Tractor, harvester IT comes of age
Over the last halfdecade, digital technology has appeared to be the “must-have” for tractor and machinery companies, who believe that bringing IT to tractors and farming will offer its customers huge benefits.
Engineered specifically for broadacre markets, the machine packs a super-efficient 653 or 583 horsepower engine, 914mm tracks, updated hydraulics and a new luxury cabin with four-point suspension.
Claas Harvest Centre product manager – tractors, Paul Holdaway, says the new series is the result of six years of research and development and 10,000 hours of field testing across five countries.
“XERION 12 is all about performance, comfort and productivity – and it delivers all three in spades,” he claims.
With a maximum power output of 653hp and 3100Nm of torque at just 1300rpm, the Xerion 12 is currently the most powerful four-wheeldrive tracked tractor on the market.
It is also the only one equipped with a continuously variable transmission as standard – alongside the highest hydraulic flow and the largest cabin in its class. The CVT splits the power transmission between the hydraulic and straight mechanical connection. The former is used to start off before the effort is gradually passed to the mechanical side as the speed increases.
This characteristic means that implements are protected by avoiding peak loads on the frame structures and hitching devices caused by abrupt shifting or engaging and disengaging with the implement in working position.
XERION 12 is powered by the same 15.6L six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM473 engine - found in LEXION combine harvesters and JAGUAR forage harvesters. This is coupled to the ZF continuously variable transmission for optimal power transfer to the ground or rear PTO – even at low speeds or under heavy operating conditions.
“This intelligent drivetrain, coupled with Claas’ highly successful ‘high torque, low rpm’ concept, ensures fuel-efficient operation,” Holdaway adds. “Independent testing has shown fuel consumption per hour is 8 to 10 percent less than other tractors in this category.”
TERRA TRAC models are equipped with newly developed triangular crawler units and 914mm or 762mm tracks, while wheeled alternatives can be fitted with 800/70 R42 dual or 900/60 R42 single tyres.
All models can be configured with up to eight double-acting control spool valves and three load-sensing hydraulic pumps. This delivers a combined flow rate of 537 L/min, meaning even the biggest air-seeders – with a continuously high oil demand – can be operated more efficiently at reduced engine speed.
New Zealand growers will have to wait until at least 2025 before the new series lands in this country, due to anticipated in the North American and European markets. However, it will also allow customers to have the choice of either a Stage 5 or Stage 3 engine.
