AUTO-FUNCTIONS feature strongly in the latest additions to the Axion and Arion ranges from Claas.

Included in the spec' will be the new touch screen Cebis terminal and the addition of a new CIS+ specification.

The latest terminal makes it easier to enter, set and change settings, using a clearly arranged user interface. And, with CIS+, the electronic spool valves and the CMatic CVT transmission are now available without needing the full Cebis specification.

Other features include a more powerful addition to the Axion range, the 445hp 960, which is powered by the latest FPT Cursor 9 engine with a variable geometry turbo. A benefit of this is that 70% of maximum torque is now available even when idling and the engine develops 18% more torque at a lower engine rpm. Engine speed when idling is cut to just 650rpm.

The Arion 600 and 500 range gets two new models at either end of the range – the 125hp Arion 510 and the 185hp Arion 660 – with the latter model getting a power boost to 205hp for transport and pto work.

Again, the engine idling speed has been reduced to 650rpm and all models in the range get an updated Hexhashift transmission, with cruise control. Another new feature is Claas' easy to service Proactiv front axle suspension, which has only four grease points, compared to 19 previously.

New options include 'Smart Stop', which automatically disengages the transmission when the brake pedal is pressed, and dynamic steering, which reduces the effort in steering, making it ideal for repetitive jobs such as loader work.

Added service value

Users of Claas products which have telematics fitted as standard, will soon be able to benefit from a completely new, free, function – remote service.

This means that through intelligent networking between machine and dealer, this package enables Claas dealers to take customer service 'to a new level', it said.

This function is standard on all Lexion, Tucano, Jaguar, Xerion and Axion models sold from October 1, 2017, and the system goes live in June, fully ready for this year’s cereals harvest.

It is free-of-charge and applies for the first five years of the machine’s life, irrespective of whether the owner decides to subscribe to the full telematics machine monitoring package.

Dealers will be able to continuously monitor the machine to ensure that it is functioning correctly. In the event of a problem, it will initially alert the operator and simultaneously send an error message to the dealer.

When they receive the alert, the dealer will be able to assess the severity of the problem and remotely diagnose the fault, establish whether any parts will be required and arrange for the fault to be quickly rectified.