increase font size
The intelligent drive control system means the tracks are capable of performing tight turning manoeuvres.
First seen as concepts at Agritechnica two years ago, CLAAS has now released the world’s first half-tracked tractors with full suspension.
The two new models, the AXION 960 TERRA TRAC (445hp) and AXION 930 TERRA TRAC (355hp), incorporate the proven tracked assemblies utilised in the company’s LEXION and JAGUAR grain and forage harvesters.
The company suggests that Terra Trac improves traction and reduces soil compaction, whilst still retaining the driving characteristics of a wheeled tractor. With an operating weight of 16.5t and a maximum gross weight of 22t, load capacity of 5.5t.
Currently available with 457mm (18”), 635mm (25”), 735mm (29”) and 890mm (35”) track widths. The 890mm track is 35% larger than a 900/60 R42 tyre, offering a footprint of 3.87 square metres.
This equates to 15% more tractive power and a 50% reduction in ground pressure, while remaining within a sub-3m external operating width.
The rear axle of the AXION has been substantially modified to accommodate the TERRA TRAC units, which in turn, have been modified to improve traction. The drive wheel has been increased in size to meet the specific power transfer needs and high levels of torque, while the transmission inside the crawler tracks has been strengthened to transmit higher torques.
Each track assembly can pivot up to 23 degrees longitudinally, combining with individually-suspended rollers, to maintain optimum ground contact in all soil conditions, terrain and operating speed.
The tracks use a force-locking drive and are maintained at a higher tension for even pressure distribution, with friction blocks on the drive wheel to transfer drive forces to the track belt and at the same time create a self-cleaning effect.
The CMATIC continuously variable transmission allows precise control at low speeds and up to 40 km/h on the road.
An intelligent drive control system means the tracks are capable of performing tight turning manoeuvres, offering the operator the choice of three levels of steering assistance or adjust the tractor’s ground clearance by up to 12cm for specific jobs.
Claas has announced the arrival of its new Jaguar 1000 series forage harvesters, taking power delivery beyond 1100hp, aimed at achieving 20% more throughput, better chop quality, greater efficiency and more operator comfort.
With the biennial Agritechnica Event just a few months away, manufacturers are offering sneak peaks at new innovations, with Claas recently highlighting its new Cerex 700 RC round baler.
Well known for its dominance in the harvesting arena, Claas has channelled its engineering excellence and a deep knowledge of the ag industry with the Fieldays release of the 2025 facelift Claas Arion 600C Evolution and Claas Night Edition Arion 660 tractors.
Silage making is both a science and an art, but Claas says it offers onboard technology featured in its Claas Perfect Partners to help farmers make silage more efficiently and effectively.
Claas has recently celebrated the 250,000th CLAAS mower – a Disco 3200 FC – rolling off the production line in Bad Saulgau, south-west Germany.
NZPork has appointed Auckland-based Paul Bucknell as its new chair.
The Government claims to have delivered on its election promise to protect productive farmland from emissions trading scheme (ETS) but red meat farmers aren’t happy.
Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks could have a detrimental impact on any country's rural sector, as seen in the United Kingdom's 2000 outbreak that saw the compulsory slaughter of over six million animals.
The Ministry for the Environment is joining as a national award sponsor in the Ballance Farm Environment Awards (BFEA from next year).
Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.
OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
