler type
Variable-chamber round baler (VARIANT)
Bale size
0.9 to 1.8 m diameter x 1.2 m wide
Pickup width
2.1 to 2.35 m
Claas Variant 485 specifications
| Production years | 2016-2023 |
|---|---|
| Baler type | Variable-chamber round baler (VARIANT) |
| Bale size | 0.9 to 1.8 m diameter x 1.2 m wide |
| Pickup width | 2.1 to 2.35 m |
| Tying | Net wrap; active-rotor or cutting-rotor feed |
| Power required | About 90 hp minimum PTO power |
| Built at | Bad Saulgau, Germany |
What the Variant 485 is used for
The Variant 485 suits farms and contractors needing one baler for forage and straw across differing crops, customers and storage systems. It makes round bales from 0.9 m to 1.8 m in diameter, all 1.2 m wide, with a pickup spanning 2.1 m to 2.35 m depending on specification.
Its active-rotor or cutting-rotor feed provides a choice for users who want conventional crop flow or chopped material. Net wrap is the tying system.
Why the Claas Variant 485 stands out
Flexibility is the Variant 485's strength: its chamber spans 0.9 m to 1.8 m bale diameters, with active-rotor or cutting-rotor feed options. A pickup from 2.1 m to 2.35 m supports different specifications, while net wrap is standard. It needs about 90 PTO hp minimum; inspect the feed and chamber carefully before buying.
Buying a used Claas Variant 485
There is no engine on a Variant 485, so do not apply engine smoke or oil-pressure tests; inspect the PTO shaft, driveline, belts, rollers, pickup and hydraulics. Check the active-rotor or cutting-rotor feed fitted, knife condition where applicable, net-wrap equipment, bearing noise, leaks and tinwork corrosion. Verify the serial number and original pickup and feed specification. Have it inspected, confirm figures and originality against TractorData.com and club records, and check current listings rather than a fixed price, as values vary by condition.
Claas Variant 485 frequently asked questions
What bale sizes can a Claas Variant 485 make?
The Variant 485 makes variable-chamber round bales from 0.9 m to 1.8 m in diameter, with a width of 1.2 m. This lets operators choose a format appropriate for each crop and customer.
What power does the Variant 485 need?
The Claas Variant 485 requires about 90 hp minimum PTO power. Buyers should ensure the tractor is suitable for the chosen feed arrangement, crop conditions and intended workload.
Does the Variant 485 use twine or net wrap?
The Variant 485 uses net wrap. It can be specified with either active-rotor or cutting-rotor feed, so a buyer should confirm the feed arrangement fitted to the individual machine.
Specifications are commonly cited figures for general reference; exact figures vary by year and configuration, so confirm against the manufacturer's records and the machine's serial number. Bale sizes, weights and dimensions are converted to metric and rounded. Used baler values vary by condition. Page updated 19 Sep 2026.