This year, Claas celebrates many milestones, including 25 years of Terra Trac track systems, its Xerion tractor range and its Cmatic continuously variable transmission, while its Lexion combines recently passed the same milestone.
At a recent event in Germany, Jan-Hendrik Mohr from the Claas board of directors didn’t shy away from the challenges the manufacturer has faced in recent times.
He outlined that trying to manage production in the COVID-19 era through a booming period for agricultural machinery sales was difficult.
He said that Claas was hit hard with component shortages and had to cope with missing electronic components, microprocessors, tyres and hydraulics. He noted that Claas even had to try to source the raw components for its own suppliers.
He said the manufacturer had many machines in stock with missing parts which couldn’t be delivered.
He outlined that there were a lot of late deliveries, such as combines, some of which missed the harvest, and more of which are yet to be delivered and won’t be delivered until Q4.
He emphasised that Claas worked hard with dealers to ensure all customers were looked after. He said solutions were found to bridge the gap and the harvest was completed.
Mohr explained the first signs of supply chain easing seem to be coming from the cooling of other industries such as the construction sector. The postponement of many big projects is making many parts and components more readily available.
“The war is very sad. We did see a huge business potential in both Ukraine and Russia – but that is now gone. Some of our Ukrainian team are still there, half the workforce is fighting the war while the remainder are trying to keep dealers and farmers going through the harvest. We are still delivering parts to Ukraine and the occasional machine to keep the harvest going,” concluded Mohr. 
From 2023, the 5500 straw-walker and 7700 hybrid models will be available with Montana chassis slope compensation.
Three years after the market launch of the latest generation Lexion, Claas has further refined its flagship combine range, first introduced in 1995. Claas has added a new 8600 hybrid machine alongside two new Montana versions (5500 and 7700). Meanwhile, all new Lexions will have a new cab, some with increased engine power and greater grain tank volume.
Grain tank volumes of 12,500l and 13,500l can now be found on the Lexion 7700 and upwards.
New entry-level model
For the 2023 season, Claas has introduced a new 8600 model as its entry into its higher-end hybrid combine range. Also available in a Terra Trac version, the 8600 features a drum width of 1,700mm and is powered by a 12.4l MAN six-cylinder engine. The 549hp 8600 combine is positioned directly above the Lexion 7700, which has a drum width of 1,420mm.
The Dynamic Power feature allows engine output to automatically adapt to the operating conditions, with Claas claiming savings of up to 10% in fuel in the partial load range. The manufacturer says the 8600, introduced in North America in 2019, has proved itself in trailing European conditions in the 2021 and 2022 harvests. The grain tank volume is 12,500l and 13,500l on the Terra Trac model.
The Lexion 8700 gains 41hp to 626hp, while the 8800 has an increase in power of 47hp to 700hp.
More power
The Lexion 8700 and 8800 models have gained more engine power. The 8700 gains 41hp to 626hp, while the 8800 has an increase in power of 47hp to 700hp. The 16.2l MAN six-cylinder from the 8900 will now also power the 8800. The increase in output and optimised torque curves mean that more power reserves are available, which keep the engine speed constant, particularly under difficult harvesting conditions.
Larger cab
The new generation cab introduced with the Trion in 2021 can be found on all Lexion combines for the 2023 season. Updates include more space and an optional rotational leather seat with footrests. Larger front and side windows and thinner A-pillars with a wider command centre offer a better visibility.
The 12in Cebis touchscreen terminal features three individually adjustable main display areas, along with the integration of Cemos Dialog and Cemos Automatic.
Threshing and cleaning settings can be accessed using direct access buttons on the right-hand side of the operating armrest. A 30l coolbox and a 360° LED light package are optionally available, as is a multimedia package.
Crop flow
Claas explained that to further optimise the flow of material from the threshing unit to the rotors, a segmented feed drum has been introduced into 7000 and 8000 series. The new design, in combination with the laterally and centrally attached feed plates, means the crop flow is better distributed and fed to the two rotors. The higher number of conveying tools also leads to a better crop flow and reduced matting with tough straw and under extreme conditions.
From 2023, all Lexion reversers will have a slow retraction function. After the reversing process, the direction of rotation of the reversing motor can be easily reversed at the push of a button, so that the crop is transferred slowly and more evenly to the threshing mechanism. This allows peak loads to be avoided after reversing.
