A quarter century on and they're still on track(s)

Initially, the units were supplied by Caterpillar and fitted to the last of the Dominator harvesters, although at four metres wide, the tracks weren’t particularly popular in Europe.

Fast forward to 2022 and these have become increasingly popular. In the first year, only around 10% of combines were optioned with tracks; this now stands at 50% overall and up to 90% in the UK market. 

Wanting to improve on the Cat design, with dimensions to suit the European market, in 1997 Claas introduced its own friction drive units, which have been progressively refined ever since.

Terra Trac now incorporates its own integral suspension and can reduce its effective length by lifting the front idler wheel when turning on headlands. This latter feature may increase the ground pressure exerted, but it does reduce the scuffing of the soil that creates a “berm” as the machine turns.

Also available for its tractors, the Axion Terra Trac series is claimed to be the only purpose-built half-track tractor now available on the market. For the upcoming season, the existing 635mm (25”) and 735mm (29”) width tracks, are joined by 457mm (18”) and 890mm (35”) widths.

Looking at the key metrics, Claas claims 15% more traction, 35% more footprint and up to 50% less ground pressure compared to a wheeled tractor.
CLAAS Harvest Centre product manager – CLAAS Tractors, Paul Holdaway, says the narrow tracks are ideal for row crops.

“The wider width [also] delivers even better traction and flotation in heavy operating conditions or delicate pastures.”

Said to be ideal for spreading, mowing or hauling chaser bins, as well as performing heavy draught work – such as cultivation and seeding – the tracks can also be fitted at a three-metre spacing for use in controlled traffic farming systems.
AXION 960 TERRA TRAC (445 hp) and AXION 930 TERRA TRAC (355 hp) are fitted with fifth-generation crawler units on the rear axle. This improves traction and reduces soil compaction, while having front wheels makes it easy to steer like a conventional tractor. Each friction drive unit comprises an oversized drive wheel, two roller wheels, an idler wheel and an automatic tensioning cylinder.

The drive and idler wheels are designed to be self-cleaning and reduce the build-up of heat. The two rollers are independently suspended and have up to 120mm of travel, while each assembly can pivot up to 23 degrees longitudinally.

Featuring front axle and four-point cab suspension, the operator can also choose three steering modes and adjust the tractor’s ground clearance by up to 12cm using the CEBIS terminal, to match the height of the tractor to the implement.

CLAAS Industrietechnik in Paderborn, Germany, has built more than 35,000 TERRA TRAC units since 1997.

Future Planning

German agricultural technology manufacturers Claas and Amazone have increased their financial involvement with Dutch start-up company AgXeed for the ongoing development and commercialisation of autonomous farm machinery.

The tie-up gives Claas and Amazone access to autonomous technologies, while AgXeed will benefit from the expertise of both companies in product development, sales, service and international distribution.

AgXeed has already developed several platforms, including a threewheeled version for orchards and vineyards, a four-wheeled version for cropping and a tracked version for use in the broadacre sector.

Each platform is powered by a 74 or 156hp or diesel-electric motor, weighing in at around 6 tonnes, allowing it to be fitted with a suite of implements for use in broadacre, pasture and speciality crops.

Standard features include RTK steering guidance, electronic hazard and obstacle detection, adjustable track width, load-sensing hydraulics and a three-point linkage with a lift capacity of eight tonnes.

The first models for commercial release are expected in early 2023, via selected Claas dealerships in Germany and Switzerland.