HarvesTimes

The journal for agricultural professionals 11.20

CLAAS news
Product news
Customer stories
The JAGUAR 900
– Simply the best

CEBIS TOUCHSCREEN
New 12.2" CEBIS touchscreen &
leather armrest for easy machine
control and maximum operator
comfort.
SWING OPEN FEED ROLLERS
• Quick & easy access to the
chopping cylinder and shear bar
• Reduced maintenance time.
HYDRAULIC FEED ROLLER
• Hydraulic double acting cylinders
for rear feed roller compression
• Automatic pressure control for
different crops and chop lengths
• Uniform crop compression
regardless of roller opening
for ultimate chop quality and
consistency
CHOPPING CYLINDER HOUSING
• Chopping cylinder concave moves
with the shear bar
• Uniform concave gap throughout
blade wear life
• Increased crop flow efficiency
• Reduced service and maintenance.

The CLAAS JAGUAR forage harvester has been market leading since 1973 and over 40,000 machines have been produced to date.
With more than 40 years of experience the JAGUAR is in a field of its own. Quality is not expensive, its priceless.

For more information contact your CLAAS dealer or visit:

claas.co.uk/products/forage-harvesters/jaguar990-930
 3

Contents
CLAAS and Dealer News Stay
4 CLAAS UK headquarters officially opened................................ 4-5
Senior UK management appointments........................................ 6 connected
with
7 Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser appointed Chairwoman.................... 7
Christmas Hill Farm NHS LEXION................................................ 7
Expansion in worldwide manufacturing capacity.......................... 8
XERION takes on the Nürburgring............................................... 9
Apprentice Graduations............................................................. 10
CLAAS UK
11
30 new apprentices................................................................... 11
New MANNS Norfolk depot opens............................................ 12
New premises for GORDONS at Whauphill................................ 12
New appointment for SHARNFORD TRACTORS....................... 12
14 Product & Customer News

Pre-series LEXION 5000/6000.......................................... 14-17

LEXION 6700 pre-series – Robert Hales, East Sussex.......... 18-19
LEXION 8900 pre-series catch-up – Richard Ledger, Kent.... 20-21
LEXION 7000/8000 in-field reports...................................... 22-26
22 LEXION 8900 – Tom Dye, Albanwise, Norfolk....................... 22-23
LEXION 7700 – Frazer Jolly, Saltby Estate,
Leicestershire....................................................................... 24-25
LEXION 7400 – Nick Morton, Horncastle, Lincolnshire.............. 27
TUCANO HYBRID
TUCANO 570/580 – John Langmead, Ford Farms,
West Sussex............................................................................. 28
30 Focus on TUCANO HYBRID threshing system....................... 29
Stage V for mid-range TORION............................................. 30

34 TORION 1812 – Hannah Arnold, Spring Farm Partnership,

Facebook
Norfolk...................................................................................... 31
Telescopic TORION 738.................................................... 32-33
TORION 639 – Edward Dennis, Cornwall.............................. 34-35
www.facebook.com/
DISCO 100/10......................................................................... 36 CLAAS.UnitedKingdom
36 DISCO 28 – Willie West, Dumfries............................................. 37

Instagram
Parts support/PartsDoc............................................................. 38
CEMIS 700 control terminal...................................................... 38
TELEMATICS Easy automatic documentation............................ 39
www.instagram.com/claas_uk
Narrow transport width ORBIS 900...................................... 40
39
JAGUAR 900 – Drew Watson & Co. Agri Services,
Dumfriesshire............................................................................ 41
CARGOS update...................................................................... 42
Cornering front linkage.............................................................. 42
YouTube
43 AXION 800/900 stage V updates............................................. 43 http://bit.ly/CUK_youtube
AXION 960 – Mike Wilton, Stody Estate, Norfolk.................. 44-45
ARION 650 CIS+ – Richard Evett, Wenallt, Carmarthen............. 46
ARION 460 PANORAMIC – Kevin Heywood, Cornwall............... 47
Website
Contact us on: 01284 763100 claas.co.uk
Email: cuk.reception@CLAAS.com
or visit claas.co.uk
facebook.com/CLAAS.UnitedKingdom

