CLAAS has launched its second generation of Lexion combines – including one of the most powerful harvesters in the world.

The new range is called the Lexion APS Synflow Hybrid and consists of seven models, three in the wide body 8000 series and four in the narrow body 7000 series.

Heading up this second generation as the most powerful is the Lexion 8900, which is powered by a MAN engine rated at 790hp. The smallest is the Lexion 7400, rated at 408hp from its Mercedes engine.

Claas has been developing this new generation of Lexions over the past 10 years and has accrued 6000 hours of endurance testing in that time in 10 countries around the world including the UK.

The original Lexion was first introduced in 1995 and quickly became the popular harvesting tool for high output cost efficient harvesting.

In order to build on that legacy Claas engineers have gone back to the drawing board and completely redesigned this new Lexion generation. Here are a few of the changes in key areas:

Threshing

The latest Lexions have the new APS Synflow primary threshing system, which is designed to thresh out 70% of grain, leaving 30% to be removed by the re-developed Roto Plus secondary separation system.

Central to the APS Synflow primary system is a new 755mm diameter threshing drum which is 26% larger than the current 600mm drum found on the outgoing Lexion 780, and is fitted with 10 rasp bars.

Alongside this is a new 600mm diameter feed drum, which is 57% larger than before and the same size as the threshing drum on current Lexion models.

Due to the threshing drum’s greater diameter and potentially higher centrifugal speed of the rasp bars, this has allowed the drum speed to be reduced, so typically can be run at 550rpm compared to 750rpm, in order to maintain the same rasp bar velocity.

Lexion 8000 models have a concave area of 1.55m2 and at 1.30m2 the concave area on the narrow body Lexion 7000 is even more than that on the current top-of-the-range Lexion 780 at 1.26m2.

To reflect the higher throughput of the Lexion 8000 and 7000, grain tank capacity has been increased up to 18,000 litres on the new Lexion 8900. Tank access has been improved and maximum tank unloading speed is now 180 litres per second with an unloading time of just 100 seconds.

The pivot angle of the unloading auger has also been changed to 105°, making it easier to see from the cab.

Power

For optimum fuel efficiency and economy all models are fitted with the Dynamic Power intelligent engine management system which automatically adjusts engine power output relative to load.

Dynamic Cooling variable fan cooling is also standard on all models, which draws clean air in from above the combine and blows it out down over the sides of the machine.

A completely new drive system, based on that used in the Jaguar forage harvester, is aimed at ensuring a more positive, smooth engagement of the threshing and auger systems.

A new clutch system is used to engage and tension the belts, resulting in improved belt life. The straight line design of the drive system results in lower power loss and has reduced the number of belts.

This not only eases maintenance, but has also resulted in fewer ledges and angles on which dust can gather, so improving overall cleanliness.

Irrespective of whether they are fitted with the Terra Trac track system, or wheels, all new Lexion models are capable of travelling on the road at 40km per hour to keep transfer time to a minimum.

All wheeled machines are now available with a differential lock and larger tyre sizes can also be specified for both the front and back axle, going up to 42 inches and a diameter of 2.15m on the front axle and 34 inches with a diameter up to 1.75m on the rear – which might be useful in our current harvesting conditions!

In the cab

A larger cab will provide plenty of operator space and comfort, plus new connectivity.

Incorporated into the cab is improved sound proofing and a new grain tank window, while the seat can be moved further back for greater legroom.

All the main functions are controlled using the Cmotion control, which incorporates a new favourites management system, and the latest Cebis touchscreen terminal, which can be adjusted independent of the armrest or even swung out of the way for improved visibility.

The operator has the flexibility of having three different ways of adjusting the main machine settings. This can be done using either the Cebis touchscreen terminal, the rotary push switch on the Cebis control panel, or via direct switches on the new Lexion armrest which open a dialogue box in Cebis to show the level of adjustment.

The armrest is fully adjustable for reach and height and also includes radio and telephone controls and a USB charger socket.

Other features

A new Quantimeter yield measuring system fitted to the latest Lexions takes its information from a pressure cell.

Claas engineers said this was not only far more accurate and robust, but only needs to be calibrated once a year for each crop type. It is also fully compatible with Telematics for accurate record keeping and yield mapping.

Also on the Lexion 7000 and 8000 range Claas has developed the new Field Scanner automatic steering system.

This uses a radar scanner originally developed by Audi, which is mounted on the top of the cab and can scan over an arc of 145° to both the left and the right, and is capable of recognising both standing crops higher than 10cm and tramlines.