increase font size
Claas’ new XERION 12 series is set to take the high horsepower tractor market head-on.
Claas has made good on its promise to take the high horsepower tractor market head-on with the release of its XERION 12 series.
Engineered specifically for broadacre markets, the machine packs a super-efficient 653 or 583 horsepower engine, 914mm tracks, updated hydraulics and a new luxury cabin with four-point suspension.
Claas Harvest Centre product manager – tractors, Paul Holdaway, 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 claims.
With a maximum power output of 653hp and 3100Nm of torque at just 1300rpm, the Xerion 12 is currently the most powerful four-wheeldrive tracked tractor on the market.
It is also the only one equipped with a continuously variable transmission as standard – alongside the highest hydraulic flow and the largest cabin in its class. The CVT splits the power transmission between the hydraulic and straight mechanical connection. The former is used to start off before the effort is gradually passed to the mechanical side as the speed increases.
This characteristic means that implements are protected by avoiding peak loads on the frame structures and hitching devices caused by abrupt shifting or engaging and disengaging with the implement in working position.
XERION 12 is powered by the same 15.6L six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM473 engine - found in LEXION combine harvesters and JAGUAR forage harvesters. This is coupled to the ZF continuously variable transmission for optimal power transfer to the ground or rear PTO – even at low speeds or under heavy operating conditions.
“This intelligent drivetrain, coupled with Claas’ highly successful ‘high torque, low rpm’ concept, ensures fuel-efficient operation,” Holdaway adds. “Independent testing has shown fuel consumption per hour is 8 to 10 percent less than other tractors in this category.”
TERRA TRAC models are equipped with newly developed triangular crawler units and 914mm or 762mm tracks, while wheeled alternatives can be fitted 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. This delivers a combined flow rate of 537 L/min, meaning even the biggest air-seeders – with a continuously high oil demand – can be operated more efficiently at reduced engine speed.
New Zealand growers will have to wait until at least 2025 before the new series lands in this country, due to anticipated in the North American and European markets. However, it will also allow customers to have the choice of either a Stage 5 or Stage 3 engine.
Global tyre manufacturer Michelin has extended its agricultural trailer tyre range, with the introduction of its new WorkxBib series, designed for tipping trailers, slurry tankers and manure spreaders.
Following the record-breaking success of its hydrogen-powered Hydromax, JCB is ramping up its investment in the business, key to the first major change at the executive level of the business, with George Bamford stepping up to the post of joint chairman, alongside his father Lord Bamford.
During calf rearing, logistics can play an important role in getting the job done quickly and efficiently.
Massey Ferguson has announced a strategic supply partnership with International Tractors Limited (ITL), a manufacturer of low-horsepower and compact tractors, with recognised brands such as Sonalika and Sollis, to expand its portfolio with a new tractor range.
With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
Farmlands has reported higher operating earnings and a profit before income tax of $4.5 million, up 118.9%, for the year ended 30 June 2026.
AgriZeroNZ has invested a further NZ$17.7 million in methane vaccine developer ArkeaBio and NZ$5.1 million in BioLumic, a New Zealand-founded company that uses ultraviolet light to develop low-emissions pasture..
Good news for Fonterra farmers. The co-op has raised this season’s farmgate milk price mid-point by 25c to $9.75/kgMS.
OPINION: Political parties are getting plenty of advice and recommendations from sector groups as the election approaches.
In farming there are external factors that can influence behaviour of a whole herd, such as a bad weather event, triggering false positive heat detections or health attentions.
For Canterbury dairy farmer Cameron Henderson, supporting Meet the Need comes down to a simple question: how can the success of New Zealand farming benefit more than just those within the industry?
OPINION: The same mainstream media muppets that brought you Jacindamania in 2017 have been flat out pimping for the Opportunities…
OPINION: Your old mate reckons the atrocious way farmers in the UK are treated by their lords and masters in…