More grain tank volume
Further updates include an increase in the grain tank volume for some models. The 6600 is now optionally available with a 11,000l tank, while tanks sizes of 12,500l are available on the 6700 and up to 13,500l on the 7600. From 2023, the 8800 can be optionally fitted with an 18,000l grain tank, which was previously only available on the 8900 flagship. A 15,000l grain tank is also available for the 8700, while the previously available variants with volumes of 12,500l and 13,500l can now be found on the 7700 and upwards.
To control the transfer process more precisely, both the 330mm and 420mm diameter grain tank unloading augers can be fitted with a pivoting spout with a range of up to 60cm.
The new generation cab introduced with the Trion in 2021 can now be found on all Lexion combines for the 2023 season.
New Cemos functions
A new dialog-based loss measurement in Cemos Dialog enables loss sensors to be calibrated more precisely. The system guides the driver through the calibration process to prevent measurement and input errors. Any loss level can be used for the calibration.
Cemos Auto Header is a further innovation for Lexion and Trion that automatically optimises the table length, reel height and horizontal position of the reel based on the crop height measured by the Field Scanner on the cab roof.
A sensor records the layer thickness of the crop flow in the feeder housing. The driver can therefore fully concentrate on checking all machine data and quality parameters in Cebis and on the crop in front of the combine harvester, as well as on the transfer process when unloading while driving.
New Montana models
From 2023, the 5500 straw-walker and 7700 hybrid models will be available with Montana chassis slope compensation. Starting at 258hp in the five-walker segment up to 549hp in the mid-range hybrid class, Claas is now offering eight Montana machines for use on steep slopes. Lateral slope compensation of up to 18° and longitudinal inclinations of up to 6° can be achieved via the hydraulic adjustment of the chassis.
Claas have launched the Disco 1010, the widest mounted non conditioner mower, without a telescopic boom, on the market.
Claas launches widest mounted butterfly
mower on market
With the new Disco 1010, Claas has just launched the widest mounted non-conditioner mower, without a telescopic boom, on the market.
The two booms suspended at the centre of gravity feature the unique vector folding system. With this system, the mowers are moved hydraulically, into a diagonal 120° transport position. They then pivot slightly backwards via a ram combined with the hydraulic non-stop collision safety device and are automatically locked hydraulically.
The double slanted position means the mowers remains below the 4m transport height. Lying diagonally behind the tractor on the headstock, this shifts the centre of gravity to the tractor’s longitudinal axis, according to Claas.
The company says that compared to mowers that swivel backwards, the load on the front axle of the tractor is reduced by around 50%.
Claas's unique vector folding system sees the mowers are moved hydraulically into a diagonal 120° transport position.
Range
The new Disco 1010 joins the existing 8500 and 9200 in the non-conditioner butterfly mower range. With a working width of up to 9.9m on the new 1010, Claas says it has a power requirement of just 150hp.
The mower bed can be operated at a reduced speed of 850 rpm, with Claas saying a diesel saving of up to 20% can be achieved.
The main frame and headstock has been redesigned, with the main gearbox moved slightly to the rear and the angular gearboxes facing the cutter bars being slanted by 2° to ensure the drive shafts work in a straight line, which reduces wear.
Colour-coded blades
With a working width of up to 9.9m on the new 1010, Claas say it has a power requirement of just 150hp.
In 2014, Claas moved from the Comer cutter bar to its own design. All Disco disc mowers built after 2022 will have the caps and mower blades of the anti-clockwise rotating discs painted red.
This means replacement blades can be immediately assigned to the appropriate mower discs.
All Disco disc mowers built after 2022 will have the caps and mower blades of the anti-clockwise rotating discs painted red to make it easier to fit replacement blades.
Claas increases flywheel mass by up to 28% on Quadrant
The Quadrant Evolution presented in 2021 features three basic models – 4200, 5200 and 5300. For 2023, the 5200 and 5300 types will have a hydraulic drive for the pickup and Power Feeding System (PFS).
While the speed of the five-row pickup is constant at 135rpm, the speed of the PFS feed roller can be adjusted from 200 to 250rpm depending on the conditions. The increased transmittable torque of the hydraulic drive of 1,000Nm is also fully available for reversing the pickup and PFS at reduced speed.
