Claas launches biggest conventional tractors

In fact, Claas says the Xerion is a more specialist draft tractor while the Axion lends itself to more conventional tractor operations 

Engines
The introduction of the new Axions also heralds the company's first use of Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT) engines - specifically the FPT Cursor 9 which is an 8.7-litre, six-cylinder, 24-valve, electronically-managed engine set to deliver 320hp, 350hp, 380hp and 410hp. There's no extra boost on tap, though.
With Deere engines in its Axion 800 tractors, FPT engines in the Axion 900 and Caterpillar engines in the Xerions, Claas is relatively unusual in having a multi-make engine policy.
"We are not an engine manufacturer," says regional sales manager Colin Arnold. "Our policy is to use the engine which we believe will produce the best results for the tractor and in this case it is the FPT Cursor."
Claas has also opted to take the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) route to achieving Tier 4i emission control, rather than the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system used by some engine manufacturers.
SCR calls for the use of AdBlue to be used with a catalyst to convert NOx emissions to nitrogen, water and carbon dioxide. To accommodate this, the tractors' 700-litre fuel tanks have an integral 60-litre AdBlue tank.

 Transmissions 

In the transmission department, Axion 900 tractors have a four-range ZF ECCOM 3.0 CVT unit which provides stepless speeds from zero through to 50kph.
Like all modern CVT units, the emphasis is on maintaining high use of mechanical, rather than the less efficient but necessary hydrostatic drive - hence the use of four ranges which ensure the minimum degree of mechanical drive is 60%.
GIMA, the Agco/Claas joint venture to develop tractor transmissions, provides the back axle, along with the differential, and Dana supplies the suspended front axle, which also incorporates wet disc brakes in the final drives.
With over 400hp available, Claas engineers were anxious to be able to convert the power into effective traction. To help achieve this, the wheelbase on the 900s (which, incidentally, weigh in at nearly 13t) is 3.15m and the overall length is 5.5m.
At the front there is an optional front linkage with either 3.3t or 6.8t lift capacity. This front structure is attached to a frame which supports the engine and connects with the transmission housing.

The newly designed four-pillar cab on these tractors has been positioned forward of the rear axle and supported on a four-point mechanical suspension system as standard. The more advanced Z-Active mechanical/pneumatic system is an option. 

Cab

In the cab, which is reasonably spacious and generously glazed, operators are greeted by a new right-hand arm rest on which all the main controls are assembled.
Taking centre stage is a palm-size lever which has a series of buttons to control a raft of different activities.
It requires a degree of digital dexterity to operate - perhaps beyond that normally afforded in the past by the solo thumb system. This button bank is responsible for travel direction, speed, cruise control, hydraulics, rear linkage, headland management and GPS steering, along with additional operations requiring spool valve control.
The armrest is also home to the Cebis terminal and a joystick for hydraulic controls - the terminal providing visual displays of hydraulic linkage status and other hydraulic functions.
Behind the steering wheel is a small display of engine speed and other essential engine management data and to the left of the steering column is the drive lever - forward, reverse, neutral and park.