Updates to its Arion 500 four-cylinder and 600 six-cylinder mid-hp tractors and revisions to the Axion 900 line are the main items of tractor news from Claas for 2018.

The firm is also introducing new spec' levels and a new touchscreen operating terminal. Set to be revealed at Agritechnica, there is also now a rear track option for the Axion 900.

The Arion power bracket has been extended in both directions, with the 125hp 510 at the base of the line and the 185hp (205hp max) 660 heading the range. All use DEF (AdBlue), while diesel capacities have been raised.

Changes to the Hexashift six-speed powershift include a cruise control function which matches engine speed to selected forward speed, and the Smart Stop brake/clutch feature. Meanwhile, the continuously-variable CMatic option now includes foot throttle deactivation for the cruise control and two storable engine droop values, selectable at the press of a button.

A completely new ProActiv front axle suspension system features a triangular suspension cylinder arrangement in which the units are angled outwards, while the number of 50hr grease points has been cut to just four. ‘Intelligent’ control provides active roll stabilisation on bends and reduces pitching movements during braking and acceleration, claims Claas.

The firm is also offering a new Dynamic Steering system, allowing the driver to alter the number of steering wheel turns needed to achieve the same steering lock.

All models are available with either the established five-pillar cab or a new four-pillar option with full-length left-side door, as on larger Claas tractors. Further changes include an electronic brake on the Revershift shuttle lever. Engagement is automatic if the driver leaves the seat.

In addition to the 110 l/min load sensing hydraulic system, there is now a 150 l/min option. Arion 630 models and above can now be specified with 42-inch rims and a maximum tyre diameter of 1.95m.

Meanwhile, Claas has introduced a new mid-spec' level for Arion 500/600 and Axion 800 tractors. Between the mechanical spool valve CIS specification and the CEBIS ‘electronic’ tractors is a new CIS+ spec for customers seeking electronic spool valves but not the level of technology offered by CEBIS.

CIS+ is available for tractors with either Hexashift powershift or CMatic CVT transmissions, both of which are operated using the Claas DriveStick.

Specification includes the ElectroPilot joystick – which now features shuttle buttons – and 7in CIS pillar display, which as well as providing information can be used to control valve timing and flow rates, headland management sequences and ISOBUS implements.

Meanwhile, top-spec tractors get a new CEBIS touchscreen terminal, which now includes a quick-adjust ‘Direct Access’ feature for frequently-used functions, operated by tapping the machine silhouette on the display, or by the armrest controller.

Claas has also revealed a refreshed line of Axion 900 tractors topping its conventional range. These include higher engine outputs with a new 445hp 960 top model, refined CMatic CVT control and the new CEBIS touch display.

A variable-geometry turbo on the 8.7-litre FPT Cursor 9 Stage IV engine is claimed to optimise charge-air pressure according to current load and engine speed, meaning 70% of maximum torque is available even when idling.

Maximum outputs have been increased to cover the 325-445hp (ECE R120) power band – there is no boost feature – and torque output is up by 18% at up to 200 rpm lower engine speed. Claas claims further fuel savings of approximately 2.0 l/hr from a reduced auto idling speed from 800 to 650 rpm when stationary.

The tractors also benefit from the same CMatic and CEBIS Touch updates as the Arion 5/600 models.

Up to eight spool valves are fed by 150 or 220 l/min load-sensing hydraulic systems, controllable via rocker switches, the ElectroPilot four-way joystick or configurable armrest function buttons and multifunction control lever.

Using CEBIS, the driver can assign priority to any spool valve, and can define a ‘ramp up’ and ‘ramp down’ for each valve to specify how quickly each should deliver the pre-set oil flow.

Other introductions include LED work and road light packages comprising up to 20 lights, removable tool drawer, external battery terminals, wide-angle mirrors and a compressed air connection by the left-hand cab access steps.

At the German Agritechnica Show, in November, Claas is also set to launch a rear track option for the Axion 900 tractors. These are based on Terra-Trac technology from the Lexion combine line, are fully suspended – as is the front axle – and they pivot by 15 degrees each way to follow ground contours. Maximum travel speed is 40km/hr (25mph).

Lastly, CEMOS for tractors is a new, dialogue-based driver assistance system. Based around a database created from existing tractor use experience, like the firm’s similar system for combines it suggests to the operator the optimal tractor settings, via the new touchscreen CEBIS terminal, for the current task. This is based on machine parameters, operating conditions and the driver's preferences.

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Arion upgrades include new 125hp 510 and 185hp (205hp max) 660 models at either end of the range.

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