To cushion load peaks and protect the power train of the baler and tractor, the mass of the flywheel on the 5200 and 5300 has been increased by 21% and 28% respectively.
Another new feature is the hydraulically fully automatic folding pickup guide wheels. These swing out automatically when the pickup is lowered and swing in fully automatically when the pickup is raised.
More mass
To cushion load peaks and protect the power train of the baler and tractor, the mass of the flywheel on the 5200 and 5300 has been increased by 21% and 28%, respectively. Claas says that due to the new spoke design, the inertia of the flywheel has been increased by 46% on the 5200 and 44% on the 5300. To protect the drive against overload, a slip clutch can be ordered as an alternative to the standard shear bolt protection.
For 2023, the 5200 and 5300 can now be factory-fitted with a new Müthing front-mounted chopper system.
Front chopper
In 2002, Claas introduced the fine cut technology. With initially 49 and later 51 knives instead of the usual 25, it offered an at-the-time unrivalled theoretical cutting length of 2cm. For 2023, the 5200 and 5300 can now be factory-fitted with a new Müthing front-mounted chopper system.
The rotor works with 88 oscillating knives and is driven by a power belt on the left side of the machine. The cutting length can be adjusted using two adjustable counter blades, each with 45 knives. The blades of the rotor and shearbars can be used on both sides.
When the chopper is active, the crop flow is fed directly to the rotor via the roller crop press of the pickup. The crop flow can be centred in the direction of the cutting rotor using adjustable guide plates.
Pendulum flaps at the front offer protection against stone chips. Transport wheels are supplied as standard, which allow the front-mounted shredder to be disassembled and assembled in less than 20 minutes. 
The rotor works with 88 oscillating knives and is driven by a power belt on the left side of the machine.
Claas rolls out new variable chamber round baler
Claas has taken the wraps off its new Variant 500 variable chamber baler range which features further development of the pressure control system, simplified maintenance and a new design. The Variant 500 series includes six models to make bales from 0.90 to 1.8m in diameter.
The range includes the RC models with spiral Roto Cut four-star cutting rotor for high baling density. This includes the 565RC and 585RC with HD components such as reinforced drive chains, a strong cutting rotor with 8mm double-tine stars and special knife protection for the primary use of silage.
These two balers are now equipped with a 17-knife cutting mechanism with a theoretical cutting length of 60mm.
The standard rotor drop floor can be lowered hydraulically to clear blockages, while the knives are automatically depressurised.
To prevent blockages in advance, the PRO rotor drop floor compensates for uneven swaths by being able to lower itself by up to 30mm and automatically return to its original position.
The 565RC and 585RC feature HD components such as reinforced drive chains, a strong cutting rotor with 8mm double-tine stars and special knife protection for the primary use of silage.
Pressure control system
Claas says a key focus for the engineers has been on the new baling pressure control system. This includes a new hydraulic control block with independent lines for both belt tensioning arms. This means that both the position and the baling pressure can be measured independently for both arms. The newly developed control software is designed so that perfectly formed bales leave the chamber even under difficult conditions.
Claas says the new regulation achieves a higher bale density in the outer area of the bale. The dimensions and baling pressure of the soft core can be adjusted independently of one another for all conditions.
In the binding area, the roll of net has been positioned 25cm lower than in the previous generation. It also features a new net brake, which is independent of the roll diameter. The existing comfort net wrap for the automatic binding process has been carried over from the previous series.
New inline filters ensure reliable separation of foreign bodies in the hydraulic oil. The pickup wheels have been redesigned so that they can be more easily adjusted to the conditions.
The central oil lubrication works with a new oil tank and a new mechanically driven oil pump. The positions of the brushes have been changed for better lubrication with low oil consumption. Central greasing banks and greasing points with permanently marked intervals simplify daily maintenance. New tyre options mean sizes up to 560/45 22.5 can be fitted.
Claas says a key focus for the engineers has been on the new baling pressure control system.
Following the mowers and square balers, the Variant is now gaining the 7in Cemis 700 Isobus terminal. Alternatively, it can be operated via other Isobus universal terminals or via the tractor’s IsoBus terminal.
