The Axion 930 tractor was the star of the Weston College demonstration arranged by Claas dealer Magritrade. It is powered by a six-cylinder 8,7-litre FPT engine producing 254kW, and has an infinitely variable CMATIC transmission. The Claas-specific engine performance curve provides full torque over a wide engine speed range, guaranteeing constant output and power when needed. This helps save fuel when working at low engine speed and maximum torque with the ECO PTO.
The CMATIC is a split-power, continuously variable transmission with four mechanical ranges automatically selected by multidisc clutches. It is claimed to combine outstanding efficiency with low fuel consumption in every speed range. For example, when working at between 7km/h and 15km/h in the main operating range, the CMATIC averages more than 80% mechanical transmission efficiency.
This, Claas maintains, is far superior to other variable transmissions on the market. In transport operations, the CMATIC averages 90% efficiency, a clear advantage in terms of fuel consumption. Other machinery on display included the Liner 370 rotary rake. With a working width of 3,7m, it’s the smallest of its range, which extends to the four-rotor Liner 4000 with a 15m working width.
The Arion 650
According to Michael Howell, operations manager for Kempston Agri, the new Claas Distributors in Southern Africa, the Arion 650 offers big-tractor technology in a compact format. The 6,7-litre six-cylinder PowerTech engine produces 129kW at nominal engine speed with a maximum output of 135kW. The hexashift transmission has 24 forward and reverse gears with six powershift steps. Maximum lifting capacity of the rear hydraulics is 8 000kg.
Disco mower
Charlie Meyer from Claas Germany demonstrated the features and benefits of the Disco 2650 mower, hitched to the 70kW Claas Talos 240. These include less foreign material in the harvested crop, thanks to the self-cleaning P-cut mower bar and lower fuel consumption due to reduced PTO revs. The Disco range extends from the rear-mounted 2650 with a working width of 2,6m up to front and rear combinations cutting a massive 9,1m width.
The Rollant round baler
An Arion 610c tractor was hitched to the Claas Rollant 340 RC round baler to bale dry hay at the demonstration. Silage baling places particular demands on a baler, as the material has to be compressed into dense bales. The Rollant system, with its 16 freely rotating profiled surface steel rollers, can handle the tough conditions typical of a silage harvest.
