Ever since we found the automated carrot plucker a few weeks ago, we developed a thirst for tractor knowledge, one which we quench today with the Claas Xerion 3300 VC Octopus. It not only sounds cool, but it also does a very important job: it mows the ditch bank.
We've seen these types of machines before. They have giant arms that hold huge lawn mowers at an angle and patrol the highways and byways, usually in autumn. There's a Unimog version with a single blade in our little corner of the world, but the Claas Xerion 3300 VC Octopus is so much cooler.
This machine has been equipped with four Herder Grenadier MBK LSH mowing booms from contractor Hack from Kruisland, The Netherlands.
There are two blade systems on each side, so if the road is a single-lane one, the octopus can mow both sides at the same time.
If you thought driving a car is complicated, just look at how many devices the tractor driver has to manage. The cabin is articulated and swivels around, so he can basically drive sideways. In addition to that, there are four individual joysticks and control consoles for each of the swing arms. So it's a case of good machine, great driver.
Clearing ditches of weeds is a very important job. If a flood occurs and hey get clogged, whole rural communities can find themselves water-locked. But we never expected there's a machine that does this on a regular basis.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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