Amazone celebrates 25 years of Catros compact disc harrow 

Catros+ 12003-2TX with integrated TX chassis thanks to new 5-part folding mechanism. Source: Farmhand
Catros+ 12003-2TX with integrated TX chassis thanks to new 5-part folding mechanism. Source: Farmhand

Amazone began a new era in soil tillage 25 years, when the newly developed Catros was launched onto the market in 2001.

Right from the get-go, the innovative design of the high performance, shallow stubble cultivator set strong standards as a compact, three-point linkage mounted implement.

To date, numerous milestones in the Catros’s development have stood out, including the introduction of the Smart Frame System.

CatrosXL 5003-2TS. Source: Farmhand
CatrosXL 5003-2TS. Source: Farmhand

This offers high working speeds and area coverage, as well as efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Evolution of Catros

Over the years, the Catros has been evolving to meet the ever growing demands of modern agriculture and the diverse needs of farmers.

In 2003, the range was expanded to include additional working widths and offered with a new, fully hydraulic working depth adjustment feature.

2004 saw the switch to oil-immersed, maintenance-free disc bearings, reducing set-up time substantially and maintenance costs, and an increase to performance.

In 2005, the available range was expanded with the introduction of trailer models with integrated running gear, greatly improving working widths that were practical for use with smaller tractors.

Catros 4001 from 2007. Source: Farmhand
Catros 4001 from 2007. Source: Farmhand

2011 welcomed the Catros+ model, which provided new disc diameters of 510mm and enabled the more intensive incorporation of organic matter.

The innovative TS bogey chassis and, for the first time, 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, a special solution for long-term use in slurry applications.

2016 was the year the Catros+ 12003-2TS became the new flagship of the Catros family for large farms and contractors.

The 12m working width adapts to uneven ground, thanks to the ContourFrame with its hydraulically pre-pressurised frame sections and individually suspended discs.

Thanks to ContourFrame, the Catros+ 12003-2TX adapts to the ground, even on uneven terrain. Source: Farmhand
Thanks to ContourFrame, the Catros+ 12003-2TX adapts to the ground, even on uneven terrain. Source: Farmhand

In 2020, the introduction of the Catros XL added a new dimension to the range of discs offered.

Its 610mm discs allow deep and intensive mixing of large amounts of organic matter, particularly in very heavy and wet soil conditions. 

At Agritechnica 2025, Catros set new standards once again with the introduction of the Catros+ 12003-2TX. This saw a 12.25m 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.

Here, Amazone also presented AutoLane, an innovative true-track following system which automatically compensates for drift on slopes. 

Efficiency and sustainability

Special optional equipment, like the X-Cutter disc with a wavy profile, has been developed in response to the increasing demand for shallower soil tillage, which is intended to protect the soil structure and conserve soil moisture in dry locations.  

Amazone also introduced tools such as the knife roller, which enables intensive shredding before incorporation, accelerating the decomposition process.

Catros+ 7003-2TS with GreenDrill. Source: Farmhand
Catros+ 7003-2TS with GreenDrill. Source: Farmhand

In the latest developments of the Catros range, the Smart Frame System allows the working depth to be adjusted hydraulically from the cab without having to readjust the frame angle.

According to Amazone, the 25 years of Catros demonstrates how the manufacturer "supports and optimises agriculture in the long-term through continuous innovation and practical solutions". 

They "consistently meet the demands of modern farming, offering the right model, for every farm", the manufacturer said.

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