The AMAZONE Catros compact disc harrow turns 25

A story of success, innovation and passion

Twenty-five years ago, a new era in soil tillage began for AMAZONE. Shortly after the AMAZONE Group took over BBG Bodenbearbeitungsgeräte Leipzig in 1998, the foundations were laid for one of the most successful products in the AMAZONE soil tillage world. In 2001, the newly developed Catros was launched on the market giving high-performance shallow stubble cultivation. Right from the start, the innovative design set impressive standards as a compact, three-point linkage mounted implement, equipped with two rows of aggressively angled, individually suspended concave discs mounted on maintenance-free, rubber buffer blocks. To date, numerous milestones have marked the development, such as the Smart Frame System, which offers the ultimate in ease of use and optimum handling, high working speeds and area coverage, as well as efficiency and cost-effectiveness – values that are appreciated by farmers worldwide.

Highlights of the on-going development – a variety of options for every farm

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.

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 innovative 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 metre working width adapts perfectly to any uneven ground thanks to the ContourFrame with its hydraulically pre-pressurised frame sections and individually suspended discs.

The introduction in 2020 of the Catros^XL, 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 – for the agriculture of tomorrow

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 innovative 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 taken the Catros range to new heights 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.

At Agritechnica 2025, new standards were set once again with the introduction of the Catros⁺ 12003-2TX. The 12.25 metre 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, makes the Catros the first choice for large farms and contractors. In addition, AMAZONE presented AutoLane, an innovative true-track following system which automatically compensates for drift on slopes.

Anniversary year 2026 – 25 years of the Catros

25 years of the Catros demonstrate how AMAZONE supports and optimises agriculture in the long term through continuous innovation and practical solutions. For a quarter of a century, the Catros has stood for technological progress which is consistently geared towards the demands in practice and makes soil tillage more efficient step by step. Today, AMAZONE offers the right model for every farm – from compact implements for smaller fields in working widths from 2.50 metres to wide, high-output, machines of up to 12 metres for maximum efficiency.