Claas tractor range gets a new lease of life

Claas has a new generation of its 500, 600 and range-topping 900 series tractors, with enhanced equipment options, a wider range of engines and many new features.

These include the new CIS+ system, the new Cebis terminal, updated Hexashift and Cmatic transmission functions and the Proactiv front axle suspension, newly developed by Claas. Three equipment options are available, these are the CIS, new CIS+ and the new Cebis Touch and are available on the Axion 800 and Arion 600 and 500 ranges for the very first time. All versions are available with a Hexashift powershift transmission; alternatively, the CIS+ and Cebis versions can be supplied with the continuously variable Cmatic transmission.

The CIS version has been kept deliberately simple, with mechanical spool valves and the CIS display, while CIS+ comes with electronic spool valves and the CIS colour A pillar display as standard. Both versions have the proven multifunction armrest, with Drivestick to operate the transmission.

The Cebis version goes even further, featuring the fully redesigned Cebis terminal with 12in touchscreen display and intuitive Direct Access, in addition to the Cmotion multifunction control lever, which can be operated using just three fingers.

Broader output range

The power output range of the Arion series has been extended upwards and downwards and now stretches from 125hp in the Arion 510 to 185hp or 205hp in the Arion 660 thanks to Claas Power Management (CPM), which provides a boost of up to 20hp for transport and PTO work.

All Arion 500 models have a four-cylinder engine, while the Arion 600 tractors have a six-cylinder engine throughout. In the middle of the ranges there is a two-model overlap where tractors can be chosen with either four or six cylinders. All of these engine meet the most recent emissions standards (Tier 4F). They use diesel particulate filter (DPF) and other cleaning technologies to get to this standard. These models also come with a larger fuel tank.

Transmissions

The Hexashift six-speed powershift transmission in the Arion has undergone further development and offers a wide range of additional functions. These include a cruise control function where the forward speed selected by the driver is maintained automatically at the optimum engine speed. The engine therefore operates independently of the current task and is highly fuel-efficient at all times. The integrated Smart Stop function makes for very convenient handling. When the brake pedal is pressed, the transmission disengages automatically – there is no need to use the clutch pedal. This reduces the driver’s workload, especially during clutch-intensive tasks such as front loader work and round baling.

New Proactiv front axle suspension

All new Arion 600 and 500 models can be fitted with the new Proactiv front axle suspension, developed by Claas. The tractor weight is optimally supported on the front axle thanks to the triangular arrangement of the two suspension cylinders, which are angled outwards.

Intelligent control of the Proactiv front axle suspension also provides active roll stabilisation on bends and reduces pitching movements during braking and acceleration. This guarantees optimum ride comfort even when driving at high speeds on roads, tracks and fields, and increases safety when driving with heavy implements attached as it prevents the tractor-machine combination from bouncing. Another new feature available on the Arion 600/500 is the Claas Dynamic Steering system. Dynamic Steering allows the driver to change the number of turns of the steering wheel needed to achieve the same steering lock and adjust the steering to the current task, simply by pressing a button. Adjustment takes place in two different automatic programs, each with two levels, and a manual program with four intensity levels. This makes handling much faster and easier, especially during steering-intensive work such as when using the front loader or when turning at the headland. One major improvement of this axle over the previously used Carrero version is that instead of having 22 grease nipples, the new Claas-designed and built axle has only four.

Cab with four or five pillars

All models are available with an updated range of cabs. Each version offers the same generous amount of space, a continuous front window and optimum visibility, including a good view of wide implements at the rear. Customers can also choose between the familiar five-pillar cab, or a four-pillar cab with a uninterrupted field of vision to the driver’s left. The four-pillar cab is already in use on the larger Axion 900 and 800 models.

New big tractors from Claas

The Claas Axion 900 series of high powered tractors for contractors and larger farms was first launched in 2011 and quickly established itself on the market.

Claas has now launched the new generation of the Axion 900 series, which has undergone refinements and offers many new features. These include more powerful engines with a low-speed concept, optimised Cmatic transmission control and the new Cebis terminal as is also available on the new 500 and 600 series with touch display and Cmotion multifunction control lever. All new Axion 900 models have the proven and highly and sophisticated six-cylinder FPT Cursor 9 engine with 8.7 litre cubic capacity. This engine meets all the requirements of the Stage IV (Tier 4) emissions standard. It also has a new, variable geometry turbo as standard equipment, delivering optimum charge-air pressure according to the current load and engine speed.

As a result, 70% of maximum torque is available even when idling. The maximum output of these models (Axion 920 – 960) has been increased and now ranges from 325hp to 445hp (in accordance with ECE R 120). As usual, the new Axion 900 tractors transfer their full power from a standing start and at all forward speeds without a boost.

All models in the new Axion 900 series are equipped as standard with the updated, continuously variable ZF Terramatic transmission which has proved itself in the Axion 800. It has been adapted to the higher output of these tractors and features outstanding stability and power transmission with a high mechanical component, providing optimum efficiency in all speed ranges from 0.05km/h to 50km/h. The continuously variable Claas Cmatic transmission control system uses a new generation of software which incorporates many customer requirements identified under real-world conditions and further refines engine-transmission coordination.

For example, cruise control can be deactivated with the accelerator pedal and the transmission adjusts more rapidly to the job in hand as the driver can switch between two saved engine drop-off values simply by pressing a button.

The new Axion 900 comes with the new Cebis terminal with a 12in touch display and the proven ergonomic armrest with Cmotion multifunction control lever for convenient operation of all the main functions using the thumb and first two fingers. The new Cebis offers many new functions for very fast and straightforward operation. Claas has also included on-board GPS capability on all its 900 series machines. All new Axion 900 tractors are optionally available with different LED lighting packages. The packages include up to 20 LED work lights and LED road lights, including daytime road lights.

The arrival of the new 500 and 600 ranges from Claas appear to me a good step forward for the German harvester giant and will probably bring them a larger slice of the tractor market.