Friday, 15 September 2023 10:55

Claas unleashes new beast

Written by  Mark Daniel
Claas’ new XERION 12 series is set to take the high horsepower tractor market head-on. 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.

More like this

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this season.

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting the most from each pass of the paddock.

Kioti carves out a miracle among the big boys

Distributed by Power Farming Group, the Kioti tractor brand has carved a niche for itself over the past two decades by offering productive, reliable and well- priced machines in the sub-compact, compact and agricultural utility sectors, from 22 to 115hp.

Featured

National

Machinery & Products

Calf feeding boost

Advantage Plastics says it is revolutionising calf meal storage and handling, making farm life easier, safer, and more efficient this…

JD's precision essentials

Farmers across New Zealand are renowned for their productivity and efficiency, always wanting to do more with less, while getting…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Are they serious?

OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…

A hurry up!

OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter