Claas Arion 600s have more brawn, more brain
CLAAS listened to customer feedback when redesigning the Arion 600, writes DARON JACKS.
WHEN a new tractor rolls off the line in Europe or North America, we Aussies can only sit and wait patiently for it to arrive Down Under and see it first-hand.
However, with everyone now online and able to see the latest machines to turn dirt overseas, it’s not uncommon to already know a lot about a machine well before it has landed on our shores. This was the case with the updated Claas Arion 600 range.
The first Arion 600s rolled out 10 years ago and after a few upgrades it’s now had a makeover that’s seen it pack on a few pounds, add a few more horses under the bonnet and smart technology in the cabin.
Such was the anticipation from local buyers, five had already been sold before its official launch at the Sungold Field Days near Warrnambool in February.
Now in its fourth generation, the latest 600 Series has stepped up the power with the addition of the new Arion 660 topping the range with an output of 205hp (153kW) courtesy of the trusty 6.8-litre six-cylinder Deere Power System PowerTech engine that has served the range so well.
The 660 replaces the 184hp 650 model as the most powerful in the range, and tops out at 50km/h comfortably for getting around on the bitumen.
With the help of two idle speeds, the engine now delivers more power at lower rpm to increase production and, more importantly, lower fuel consumption. Idle will drop from 800 to 650rpm once the transmission is in park.
All models in the series now have a larger tank, which Claas says will suit contractors, and with the bigger rubber for increased traction and ground clearance, local importer Landpower expects to find most if its customers on dairy farms.
“The whole tractor has basically grown up,” says Michael Pundt, Landpower’s product manager.
“This particular design was introduced in 2012 with Tier Four interim rate and now we’ve upgraded to Tier Four final so we basically upgraded the emission regulation.
“The basic design stays the same. The whole frame is the same, except now we’ve gone on to bigger tyres with 600s at the front, 710s at the rear.
“Fuel tanks have increased from 330 litres to 370 litres, which is really to fulfil the requirements of more professional customers.”
With its Claas Electronic on-Board Information System smart technology on board to impress the high-end operators, or its highly regarded “backpacker-ready” Claas Information System, you have an impressive package available.
When Claas released its Axion 800 range, a key feature was its “backpacker-ready” set-up — a clear inference that even with its many hi-tech options the machine could be easily operated by a novice, such as a backpacker worker, entrusted with the controls.
The package has been so popular Claas now offers CIS+ on the latest Arion 600 range, which has buttons, instead of levers, and the choice of using Hexashift or continuously variable CMATIC transmission.
“It needs to be simple as possible — this is reducing risk, this is reducing failures and mistakes operators are making while working and (gives) the customers more comfort,” Michael says.
The tech-savvy operator will appreciate the 660 with the full package CEBIS option with the choice of both powershift or CVT along with electronic spool valves, a CEBIS terminal with 12-inch (30.4cm), HD resolution touchscreen display and many extras.
However, Landpower expects most buyers in Australia to take up the CIS+ option, which is aimed squarely at the labourer or older operator more used to simpler machines.
“We are introducing our CIS+ range. This is fresh for the Arion so it is the next step that we integrate the ‘backpacker ready’ into our lower range,” Michael says.
“We have the top-of-the-range model (660) with all the bells and whistles in it … but the comfort and basic functions are the same (as the CIS+ range).”
There are now three customisable cruise-control settings that operators can activate and toggle between, with buttons on the CMOTION lever, while moving.
Displayed on screen, these options are easy to set up and adjust on the move. Cruise control can be deactivated by pushing the button on the drive lever or touching the accelerator or brake pedal.
Engine droop has been improved on the CMATIC transmission and has two adjustable settings: eco and power.
There is also a choice of three transmission controls. In the first two modes, the forward speed is controlled by either the foot pedal or the CMOTION lever.
The engine rpm and transmission are adjusted automatically for performance and efficiency. The third mode is manual, where the driver can choose the engine rpm and transmission speed independently.
The modes, which can easily be switched with a button on the armrest, are displayed on the screen.
Another carrot for potential customers are the running costs with servicing intervals pushed out to 600 hours on the engine and 1200 on the transmission.
Michael says Claas listened to operators’ complaints about maintenance issues and the messy 22 grease points. So oil can now be checked without opening the bonnet, but access has improved with the radiators easy to clean with latches that allow them to fold out on gas struts.
The Arion’s Proactiv front-axle suspension system combines a rear pivot point further back under the chassis and large rams angled outwards for stability.
“The maintenance was just too high, so we replaced it with an independent front-axle system, which means today we are using a straight-bar axle and now we have four grease points,” Michael says. “With this system we have another angle so the support sits wider on to the axle so we get less press on the suspension system and have wider stability on the front axle, and you don’t need that much hydraulic pressure to control it.”
At the rear, four sets of colour-coded hydraulic remote valves are arranged to allow plenty of room for hoses. Two sets of mid-mount valves can be used for a loader or a front linkage with a four-tonne lift capacity.
There is a choice of different PTO speeds — 540 and 1000, both with an option of eco (540e and 1000e).
Tweaks to the cabin include a five-pillar cab, a four-pillar option and there is an improved lighting package that all adds up to an impressive workhorse.
CLAASY DEALER SERVICE SOWS SEED
WHEN it was time to upgrade its tractor, Beja Tasmania wanted a machine that could operate at slow speeds in the paddock yet not waste time getting to its 20 properties across the Northern Midlands.
The seed-breeding specialists opted for the new release Claas Arion 630 with CVT and CEBIS for its operators, who can be in the paddock all day mulching, fertilising and drilling.
Operation co-ordinator Dominic Smith says while the 630 ticked all the boxes, the real clincher was the after-sale service offered by dealership Claas Harvest Centre in Latrobe.
“We need to operate it at slow speeds and the Arions’ Vario
(transmission) allows this, as well as faster road speeds,” Dominic says. “But it was the service by Claas Harvest Centre in Latrobe that really impressed us.”
Time is money, and Dominic says operators need to be sure they can rely on aftermarket service.
“All tractors are pretty much the same these days, but the servicing is the difference,” Dominic says.
Beja’s Arion 630, which has been in operation since it was purchased before last Christmas, is expected to work about 600 hours on up to 400ha this year.
“The cabin is comfortable and you can adjust the hydraulics, the PTO,” Dominic says. “I’d definitely recommend it. I’ve got nothing bad to say about it.”
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