CLAAS celebrates 150,000th tractor

German farm machinery manufacturer, CLAAS, recently celebrated its 150,000th tractor rolling off the factory floor since it first set foot in the tractor market in 2003.

To mark the special occasion, CLAAS is offering two special edition tractors - the AXION 870 with 295 hp; and ARION 660 with 205hp.

Both models feature top-of-the-line specification including CMATIC continuously variable transmission, front axle suspension, four-point cab suspension, CEBIS operating system and TELEMATICS; as well as a plethora of cab features such as leather trim, mobile phone mount, tinted rear window and LED lighting.

On the outside, the celebratory models will sport a metallic paint finish and special ‘150,000’ decals.

CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager for Tractors, Dave Knowles, said CLAAS is now recognised as one of Europe’s leading tractor manufacturers.

“CLAAS has invested well over $1 billion improving its tractor research, development and manufacturing capabilities over the past decade,” he said.

“These include the ongoing redevelopment of its tractor manufacturing plant and testing facility in France and the construction of a new transmission plant in Germany.

“This investment has allowed CLAAS to release a new series almost every year since 2006, which is an amazing achievement.”

CLAAS tractors have earned a string of international accolades in recent years, with XERION 5000, AXION 900 and AXION 800 all winning coveted Machine of the Year awards at Agritechnica, Europe’s largest agricultural technology exhibition.

In addition, the AXION 800 range was also named 2014 Tractor of the Year and the winner of a coveted Industrie Forum Gold Award for excellence in automotive design.

CLAAS now offers more than 30 different tractor models spanning 75 to 530hp - from the versatile utility AXOS workhorses to the powerful range-topping XERION rigs.

The AXION, ARION and AXOS are designed to be highly versatile work platforms.

“Each series features a compact shape, long wheelbase and balanced weight distribution over both axles for maximum manoeuvrability, stability and traction,” Knowles said.

“Likewise, every model is available with a range of options, including integrated front-end loader brackets and front suspension, linkage, PTO and hydraulics, to allow you to configure your tractor exactly the way you want it.”

CLAAS tractors have also been designed with operator comfort and ease of use in mind.

“All models feature spacious, high visibility, ergonomically-designed cabins and adjustable cabin suspension as standard,” Knowles said.

“CLAAS offers three operating systems – CEBIS, CIS+ and CIS – with intuitive, easy to use controls that let you get on with the job.”

CLAAS said all its tractors are designed in accordance with the CLAAS POWER SYSTEMS philosophy.

“CPS aims to optimise every component of the drive train – the engine, emissions control system, transmission, drive assembly, PTO shaft, axles, hydraulics and management systems,” Knowles said.

“CLAAS seeks out the best individual technological solution for each component and then combines it with its own expertise in drive train management to deliver the optimal combination of performance, efficiency and reliability.

“Because CLAAS is not committed to any specific component or manufacturer, it is free to utilise whichever technology is best suited for that particular application.”