HarvesTimes
 4 CLAAS NEWS

Striking new CLAAS UK hea

Drivers on the A14 in Suffolk driving past Saxham can’t fail to notice “The new building vastly improves the experience for customers and
the impressive new CLAAS UK and MANNS headquarters, which visitors from the UK, Ireland and around the world. It also enables
was officially opened by Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, Chairwoman CLAAS and MANNS to provide a superb working environment for
of Supervisory Board and Chairwoman of Shareholders’ Committee their employees,” states Trevor Tyrrell. “Customers are welcome to
CLAAS KGaA mbH on the 16th August. use the new on-site Seasons Restaurant, where 70% of ingredients
Seven years in the planning, work on the redevelopment of the site, at are locally sourced. The new offices, showrooms, modern parts
the centre of which is an impressive new 33,000m2 state-of-the-art logistics warehouse and more efficient workshop environment allow
headquarters building, commenced in November 2017. Construction us to make far better overall use of the site, which will have an impact
work has been carried out in phases to enable day-to-day work on the recruitment and retention of employees, in addition to a
for the 130 people employed on the site to continue with the least considerable improvement in Health and Safety procedures.”
possible disruption. The new state-of-the-art building makes use of the latest energy
“By supporting this major redevelopment and impressive new efficient systems in order to minimise its environmental impact.
building, both the CLAAS Group and the Claas family have shown
their commitment to CLAAS dealers, their
customers and UK agriculture as a whole,
and also to Bury St Edmunds and west
Suffolk where we are now one of the largest
employers,” says Trevor Tyrrell, Senior Vice-
President (Western Europe & Oceania) for the
CLAAS Group’s Sales and Service division.
In addition to offices for CLAAS UK and
their East Anglia dealer MANNS, the new
16.5 metre-high building, the design also
incorporates an impressive full height, glass
fronted TECHNOPARC machinery showroom.
This will be an important alternative to
national exhibitions which are at risk due
to the pandemic, and therefore a further
field training and demonstration area is also
being developed to complete a Customer
Experience Centre.
To the rear of the office building is a new
10-bay workshop complex for MANNS and
a large 4,336m2 parts warehouse for CLAAS
UK, that supports its dealers throughout the
UK and Ireland.
 CLAAS NEWS 5

adquarters officially opened

The passive solar design of the building makes full use of its north
facing aspect, and features a full height glazed facade, and the
building incorporates 2,860m2 of glass. Renewably generated
electric power and heating for the whole site is sourced from the
neighbouring 1.4MW Symonds Farm AD plant. Power for the electric
car charging points on site comes from a photo voltaic solar panel
array on the roof generating 112 MWh. A water harvesting system
with a total capacity of 30,000 litres serves a specially designed
washdown bay for machinery, saving over 1 million litres of water a
year.
The new central UK Parts warehouse has streamlined parts handling
and replaces five individual buildings. It accommodates over 47,000
line items or 850,000 individual items totalling 700 tonnes, with
space to spare for future expansion. For larger items there is now 45
metres of cantilever racking and the amount of bulk racking has been
doubled, while a mezzanine area holds 70% of the total contents
of the previous warehouse over three levels. All parts are identified
and located using a scan and bar code system to help improve pick
rate accuracy and efficiency for the 1000 tonnes of parts that pass
through the warehouse each year.
The Saxham site is also home to the CLAAS Academy, which
provides industry leading training for dealer sales, service and parts
staff, in addition to customer operator training. Here the team of 11
staff provide over 4,000 hours of training each year, both on-site but
they are also leading the way in the development of remote online
training programmes.

