Award-winning Claas concept tractor set for worldwide release
After it unveiled the world’s first half-tracked tractors with full suspension at Agritechnica in 2017, Claas has finally announced the Axion 960 Terra Trac (445hp) and Axion 930 Terra Trac (355hp) will soon be commercially available.
AFTER unveiling the world’s first half-tracked tractors with full suspension at Agritechnica in 2017, Claas has finally announced the Axion 960 Terra Trac (445hp) and Axion 930 Terra Trac (355hp) will soon be commercially available.
The half-tracked tractor concept won a silver medal for innovation at the Hanover show. It incorporates tracked assemblies used 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 Shane Barrett, Claas Harvest Centre’s tractor product manager.
“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, 635mm, 735mm and 890mm track widths.
“With a total footprint of 3.87sq m, 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,” Mr Barrett said.
“It is also worth noting that all four widths keep the external width of the tractor to less than three metres.”
Mr Barrett said the rear axle of the Axion had been 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,” Mr 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.
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 means the tracks can 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 is able to select the optimum height for the implement being used behind the tractor or increase ground clearance when baling or grain carting,” Mr Barrett said.
The Axion Terra Trac has an operating weight of 16.5 tonne and a maximum gross weight of 22 tonne, giving it a load capacity of 5.5 tonne.
Claas has also modified the design and position of the 860 litre fuel tank.
The Axions are expected to be available in Australia within two years.
For more details, visit claasharvestcentre.com
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