This year, Claas celebrates many milestones, including 25 years of Terra Trac track systems, its Xerion tractor range and its Cmatic continuously variable transmission, while its Lexion combines recently passed the same milestone.
At a recent event in Germany, Jan-Hendrik Mohr from the Claas board of directors didn’t shy away from the challenges the manufacturer has faced in recent times.
He outlined that trying to manage production in the COVID-19 era through a booming period for agricultural machinery sales was difficult.
He said that Claas was hit hard with component shortages and had to cope with missing electronic components, microprocessors, tyres and hydraulics. He noted that Claas even had to try to source the raw components for its own suppliers.
He said the manufacturer had many machines in stock with missing parts which couldn’t be delivered.
He outlined that there were a lot of late deliveries, such as combines, some of which missed the harvest, and more of which are yet to be delivered and won’t be delivered until Q4.
He emphasised that Claas worked hard with dealers to ensure all customers were looked after. He said solutions were found to bridge the gap and the harvest was completed.
Mohr explained the first signs of supply chain easing seem to be coming from the cooling of other industries such as the construction sector. The postponement of many big projects is making many parts and components more readily available.
“The war is very sad. We did see a huge business potential in both Ukraine and Russia – but that is now gone. Some of our Ukrainian team are still there, half the workforce is fighting the war while the remainder are trying to keep dealers and farmers going through the harvest. We are still delivering parts to Ukraine and the occasional machine to keep the harvest going,” concluded Mohr.
From 2023, the 5500 straw-walker and 7700 hybrid models will be available with Montana chassis slope compensation.
Three years after the market launch of the latest generation Lexion, Claas has further refined its flagship combine range, first introduced in 1995. Claas has added a new 8600 hybrid machine alongside two new Montana versions (5500 and 7700). Meanwhile, all new Lexions will have a new cab, some with increased engine power and greater grain tank volume.
Grain tank volumes of 12,500l and 13,500l can now be found on the Lexion 7700 and upwards.
New entry-level model
For the 2023 season, Claas has introduced a new 8600 model as its entry into its higher-end hybrid combine range. Also available in a Terra Trac version, the 8600 features a drum width of 1,700mm and is powered by a 12.4l MAN six-cylinder engine. The 549hp 8600 combine is positioned directly above the Lexion 7700, which has a drum width of 1,420mm.
The Dynamic Power feature allows engine output to automatically adapt to the operating conditions, with Claas claiming savings of up to 10% in fuel in the partial load range. The manufacturer says the 8600, introduced in North America in 2019, has proved itself in trailing European conditions in the 2021 and 2022 harvests. The grain tank volume is 12,500l and 13,500l on the Terra Trac model.
The Lexion 8700 gains 41hp to 626hp, while the 8800 has an increase in power of 47hp to 700hp.
More power
The Lexion 8700 and 8800 models have gained more engine power. The 8700 gains 41hp to 626hp, while the 8800 has an increase in power of 47hp to 700hp. The 16.2l MAN six-cylinder from the 8900 will now also power the 8800. The increase in output and optimised torque curves mean that more power reserves are available, which keep the engine speed constant, particularly under difficult harvesting conditions.
Larger cab
The new generation cab introduced with the Trion in 2021 can be found on all Lexion combines for the 2023 season. Updates include more space and an optional rotational leather seat with footrests. Larger front and side windows and thinner A-pillars with a wider command centre offer a better visibility.
The 12in Cebis touchscreen terminal features three individually adjustable main display areas, along with the integration of Cemos Dialog and Cemos Automatic.
Threshing and cleaning settings can be accessed using direct access buttons on the right-hand side of the operating armrest. A 30l coolbox and a 360° LED light package are optionally available, as is a multimedia package.
Crop flow
Claas explained that to further optimise the flow of material from the threshing unit to the rotors, a segmented feed drum has been introduced into 7000 and 8000 series. The new design, in combination with the laterally and centrally attached feed plates, means the crop flow is better distributed and fed to the two rotors. The higher number of conveying tools also leads to a better crop flow and reduced matting with tough straw and under extreme conditions.
From 2023, all Lexion reversers will have a slow retraction function. After the reversing process, the direction of rotation of the reversing motor can be easily reversed at the push of a button, so that the crop is transferred slowly and more evenly to the threshing mechanism. This allows peak loads to be avoided after reversing.