SAXHAM REDEVELOPMENT IN NUMBERS

Total footprint 32,907m2
Construction man hours 170,832
Total concrete used 3,560m3
Steel tonnage total 770 tonnes
Glass area 2,860m2
PV array capacity 112 MWh
Water harvesting capacity 30,000 litres

HarvesTimes
 6 CLAAS NEWS

Senior UK Bob Townson and Steffan Kurtz, who has been appointed to the new
role of Product Marketing Manager.

management
David Thornton has taken on the role of Product Manager for Tractors
and Material Handlers, based in the CLAAS Ireland office at Duleek
north of Dublin, where he will continue with his current Regional

appointments Product Support role in Ireland. He will work alongside Michael Ives,
who is also Product Manager for Tractors and Material Handlers
A number of changes have been made to the CLAAS UK senior based at Saxham.
management team. This follows the appointment on June 1st of
BRIAN WAIN – CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)
Trevor Tyrrelll to the new role of Senior Vice President Western Europe
& Oceania for the CLAAS Group’s Sales and Service division. Brian takes on the new role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) with
responsibility for the After Service and Parts divisions. Brian joined
TREVOR TYRRELL – SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT CLAAS UK in 2004 following the take-over of Renault Agriculture,
WEST EUROPE & OCEANIA initially as Technical Manager for Tractors, before progressing to
Trevor maintains his role as CEO of CLAAS UK, but also now Academy Manager in 2012. In 2015 he was promoted to Customer
has responsibility for sales in France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Service Manager and made a Director in 2016.
neighbouring markets, in addition to Oceania, for which he has been
Regional Director since 2011.
Trevor joined CLAAS UK as a management trainee over 30 years
ago and has held a number of positions in Product Management,
Marketing and Sales departments.
In 2008, he was appointed Regional Director with responsibility for
sales within the British Isles, in addition to a number of importer
markets, including Oceania, prior to becoming CEO of CLAAS UK in
2011. As part of this role, he has also been a long time member of
the Region Western Europe management team.
Following his appointment to this new role, Jeremy Wiggins and Brian
Wain have taken on full responsibility for their respective Sales and
After Sales divisions within CLAAS UK, with Oliver Hölscher joining as
the new Chief Financial Officer.

JEREMY WIGGINS – CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER

(CCO)
As the new Chief Customer Officer (CCO), Jeremy will oversee both
Sales and Marketing, but also Logistics and Business Services. He
joined CLAAS as a placement student from Harper Adams University,
before enrolling on the 2-year Graduate Marketing Programme
working in the Marketing Department in 1996. From there, he
progressed to Product Specialist for Balers and Greenline products
in 1998, then Product Manager and finally National Sales Manager,
before taking on his current role of Sales and Marketing Director in
2016.
Jeremy will lead a new Senior Sales Management Team comprising
John Haines in charge of Logistics, Business Development Manager
He will head a new Senior After-Sales Management team comprising
David McEwan-Smith (Parts Manager), Alex Day (Technical Service
Manager), Andrew Dunne (Academy Manager) and Rob Fillingham
(Head of Tractors and Connected Systems).
OLIVER HÖLSCHER – CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(CFO)
Prior to joining CLAAS UK as the new Chief Financial Officer,
for the past five years Oliver has been Head of Sales for CLAAS
Industrietechnik GmbH based in Paderborn. Here he headed up a
sales team of seven international sales managers, travelling the world
selling cabs, TERRA TRAC units and axles to OEM manufacturers.
He joined CLAAS in 2008 and has held a number of Production
Controlling and R&D Controlling positions within the company.
 CLAAS NEWS 7

Cathrina
Claas-Mühlhäuser
appointed Chairwoman
Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser has become the third generation of the
Claas family to head the family business having been appointed the
new Chairwoman of the Shareholders’ Committee. The Committee
sets the strategic direction of the business and works closely with
the Group Executive Board. She takes over the role from her father,
Helmut Claas, who has been named Honorary Chairman.
Helmut Claas held the position of Chairman for 25 years. During
this time, he oversaw the considerable expansion of the company
in countries beyond Europe. New production and sales locations
were opened in India, the USA, Russia, China, South America and
elsewhere. An important strategic milestone was reached in 2003
with the acquisition of the French tractor manufacturer Renault
Agriculture.
This period also coincided with the development of flagship products
such as the LEXION combine harvester and the JAGUAR, the world’s
best selling self-propelled forage harvester.

