Smarter and more efficient – that’s the claim for Claas’ large tractor series, the Axion 900s.

This is the most radical change to the 900s since their launch in 2011 with new state of the art technology combined with a factory-fitted CTIC tyre pressure control system.

The now Stage V compliant models can come as standard tractors or as Terra-Trac variants and use the proven 8.7-litre Cursor 9 six-cylinder engine from FPT. Emission control is handled by a SCRoF system with AdBlue injection and enlarged filter and reaction surfaces. That means exhaust gas recirculation is still not necessary to hit emission targets.

It’s a low revving unit which, at 1800 rpm, delivers its maximum of 325 to 445 hp, depending on the model, but peak torque (of 1600 to 1860 Nm) is available at just 1400 rpm. There is no boost system, so full power is available if required.

Claas’ proven CMatic continuously variable transmission has four automatically selected mechanical ranges and a top speed of 50, or 40 km/h can be reached at a fuel-sipping 1470 to 1400 rpm, again model dependent. The driver can also choose from three virtual ranges for the task in hand.

Axions have been able to operate with wheels up to 44 inches on the rear axle since 2017 and both front and rear axles are approved for operation with twin wheels as standard. But the latest models also get the CTIC tyre pressure control systems.

This uses an auxiliary compressor with an air delivery rate of 2800 l/min, the internal tyre pressure can be quickly adjusted to suit the tractor and – if equipped accordingly – a trailed implement. Operation is integrated into the CEBIS terminal.

These Axions have a static weight distribution of 50/50 and an unladen weight of 12.5 tonnes and, without ballast, has a maximum permissible weight of 18-tonnes.

The five-model series of wheeled machines is complemented by two fitted with Terra Trac half-tracks. These are the 930 Terra Trac and 960 Terra Tracs, which again now meet stage V emission standards.

Capable of working with a wide range of tackle, these tracked machines have active steering intervention in the speed of the crawler tracks makes for a tighter steering response, preventing soil ramping during turning manoeuvres. With an unladen weight of 16.5 tonnes, the maximum permissible total weight is 22 tonnes and they have a rated road speed of up to 40 km/h.

Even with the widest crawler tracks of 890 mm, these Axions do not exceed an external width of 3 m, making it straightforward for vehicle registration and easier driving on public roads.

Claas’ 'thinking' system, Cemos, is optionally available. Claimed as the first interactive and self-learning driver assistance and machine optimisation system on tractors, class is confident that its initial practical experience in soil cultivation shows double-digit savings in diesel consumption, or increases in area output of a similar magnitude.

The clever but is that the system takes into account not only tractor-specific parameters, such as ballast and engine pressure, but also equipment data such as traction boosters. You can also optimise settings for numerous plough types thanks to data stored in the ‘plough assistant’.

Cemos is also linked to the new tyre pressure control system, meaning it can adjust internal tyre pressure during work, in co-ordination with the other parameters and with driver interaction. Standard fitment, though, is the 12-inch ISOBUS-capable Cebis terminal and the S10 terminal can be added to support GPS Pilot, variable application rate and section control functionality – up to six cameras can be displayed simultaneously.

Even in simple CIS+ configuration (without the Cebis and CMotion multi-function lever) the S10 Terminal also allows ISOBUS applications and section-specific work to be carried out.

For driver comfort, there’s four-way cab suspension, optional active suspended and ventilated driver’s seat, plus 90mm travel front axle suspension and automatic load and brake compensation.

The back end has an 11-tonne lift and there’s a choice of 5t or 6.5t linkage at the front. For hydraulics, standard is a 150 /min pump, but a 220 l/min flow rate available as an option with an LS booster.