A SERIES leading model has been added by German manufacturer, Claas, to its popular Axion 800 range - which means it now has seven models ranging from 205 to 295 hp.

The new Axion 870 - available from 2016 - comes equipped as standard with the continuously variable, CMatic transmission, and has up to 295hp at its disposal. This comes from the tried and tested six-cylinder 6.7-litre FPT engine, which hits Stage IV (Tier 4) emissions standards.

It uses the Class Poer Management (CPM) system which is configured that, at speeds above 14 km/h and whenever power take-off work is being performed, the system automatically provides additional torque and an extra 15hp of power through the electronic engine control system.

Overall, this newcomer is 31hp more powerful than the Axion 850 CMatic, despite having the same weight.

Lie the rest of the series, the Axion 870 has a new, lightweight front axle as standard which allows an increase in the permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 1-tonne.

Claas reckons this makes it an ideal tool for light cultivation and heavy-duty power take-off operations, such as baling, slurry spreading or grass harvesting. That pushes it in to being an attractive alternative to the next model up in the AXION 900 model series, said Claas.

Equipped with the CEBIS operating concept (Claas electronic on-board information system), it can control up to seven electronic spool valves and has a terminal integrated into the armrest. It is also capable of intelligent headland and implement management and all of the important functions of both tractor and equipment can be controlled using function keys in the armrest or with the CMOTION multifunction lever.

An option is the GPS Pilot steering system, with S10 or S7 terminal.