Rainbow combine raises £10,000

What started as an
idea to just cheer family
and friends up during
lockdown, has resulted
in Thomas and Sophie
Clayton raising over
£10,000 for the NHS
Charities Together.
The Claytons, who
farm at Christmas Hill
Farm near Lakenheath,
originally came up with
the idea of decorating
their new LEXION 750TT
combine as a bit of fun
for family and friends.
However the idea
quickly gained traction
on social media and they
found themselves being
contacted from people
not only throughout the
UK, but as far away as the US. CLAAS UK were delighted to support “The original idea was to just have some fun and bring people a bit
the project and together with G Signs all 150 of the pictures received of joy, but we have been amazed by how supportive and kind people
were used to create a film collage to cover the combine. have been. CLAAS UK has been very supportive and have kindly also
donated some packs for give-ways which we will be doing soon. The
“The rainbow drawings started flooding in and they were lovely to
drawings on the combine will always be there as a reminder of the
receive and very heart warming,” says Sophie. “We set up a Just
important things in life.
Giving page for donations that started coming in, and also as a farm
when we lent out machinery or did work for other people we asked “As farmers we do work hard, but unlike those in the NHS our lives
for donations. We also donated £1 for every acre the combine cut are not on the line and we have been blown away by how brave
and a number of our neighbours said they would also do the same. those people have been.”

HarvesTimes
 8 CLAAS NEWS

Expansion in worldwide
manufacturing capacity

KAZAKHSTAN

The completion of the new CLAAS UK headquarters at Saxham is in infrastructure, assembly including a new production hall and a
just one of a number of construction projects currently taking place as driverless transport system, test facilities and offices.
the CLAAS Group invests in worldwide manufacturing and distribution In China, following the acquisition of Jinyee six years ago, investment
capability to meet expanding worldwide sales. is now planned to further expand within Asia and build on the
success of locally manufactured products such as the MARKANT
KAZAKHSTAN ASSEMBLY
baler and the DOMINATOR 370 and MC H80 combines.
In the Republic of Kazakhstan CLAAS and Horsch have signed an
At the end of June, construction work also started on a new 6.8
agreement to jointly set-up a new manufacturing facility, working
million Euro expansion of the CLAAS factory at Krasnodar in Russia.
alongside CT Agro who are the exclusive importer for both
Here the work includes enlarging both the main metalworking and
companies.
the paint shop, where an additional powder coating booth will be
Kazakhstan has around 14.5 million ha of grain crops and is the installed. The parts storage facility will also be enlarged.
sixth largest wheat producer in the world, exporting to over 70
At Ymeray in France, work has been completed on a major project
countries. The new manufacturing facility will be based in the city of
that for the first time brings together the 200 people employed in
Petropavlovsk in the main arable area in the north of the country.
admin, sales, parts, technical support, training and logistics under
Under the agreement, CLAAS will use the new plant to assemble one roof. The CLAAS Technoparc centre has been developed on a
tractors and both straw-walker and HYBRID versions of the 15ha site and the two main buildings cover a total of 20,000m2.
TUCANO, all of which will be available with
TELEMATICS. Horsch will be assembling drills,
cultivators and sprayers.
CLAAS and Horsch have been active in the
Kazakh market for many years, and by assembling
in the country, this will reduce the cost to farmers
and give them access to a wider choice of
machinery.

EXPANSION IN HARSEWINKEL,
FRANCE, CHINA AND RUSSIA
It is not just in Kazakhstan that CLAAS is investing
in manufacturing capability. Work is currently
underway at Harsewinkel in a large-scale project
to modernise the combine harvester assembly
lines. Over the next 18 months, the current two YMERAY
assembly lines will be merged, with investment
 CLAAS NEWS 9

