The Claas Axion tractor range has been given some useful changes including extra power, a new front axle and a marked down spec option for operators who don’t require over abundant electronic assistance.
Claas recently built unit number 3,000 in its 900 Series and on a worldwide count claims to have a 10% market share in its power sector.
The tweaked Axion range consists of five models, with the smaller 920 getting an increase in power to 239kW (325hp) while the new flagship 960 can muster up 327kW (445hp) and that’s without any boost. All models now comply with US Tier 4 Final/Euro Stage IV emissions.
The powerplant is still the same six-cylinder FPT 8.7-litre engine, although maximum power is now available at 1,600rpm, rather than 1,800rpm.
Now fitted to Axion Cebis-spec tractors is a 30.5cm (12-in) touch screen monitor. This mounts directly to the Cebis armrest, the full-colour display is used for machine setup and displays full working information.
To cater for a wide range of customers, Claas has introduced CIS+, an extra spec level to Axion 800s.
Sitting in between entry-level CIS and top spec Cebis controls, CIS+ has similar armrest and controls to CIS spec, with the addition of electric spool control. Also, where Cmatic transmission was previously available in top spec Cebis guise only, CIS+ gets the option of Hexashift or CVT.
Existing Cebis users will feel a sense of familiarity in the CIS+, as it uses the same A-pillar colour display as existing Cebis models, and the same three driving modes; auto, stick and pedal. When in stick or auto modes, the lever features proportional control, so the further it is pushed, the faster the uptake of speed will be.
Control layout for CIS and CIS+ has also been revised, with a more ergonomic joystick and improved location of regular use buttons, such as auto-steer engagement that now sits next to the hand throttle. Joystick features two programmable keys and can be speced with forward/reverse shuttle buttons.
There is still a ZF-made stepless transmission available in Cebis and CIS+ specifications. Load-sensing hydraulics come with output flows of 150-litres/min or 220-litres/min.
