CLAAS to bring in flagship XERION 12 tractors

CLAAS’ XERION 12, which is the brand’s new flagship tractor range, provides a whopping 653hp of power, has been shortlisted as a Tractor of the Year 2024 award finalist, and is confirmed to be heading Down Under.

In addition to groundbreaking power, the model also boasts 914mm tracks, industry-leading hydraulics and a new luxe cabin with four-point suspension.

A 585hp model is also available.

CLAAS Harvest Centre Product Manager for CLAAS Tractors, Shane Barratt, 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 says.

“With a maximum power output of 653hp and 3100Nm of torque at just 1300rpm, this is the most powerful four-wheel-drive tracked tractor on the market, plus it’s the only one equipped with a continuously variable transmission as standard.

“It’s also got the highest hydraulic flow and largest cabin in its class.”

XERION 12 is powered by the same 15.6-litre six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM473 engine found in LEXION combine harvesters and JAGUAR forage harvesters.

This is coupled with the proven ZF continuously variable transmission for optimal power transfer to the ground or rear PTO, even at low speeds or under heavy operating conditions, CLAAS adds.

“This intelligent drive train, coupled with CLAAS’ highly successful ‘high torque, low rpm’ concept ensures fuel-efficient operation,” Barratt says.

“Independent testing has shown fuel consumption per hour is eight to 10 per cent less than other tractors in this category.”

XERION 12 models can be equipped with tracks featuring newly developed triangular crawler units and 914 or 762mm tracks, or wheels 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 that deliver a combined flow rate of 537l/min.

“This means that even the biggest air seeders with a continuously high oil demand can be operated more efficiently at reduced engine speed,” Barratt says.

Unfortunately, Australian growers will have to wait a bit for the new series to reach our shores.

“We won’t be seeing XERION 12 locally until 2025 due to anticipated demand in the North American and European markets,” Barratt says.

“Plus, we’ll be waiting until we can offer Australian customers the choice of either a Stage 5 or Stage 3 engine.

“We’ll be following the progress of the new series closely, which will complement the existing XERION 5000 series already available.

Barratt says CLAAS is receiving solid interest in its high horsepower range, particularly in Western Australia, and the broadacre regions of the eastern states.

“CLAAS Harvest Centre Esperance delivered 10 [XERION 5000] machines last year and another 10 scheduled for this year.

“Local testing has shown XERION 5000 is more than capable of towing a 24m airseeder at just 1100rpm, even fitted with single wheels, with exceptional fuel economy.”