New AXION high horsepower tractors

The new CLAAS AXION range of tractors adds a new dimension to the current ARES 800 series with a range of five models with power outputs from 163hp up to 225hp.

Due to the nature of the work that this size of tractor is likely to carryout, such as working on large arable farms or for contractors, four main considerations have been taken into account in the design of the tractor.

• Comfort: this strength of the CLAAS tractor range has been further developed on the AXION in recognition of the long hours these tractors are likely to work.

• Versatility: AXION has been designed to enable large arable farms and contractors to optimise their machinery costs by operating fewer tractors but over longer operating hours.

• Intelligence: To make life as easy as possible for the operator, the AXION offers convenient tractor-implement connection, straightforward, easy-to-use controls and extensive set-up possibilities.

• Profitability: Cost reductions can be achieved resulting from reduced maintenance time and fuel consumption, plus optimised running costs, with efficient task and fleet management.

To help achieve these objectives, this new range of CLAAS tractors features the latest TIER III, state-of-the-art DPS PowerTech Plus engines with the new CLAAS POWER MANAGEMENT system, driving through the latest version of the highly efficient HEXASHIFT transmission. For maximum field and transport performance, the AXION incorporates a new multifunction armrest control unit, CEBIS information terminal, the CLAAS SEQUENCE CONTROL system and an advanced lighting management facility.

Design

To meet the need for versatility, weighing just 7.2 tonnes the new AXION range is designed to be light, compact and manoeuvrable for top work with a weight to power ratio of 33kg/hp. However, for heavy tillage work it can be ballasted up to 11 tonnes with the ratio rising to 50kg/hp.

In common with all CLAAS tractors AXION has an optimum 50/50 weight distribution. Whilst it has a long 2980mm wheelbase for greater driving comfort, stability and a high, 11 tonne, rear lift capacity, it's short overall length (5,100mm) means AXION is agile and provides the operator with excellent visibility both to the front and rear.

As is standard across higher powered CLAAS tractors, the AXION comes as standard with the well-proven and unique CLAAS four-point full-cab suspension system. In addition the operator further benefits from a suspended seat, rear hitch suspension and front axle suspension, plus suspension on the front linkage where fitted, giving a total of eight suspension points.

Advanced engines

The new AXION is powered by the latest TIER III compliant DPS PowerTech Plus common rail 6.8 litre engine. The engines have a four-valve cylinder head and are fitted with both an intercooler and variable geometry turbocharger. In addition, the engine uses an exhaust gas recirculation system to reduce emissions and as a result of these advanced features, not only does the engine meet TIER III emissions criteria, but fuel consumption is some 7% less than on their TIER II equivalents.

In addition to higher max torque and torque increase figures across the range, the top two models, the 205hp AXION 840 and the 225hp AXION 850, also feature the new CLAAS POWER MANAGEMENT (CPM) system as standard which provides up to 35hp of additional horsepower.

As the load on the engine increases, the CPM system will release the additional power in steps of 6hp, so that the engine is only making available sufficient power for the requirement, therefore saving fuel. This extra power is made available for both PTO and hydraulic use, but also uniquely when the transmission is in either range C or D, so therefore available both for transport but also normal tillage work at speeds as low as 8kph.

HEXASHIFT transmission

The AXION is fitted with a new, larger version of the 24 speed HEXASHIFT transmission introduced on the ARES 07 range that drives through a new GIMA rear axle. The efficiency of the new transmission system in transmitting power to the ground is evident in the fact that power loss is 23% less compared to the transmission on the ARES 800 range. As standard, the AXION comes with a 40kph transmission, with 50kph available as an option.

The HEXASHIFT transmission features four robotised ranges with a hydro-assisted change. Within each of the gears are six powershifts all of which are controlled using the new DRIVESTICK control. As standard the AXION incorporates the HEXACTIV full auto-shift transmission mode where instead of changes in range and powershift being made manually, changes in both range and gearshift through all 24 speeds can be set to change automatically depending on engine load and speed.

Unlike the ARES version which has 'Power' or "Eco' modes, a new feature on the AXION is the ability, using the CEBIS control panel, to infinitely adjust the speed thresholds at which the transmission changes in a range from 1200rpm through to 2000rpm. In addition there is also a specific PTO mode in which changes up are made at 2100rpm and down at 1900rpm to ensure that power and forward speed is maintained for the implement being driven.

Front axle

The AXION is fitted with a new design of front axle from DANA that incorporates a central parallelogram active suspension system that adapts to the load placed on it. For instance at high transport speeds when braking, the increased load as the nose of the tractor starts to dip will be detected and the suspension will stiffen accordingly. Likewise it will also sense loads placed on the front or rear linkage and will adapt to accommodate this.

On the largest AXION model, a new CLAAS designed fully integrated five tonne capacity front linkage is fitted as standard, and optional on smaller models, which incorporates both a damping system and position control.

Multifunction control system

In the cab, all the AXION's main transmission and hydraulic operating functions are controlled using a new console built into the armrest.

To the left of this, the new DRIVESTICK gives the operator fingertip control of the transmission when operating in manual HEXASHIFT mode. Single powershift and range changes up and down the transmission are made by simply moving the DRIVESTICK forward or back. By holding the DRIVESTICK forward the transmission will skipshift, changing up two speeds at a time for light transport work.

Behind the DRIVESTICK is the throttle control and separate engine speed memory buttons that enable the operator to store two different engine speeds, for instance one the headland and one for fieldwork.

Nearest the operator are three spool valve controls and the rear hitch position control, whilst on the right hand side is the ELECTROPILOT cross command control of two spool valves. In all the AXION has five spool valves, each of which can be independently adjusted for time and flow using the CEBIS control panel.

The armrest also incorporates the controls for raising and lowering the rear linkage and operating the AXION's new headland management system CLAAS SEQUENCE MANAGEMENT (CSM)

CEBIS control unit

A development of the units used within the CLAAS LEXION and XERION ranges, the new CEBIS control unit on the AXION gives the operator access to a wide range of information and settings.

The various functions can either be selected using a CLAAS COMMUNICATOR style rotary dial. Additionally there is a DIRECT ACCESS function which enables the operator to go directly to the setting of any CEBIS setting simply by first operating the function, and then pressing the DIRECT ACCESS key.

The CLAAS SEQUENCE MANAGEMENT (CSM) function within CEBIS enables the operator to set-up and record for future use two headland or other machinery operation sequences, which can then be activated using the buttons on the armrest. For instance when drilling, the operator could record a headland s