600 Series raises the stakes

They meet Tier 4 Final emission regulations with a combination of EGR, DPF and SCR technologies, and have several upgrades to meet European Union regulations on operator safety and braking.

The Arion 610, 630 and 650 produce 145, 165, 185hp respectively, and in the case of the 660 a boosted output of 205hp in transport operations. That power is supplied by a six-cylinder DPS engine of 6.7L, using common rail fuel injection, four valves per cylinder and a variable speed cooling fan. 

Transmission choice is either the Hexashift or C-Matic, the former a semi-powershift set-up offering four ranges with six powershift steps and 50km/h, while the latter offers 0-50km/h in a continuously variable format using Claas’s own EQ 200 or 220 transmissions. 

Subtle tweaks of the product offering make the Arion 610 only available with Hexashift and 40km/h, while the flagship 660 will only be offered with the C-Matic set-up. 

The product manager for NZ & Australia, Dave Knowles, says the split between the two options is likely to be at a 50:50 ratio.

Up front, a new axle sourced from Dana-Spicer, and controlled using Claas software, offers 100mm of suspension travel, manual height control if required, lock-out function for loader operation, and importantly only has seven grease nipples for routine maintenance. 

The rear axle can now take tyres up to 1.95m or 42-inch diameter, and up to a 710 -section, and rear lift capacity is quoted at 7500 or 8000kg depending on the model. 

Closed centre load sensing hydraulic systems of either 110 or 150L/min look after hydraulic flow; there are four rear remotes and two central outlets, and a Power beyond function.

As part of the NZ package, 650 and 660 models will be fitted standard with front linkage and PTO systems, and all models will have a combination hydraulic and air braking system with an air dryer unit. The PTO package offers 540 or 1000 speeds, Eco or Normal operation, and comes with bolted-up 6 or 21 spline PTO shafts.

In the cab, where Claas is already respected for operator comfort, 4-point suspension combines with the suspended front axle for a superior ride, while the cab itself can be either the ‘standard’ 5-post layout or the optional 4 post version. 

A choice of control systems sees CIS offering a black and white screen, mechanical rear remotes and Hexashift transmission, while the CIS + version can be found on both transmission configurations and offers full colour display and electronically controlled valves. The top of the range CEBIS version sees multiple electronic functions such as spool valve priority, ramp-up control, spool valve reassignment and a full-colour touch screen, and the choice of transmission.

Also fitted as standard to the range is the aptly named Extended Transmission Functions that include SmartStop, a clutchless stop/start function actuated by the brake pedal, right hand reverser via the control lever, and auto shifting and twin power droop settings, depending on the chosen transmission. 

All tractors will be GPS-ready with steering valves and wiring in place, needing only a receiver for commissioning.