CLAAS TERRA TRAC gives farmers best of both worlds

To date, there are only a handful of half-tracked, half-wheeled tractors on the market, with CLAAS’ AXION 900 TERRA TRAC being one of the latest additions to that stable.

Upon its release in 2017 as a concept, it turned heads and swept up plenty of awards for its innovative design.  A production version was finally released on to the market in 2020, and this year, descended upon our shores.

While the half-track concept was not a novelty, CLAAS did claim that its AXION 900 TERRA TRAC rigs is the world’s first half tracked tractor with full suspension.

The suspension package on the tractor includes independent track suspension, front and rear axle suspension, a four-point cab suspension and an air suspension seat in the cab, which all combine to provide the operator with the most comfortable ride regardless of the terrain.

CLAAS likens the experience of driving the TERRA TRAC tractor to being on a magic carpet ride, whereby operators feel as if they’re gliding across the paddock. Having given the TERRA TRAC a go, we can certainly vouch for the comfort factor it offers.

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The tracks of the TERRA TRAC have been brought across from CLAAS’ well-known JAGUAR and LEXION harvesters, but with a number of modifications to suit a tractor set up.

With the independent track suspension, operators can adjust the tractor ground clearance by up to 12cm where required for operations such as baling or grain carting.

CLAAS’ AXION 900 TERRA TRAC range consists of two models – the AXION 960 TERRA TRAC with 445hp and 930 TERRA TRAC with 355hp.

The benefits of a wheel and tracked tractor, according to CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager for Tractors, Shane Barratt, is that you get the best of both worlds with that one machine.

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

Tracked tractors have a bad rep for being harder to maneouvre, so having a wheel at the front helps the tractor navigate headlands and tighter paddocks much easier.

In fact, CLAAS says the turning circle of the AXION TERRA TRAC models, which is an impressive 5m, is comparable to that of a conventional four wheeled tractor.

Designed in Germany and manufactured in France, the CLAAS AXION 960 TERRA TRAC is made to comply with the latest European engine emissions standards, that is the Stage V standards. That means the engine features additional treatment systems to reduce engine emissions, in this case a selective catalytic reduction and diesel particulate filter system with AdBlue.

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

CLAAS has also designed the engine and tractor to do more with less engine revs, to prolong the life of the components and the tractor.

“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.”

With advanced features all around the tractor, the interior is no different, which has been designed for ease of operation and utmost comfort.

While the tractors come standard with the range-topping CEBIS operating platform, which comes with a 12-inch touch screen terminal, CMOTION multifunction control lever with 10 programmable function buttons and ISOBUS implement control, the real game-changer is the CEMOS system.

Available as an option, CLAAS’ CEMOS system is essentially the operator’s assistant which helps them decide the best parameters or functions to set in the tractor in order to complete a task successfully.

For example, drivers will input data spanning aspects such as the implements they wish to use and what tasks they wish to accomplish. CEMOS will then offer a number of suggestions such as the right tyre pressures to set and ballasting options to suit the task.

As the driver carries out the job, CEMOS will continually monitor the conditions and settings and offer suggestions that operators can either accept or reject. If operators accept the new settings, CEMOS will recalculate to show whether the work rate and fuel consumption have improved and by how much.

It essentially takes the guess work out for operators and is thus incredibly useful for lesser experienced operators, but is able to make farmers’ lives much easier in general.

CLAAS is now taking orders from customers and said more stock of the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC should arrive by end of the year.

For more information, visit claasharvestcentre.com or contact your local CLAAS dealer.

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