More grain tank volume
Further updates include an increase in the grain tank volume for some models. The 6600 is now optionally available with a 11,000l tank, while tanks sizes of 12,500l are available on the 6700 and up to 13,500l on the 7600. From 2023, the 8800 can be optionally fitted with an 18,000l grain tank, which was previously only available on the 8900 flagship. A 15,000l grain tank is also available for the 8700, while the previously available variants with volumes of 12,500l and 13,500l can now be found on the 7700 and upwards.
To control the transfer process more precisely, both the 330mm and 420mm diameter grain tank unloading augers can be fitted with a pivoting spout with a range of up to 60cm.
The new generation cab introduced with the Trion in 2021 can now be found on all Lexion combines for the 2023 season.
New Cemos functions
A new dialog-based loss measurement in Cemos Dialog enables loss sensors to be calibrated more precisely. The system guides the driver through the calibration process to prevent measurement and input errors. Any loss level can be used for the calibration.
Cemos Auto Header is a further innovation for Lexion and Trion that automatically optimises the table length, reel height and horizontal position of the reel based on the crop height measured by the Field Scanner on the cab roof.
A sensor records the layer thickness of the crop flow in the feeder housing. The driver can therefore fully concentrate on checking all machine data and quality parameters in Cebis and on the crop in front of the combine harvester, as well as on the transfer process when unloading while driving.
New Montana models
From 2023, the 5500 straw-walker and 7700 hybrid models will be available with Montana chassis slope compensation. Starting at 258hp in the five-walker segment up to 549hp in the mid-range hybrid class, Claas is now offering eight Montana machines for use on steep slopes. Lateral slope compensation of up to 18° and longitudinal inclinations of up to 6° can be achieved via the hydraulic adjustment of the chassis.
Claas have launched the Disco 1010, the widest mounted non conditioner mower, without a telescopic boom, on the market.
Claas launches widest mounted butterfly
mower on market
With the new Disco 1010, Claas has just launched the widest mounted non-conditioner mower, without a telescopic boom, on the market.
The two booms suspended at the centre of gravity feature the unique vector folding system. With this system, the mowers are moved hydraulically, into a diagonal 120° transport position. They then pivot slightly backwards via a ram combined with the hydraulic non-stop collision safety device and are automatically locked hydraulically.
The double slanted position means the mowers remains below the 4m transport height. Lying diagonally behind the tractor on the headstock, this shifts the centre of gravity to the tractor’s longitudinal axis, according to Claas.
The company says that compared to mowers that swivel backwards, the load on the front axle of the tractor is reduced by around 50%.
Claas's unique vector folding system sees the mowers are moved hydraulically into a diagonal 120° transport position.
Range
The new Disco 1010 joins the existing 8500 and 9200 in the non-conditioner butterfly mower range. With a working width of up to 9.9m on the new 1010, Claas says it has a power requirement of just 150hp.
The mower bed can be operated at a reduced speed of 850 rpm, with Claas saying a diesel saving of up to 20% can be achieved.
The main frame and headstock has been redesigned, with the main gearbox moved slightly to the rear and the angular gearboxes facing the cutter bars being slanted by 2° to ensure the drive shafts work in a straight line, which reduces wear.
Colour-coded blades
With a working width of up to 9.9m on the new 1010, Claas say it has a power requirement of just 150hp.
In 2014, Claas moved from the Comer cutter bar to its own design. All Disco disc mowers built after 2022 will have the caps and mower blades of the anti-clockwise rotating discs painted red.
This means replacement blades can be immediately assigned to the appropriate mower discs.
All Disco disc mowers built after 2022 will have the caps and mower blades of the anti-clockwise rotating discs painted red to make it easier to fit replacement blades.
Claas increases flywheel mass by up to 28% on Quadrant
The Quadrant Evolution presented in 2021 features three basic models – 4200, 5200 and 5300. For 2023, the 5200 and 5300 types will have a hydraulic drive for the pickup and Power Feeding System (PFS).
While the speed of the five-row pickup is constant at 135rpm, the speed of the PFS feed roller can be adjusted from 200 to 250rpm depending on the conditions. The increased transmittable torque of the hydraulic drive of 1,000Nm is also fully available for reversing the pickup and PFS at reduced speed.
