Claas Balers Turn 30
Claas built its first variable chamber round baler - the Variant 100 - in 1996, so 2026 marks 30 years and the fifth generation of the Variant name, recently complemented by the new Cerex Series introduced in 2025.
Offered in four models, the 614, 616, 618 and 620 deliver 149 - 209hp, with for the first time Dynamic Performance, releasing up to 15 additional horsepower based on demand, to push those numbers to 164 – 224hp, with maximum torque values from 793 to 950Nm.
Product manager AU &NZ, David Hillan, says the DP concept is not linked to driving speed or PTO shaft deflection, rather it functions dynamically based on demand, even when carrying out stationary PTO work, or depending on conditions, during tillage operations.
At the heart of the tractor, the recently developed 4-cylinder, 5-litre AgcoPower Core 50 engine meets emission requirements via DOC, DPF and SCR, without exhaust gas recirculation.
As with its larger siblings, much of the design of the new 600 Series centres around a “high torque, low engine speed” concept, with a rated speed of 1,900rpm and a main working range of 1,350 to 1,800rpm.
The transmission, a single stage system, eliminates the need for manual range shifting when changing from paddock to transport duties, while featuring the Fendt VarioDrive concept, which delivers independent control of the front and rear axles. In operation, the system constantly measures slip at each of the wheels and regulates power distribution, meaning a tension- free driveline. This dynamic control helps prevent wheel-slip, resulting in maximum traction, irrespective of the underlying surface.
An additional feature of the drive layout is the “pull-in turn” effect created by the independently driven axles, resulting in a much tighter turning circle of only 10.2 metres when fitted with 545- 65R30 tyre equipment.
With a power to weight ration of around 34.4kg per horsepower, while offering a gross vehicle weight of 13.5 tonnes, a tare weight of 7,700kg and potential payload of 5.8 tonnes, the 600 series is a versatile offering with a light footprint, but also capable of heavy towing duties.
At the business end of the tractor, a lift capacity of nearly 10 tonnes is complemented by a 152l/ min or 205l/min hydraulic pump, with closed centre/ load sensing, Power Beyond and a maximum hydraulic oil take-out of 65 litres, meaning the largest trailers, equipped with multi-stage rams are tipped easily. Working alongside a 4-speed PTO system, depending on specification, up to 10 double-acting remotes can be specified, with front, central and rear locations.
Elsewhere, optional features include VarioGrip, for “on-the-go” inflation and deflation of tyres for reduced ground pressure or high-speed travel, while the cabin offers allround and upwards visibility, with the option of a CAT 4 filtration system against dust and chemicals on the VisioPlus version.
Fending Off Rivals
While the German tractor market for 2024 saw a fall of 3.4% in tractor sales to 29,291 units, Fendt bucked the trend with an increase of 20% or 1,281 extra units giving it 25.2% of the market.
Fendt was dominant with its 700 Vario Gen7 series the most popular tractor model in Germany in 2024, with more than 1,500 units of the 728 Varios registered, while the 724 Vario sold more than 1,000 units.
John Deere took second place with a 15.9% share, while third place went to Claas at 7.6%, followed by Deutz Fahr in fourth and Kubota rounding out the top five. Overall, Agco brands secured exactly one-third of the market, around twice that of its nearest rival, John Deere. CNH achieved 10.7% with Case, Steyr, and New Holland combined.
