CLAAS confirms half-track tractor models

First released at the Agritechnica trade show as concepts in 2017, CLAAS’s TERRA TRAC half-track tractor range will be commercially available to producers around the world in two models - the AXION 960 TERRA TRAC with 445hp and AXION 930 TERRA TRAC with 355hp.

The concept nabbed a silver innovation medal at Agritechnica 2017 and according to CLAAS, is the world’s first half track tractors with full suspension.

The tractors incorporate tracked assemblies utilised in the company’s LEXION and JAGUAR grain and forage harvesters.

“In short, TERRA TRAC improves traction and reduces soil compaction, whilst still retaining the driving characteristics of a wheeled tractor,” said CLAAS Harvest Centre tractor product manager, Shane Barrett.

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

The AXION 900 TERRA TRAC is available with 457mm (18-inch), 635mm (25-inch), 735mm (29-inch) and 890mm (35-inch) track widths.

“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 per cent reduction in ground pressure,” Barrett 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,” Barrett said.

“Likewise, the transmission inside the crawler tracks 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 at the same time ensure thorough self-cleaning of the contact surfaces.

The continuously variable CMATIC transmission allows the tractors to be precisely operated at low speeds, or at the other end of the scale, up to 40km/h on the road.

An intelligent drive control system allows the tracks to perform tight turning manoeuvres.

The driver can activate three levels of steering assistance or 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,” Barrett said.

The AXION TERRA TRAC has an operating weight of 16.5 tonnes and a maximum gross weight of 22 tonnes, giving it a load capacity of 5.5 tonnes.

CLAAS has also modified the design and position of the 860-litre fuel tank.

The CLAAS Harvest Centre network, which distributes CLAAS products in Australia and New Zealand, expects the TERRA TRAC tractors to become available locally within two years.