CLAAS AXION half-tracked rigs arrive Down Under

CLAAS Harvest Centre has announced that demonstration models of the much-anticipated AXION 960 TERRA TRAC half-tracked tractor with 445hp will be hard at work in Australia from early 2021, with commercial deliveries commencing later in the year.

Billed as the world’s first half-tracked tractors with full suspension, the AXION 960 TERRA TRAC with 445hp and 930 TERRA TRAC with 355hp incorporate the tracked assembly technology utilised in CLAAS’ LEXION and JAGUAR grain and forage harvesters.

CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager for Tractors, Shane Barratt, said the ‘half-track’ tractor concept combines the benefits of tracked and wheeled machines.

“In short, TERRA TRAC improves traction and reduces soil compaction, whilst still retaining the driving characteristics of a wheeled tractor,” he said.

“Combined with the front axle and unique four-point cab suspension already found on the AXION, this is arguably the most comfortable tractor on the market.”

Both models will be initially available with 635mm or 735mm track widths, with a 890mm option to be made available in the future.

“With a total footprint of 3.87 square meters, the 890mm track is 35 per cent larger than a 900/60 R42 tyre, which equates to 15 per cent more tractive power and a 50 percent reduction in ground pressure,” Barratt said.

“It is also worth noting that all four widths keep the external width of the tractor to less than 3m.”

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 size of the drive wheel has been increased to meet the specific power transfer needs of a tractor and to handle the high levels of torque,” Barratt said.

“Likewise, the transmission inside the track unit has been strengthened to transmit higher torques.

“Each assembly can pivot up to 23 degrees longitudinally.

“Combined with its individually-suspended rollers, this allows each unit 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.

Specially-designed friction blocks on the drive wheel transfer drive forces to the track belt and ensure self-cleaning of contact surfaces.

The continuously variable CMATIC transmission allows the tractors to be operated at speeds from 50m/h to 40km/h.

The new CLAAS AXION TERRA TRAC features an intelligent drive control system which allows the machine performing tight turning manoeuvres even with tracks, with a steering assist activation function making the turning circle as small as 5m.

The driver can also adjust the tractor’s ground clearance by up to 12cm via the CEBIS terminal.

“This enables the operator to select the optimum height for the implement being used behind the tractor or increase ground clearance when baling or grain carting,” Barratt said.

CLAAS’ AXION 900 TERRA TRAC will be equipped with European Stage V emissions standards compliant engines and can be fitted with the optional CEMOS machine optimisation and CTIC automatic tyre inflation systems.

Both TERRA TRAC models are powered by a 8.7-litre Cursor 9 six-cylinder FPT engine.

“There is no boost system, meaning full power is available for every task, if required,” Barratt said.

“Peak torque of 1600 to 1860Nm is achieved at just 1400 rpm and maximum power at 1800 rpm. Full torque can be called up at all speeds, with top speed reached at 1400rpm while the idling speed is just 650rpm.”

A selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filter system with AdBlue injection and enlarged filter and reaction surfaces aid in emissions control, eliminating the need for exhaust gas recirculation.

CEMOS is CLAAS’ award-winning operator assistance system that optimises machine and implement settings to maximise throughput and fuel efficiency.

“This system is based on ‘dialogue’ with the driver,” Barratt said.

“At the start of a job, the driver enters a range of information about operating conditions, such as soil humidity, soil type and working depth; machine data, such as tractor tyres and front, rear or wheel ballast; and implement data into the CEBIS touchscreen terminal.

“The system actively explores the potential for improvement and passes on suggestions to the driver.

“The driver can either confirm the suggestions or instruct CEMOS to investigate alternative optimisation possibilities.

The system then recommends the best pressure for the front and rear tyres to reduce wheel slip, ground damage and diesel consumption.

“This makes it possible to achieve intelligent dynamic internal tyre pressure adjustment in interaction with other parameters, such as ballast, and real-time performance data,” Barratt added.

He said the system can significantly improve efficiency and throughput compared to manual adjustment of the tractor and implement settings.

The CEMOS machine optimisation system and factory-fitted tyre pressure control system are both controlled via the 12-inch CEBIS monitor or CMOTION control lever.

“With a maximum front and rear lifting capacity of 6.5 and 11 tonnes, respectively, and a hydraulic flow rate of 220l/min, the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC continues to be one of the best lifters in its class,” Barratt said.

As aforementioned, the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC comes with several levels of suspension and functions to offer utmost driving comfort. This includes a four-way cab suspension, active suspended driver’s seat and front axle suspension, as well as automatic load and brake compensation.

The wide, curved rear window gives the driver an excellent view of implements.