To cushion load peaks and protect the power train of the baler and tractor, the mass of the flywheel on the 5200 and 5300 has been increased by 21% and 28% respectively.
Another new feature is the hydraulically fully automatic folding pickup guide wheels. These swing out automatically when the pickup is lowered and swing in fully automatically when the pickup is raised.
More mass
To cushion load peaks and protect the power train of the baler and tractor, the mass of the flywheel on the 5200 and 5300 has been increased by 21% and 28%, respectively. Claas says that due to the new spoke design, the inertia of the flywheel has been increased by 46% on the 5200 and 44% on the 5300. To protect the drive against overload, a slip clutch can be ordered as an alternative to the standard shear bolt protection.
For 2023, the 5200 and 5300 can now be factory-fitted with a new Müthing front-mounted chopper system.
Front chopper
In 2002, Claas introduced the fine cut technology. With initially 49 and later 51 knives instead of the usual 25, it offered an at-the-time unrivalled theoretical cutting length of 2cm. For 2023, the 5200 and 5300 can now be factory-fitted with a new Müthing front-mounted chopper system.
The rotor works with 88 oscillating knives and is driven by a power belt on the left side of the machine. The cutting length can be adjusted using two adjustable counter blades, each with 45 knives. The blades of the rotor and shearbars can be used on both sides.
When the chopper is active, the crop flow is fed directly to the rotor via the roller crop press of the pickup. The crop flow can be centred in the direction of the cutting rotor using adjustable guide plates.
Pendulum flaps at the front offer protection against stone chips. Transport wheels are supplied as standard, which allow the front-mounted shredder to be disassembled and assembled in less than 20 minutes.
The rotor works with 88 oscillating knives and is driven by a power belt on the left side of the machine.
Claas rolls out new variable chamber round baler
Claas has taken the wraps off its new Variant 500 variable chamber baler range which features further development of the pressure control system, simplified maintenance and a new design. The Variant 500 series includes six models to make bales from 0.90 to 1.8m in diameter.
The range includes the RC models with spiral Roto Cut four-star cutting rotor for high baling density. This includes the 565RC and 585RC with HD components such as reinforced drive chains, a strong cutting rotor with 8mm double-tine stars and special knife protection for the primary use of silage.
These two balers are now equipped with a 17-knife cutting mechanism with a theoretical cutting length of 60mm.
The standard rotor drop floor can be lowered hydraulically to clear blockages, while the knives are automatically depressurised.
To prevent blockages in advance, the PRO rotor drop floor compensates for uneven swaths by being able to lower itself by up to 30mm and automatically return to its original position.
The 565RC and 585RC feature HD components such as reinforced drive chains, a strong cutting rotor with 8mm double-tine stars and special knife protection for the primary use of silage.
Pressure control system
Claas says a key focus for the engineers has been on the new baling pressure control system. This includes a new hydraulic control block with independent lines for both belt tensioning arms. This means that both the position and the baling pressure can be measured independently for both arms. The newly developed control software is designed so that perfectly formed bales leave the chamber even under difficult conditions.
Claas says the new regulation achieves a higher bale density in the outer area of the bale. The dimensions and baling pressure of the soft core can be adjusted independently of one another for all conditions.
In the binding area, the roll of net has been positioned 25cm lower than in the previous generation. It also features a new net brake, which is independent of the roll diameter. The existing comfort net wrap for the automatic binding process has been carried over from the previous series.
New inline filters ensure reliable separation of foreign bodies in the hydraulic oil. The pickup wheels have been redesigned so that they can be more easily adjusted to the conditions.
The central oil lubrication works with a new oil tank and a new mechanically driven oil pump. The positions of the brushes have been changed for better lubrication with low oil consumption. Central greasing banks and greasing points with permanently marked intervals simplify daily maintenance. New tyre options mean sizes up to 560/45 22.5 can be fitted.
Claas says a key focus for the engineers has been on the new baling pressure control system.
Following the mowers and square balers, the Variant is now gaining the 7in Cemis 700 Isobus terminal. Alternatively, it can be operated via other Isobus universal terminals or via the tractor’s IsoBus terminal.
This is a subscriber-only article
SHARING OPTIONS: