JT Jones Agricultural Contractors Boosts Baling Productivity with CLAAS ROLLANT 630 UNIWRAP

Posted: 04 August 2026

Operating within a 30-mile radius, JT Jones Agricultural Contractors is a single-operator business led by Jim Jones, offering a wide range of services, from mowing and baling to ploughing and drilling. With round baling at the heart of the operation, Jim relies on a full lineup of CLAAS Green harvesting machinery, including his ARION 650 tractor and the new ROLLANT 630 UNIWRAP baler, to keep things running smoothly.

Since founding the business in 2004, Jim Jones has continually adapted his approach to round baling to meet the changing needs of his customers. After starting out with a single round baler and wrapper, Jim moved to multicut systems as demand evolved. However, with more customers requiring just a few bales on a regular basis, and after three successful seasons with a CLAAS ROLLANT 455 UNIWRAP, Jim upgraded to the CLAAS ROLLANT 630 UNIWRAP to keep up with increased baling demand and streamline single-pass operations.

JT Jones Agricultural Contractors, Shropshire

• Services: mowing, tedding, raking, baling, fertilizer spreading, spraying, ploughing, and drilling
• Main focus: round baling
• Equipment: CLAAS ARION 650 tractor and a 630 UNIWRAP baler (added August last year)
• Business type: single operator (Jim), with extra help as needed
• Operating area: 30-mile radius

Why the ROLLANT 630 UNIWRAP?

Jim describes the ROLLANT 630 UNIWRAP as a major step forward for his business: “the MULTI FLOW pick up reel can handle full-width raking without any problem. It’ll take four rotor rakes, no problem at all,” he explains, highlighting the increased capacity and efficiency. Maintenance has also become much simpler, as the baler is fully auto-looped, "you can run round it with a leaf blower, half an hour check over and you’re ready to go again.”
 
Jim highlights several extra comforts on the baler that have made his job much easier, such as the folding wheels on the front of the MULTI FLOW pick up reel that can be quickly clipped in and spun around - no more removing or lifting them for road travel. Loading net wrap is now effortless, as there’s no need to climb up the front steps with heavy rolls; Jim simply fires the rolls straight up, calling it “easy peasy.” Additional features like hydraulically folding wings for quick net changes and a water tank with soap for cleaning hands, “which is a lovely little feature”, have further improved his experience. Jim has also noticed a 15% increase in output compared to his old ROLLANT 455, thanks in part to higher-grade, stronger chains and a reduced chain count, which make maintenance and access much more straightforward. “The stronger chains and simpler maintenance make a big difference, and overall, it’s made long days in the field much easier and more productive,” he concludes.

Reliable Performance and Comfort: The Role of CLAAS ARION Tractors in Jim’s Operation

Jim relies on his CLAAS ARION 650 tractor to keep his baling business running smoothly. This marks his third CLAAS tractor, after previously operating the ARION 620 and 630 models. Jim credits the ARION series for its outstanding driver comfort and ease of operation, which makes long days in the field much more manageable. He also praises the tractors’ impressive fuel efficiency, which helps keep running costs low. Over the years, Jim has found CLAAS tractors to be exceptionally reliable, with no serious issues arising during their service life. Typically, each tractor remains in operation for about four years, clocking up to between 9,000 and 10,000 hours before being replaced, ensuring his business remains efficient and productive season after season.

Digital Advancements

Jim opted for the ISOBUS system, which simplifies control and communication between his tractor and equipment through the CLAAS CEMIS 1200 touchscreen. He appreciates the ability to split the screen for GPS and baler controls, describing the system as “simple, easy, quick — perfect for a long day in the field.”

Why CLAAS?

Jim has relied on CLAAS equipment for over 12 years for all his green harvesting kit, valuing its reliability and consistent performance, crucial for a single-operator business. “It’s the most reliable,” Jim says, “which means a lot when it’s only me, and my customers rely on only me so I can’t be breaking down.”