XERION takes on the

Nürburgring

The world famous Nordscleife section of the Nürburgring race track

in Germany has seen many strange and impressive sights over the
years, but none more so in August than the sight of a 530hp XERION
5000 TRAC VC powering its way round – in reverse!
Built in the 1920s, the Nordscleife is more used to racing super
cars taking on the 12.8 miles of the ‘Green Hell’ with its 73 corners,
including the infamous ‘Carousel’. Needless to say, the course record
for a racing car of 5:19:546 set by a Le Mans Porsche 919 Hybrid
Evo in 2018, or 6:44:97 for a road legal Lamborghini Aventador, were
never in danger.
The challenge of taking the most powerful German-built tractor round
the famous track was set by the German motoring magazine Auto
Motor und Sport. And why in reverse? Because it can!
After a quick driving lesson and a bit of time to get used to a vehicle
where weight is measured in tonnes rather than kilos, racing driver
Christian Menzel took to the track, pushing the 50kph XERION to
its limits, and enjoying seeing the track from a completely different
perspective, 3.0m up in the XERION cab. Exactly 26 minutes, 50
seconds and 57 tenths of a second later he crossed the finishing
line having achieved a very impressive average speed of 47.85kph
(29.73mph), considerably higher than was expected.

Main and middle right: A 530hp XERION 500 is not what you would
normally expect to see racing around the famous Nordscleife section
of the Nürburgring.
Bottom right: Behind the wheel of the XERION 5000 was experienced
Nürburgring Racer Christian Menzel.

HarvesTimes
10 CLAAS NEWS

Scholarship
award for Abigail
Every year, the CLAAS Foundation award
Helmut Claas Scholarships and other awards
totalling 36,000 Euros (£33,000) to agricultural
and engineering sciences students in agricultural
engineering and affiliated disciplines.
This year, in a virtual awards ceremony, 13
students from universities in Germany, the UK,
the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania,
Poland, Russia and Uzbekistan have received
awards.
From the UK, Abigail Allen from Harper Adams
University was awarded a one-year Helmut
Claas Scholarship worth 3,600 Euros. This
recognised her work and final thesis, in which
she investigated the properties of buckwheat for
the weed suppression of black-grass.
One of the two bonus awards worth 1,500
Euros was also awarded to Hannah Baldwin,
also of Harper Adams University, who has been
investigating the microbial properties of turkeys
in slaughterhouses.

2020 Graduates
Congratulations to the 22 apprentices who have started their
careers with CLAAS in the UK and Ireland, having graduated from
the CLAAS Apprenticeship Scheme.
Of these, 20 have graduated from the 4-year CLAAS Landbased
Service Engineering course, where they have split their time
between working for their sponsoring dealership and formal
training at either Reaseheath College or SRUC Barony. The other
two graduated from the CLAAS Parts Sales & Marketing course
also based at Reaseheath working towards a reconsigned
qualification.
For all the students, the completion of their apprenticeship is
just the start of their journey with CLAAS. Following graduation,
working with their dealership and CLAAS UK, they will
have access to ongoing training and development, with the
opportunity to move into more senior management roles within
their dealerships over time should they wish to.

REASEHEATH COLLEGE – CLAAS LANDBASED SRUC BARONY – CLAAS LANDBASED SERVICE

SERVICE ENGINEERING GRADUATES
Bradley Janney CLAAS EASTERN, Markham Moor
Louis Copeland CLAAS EASTERN, Wilberfoss
William Bates CLAAS UK, Saxham
Jack Streeter CLAAS WESTERN, Dorchester
Freddie Fox-Furniss CLAAS WESTERN, Evesham
Luke Oliver MORRIS CORFIELD, Craven Arms
Steven Jackson OLIVERS, Luton
William Rogers OLIVERS, Reading
Henry Walsh OLIVERS, Winchester
Einion Worth S&B ROBERTS
ENGINEERING GRADUATES
Gavin Hastings ALAN DOUGLAS (Ireland)
Peter White LEINSTER FARM MACHINERY (Ireland)
Brendan McCarthy MCCARTHYS (Ireland)
Callum Rudd GORDONS, Castle Douglas
Jamie Boag GORDONS, Castle Kennedy
Andrew Frost RICKERBY, Alnwick
Dallin Jorgensen RICKERBY, Alnwick
Oliver Law RICKERBY, Penrith
William Smith RICKERBY, Penrith
Robert Clarke SELLARS, Letham

REASEHEATH COLLEGE – CLAAS PARTS SALES

& MARKETING GRADUATES
Owen Edge HAMBLYS, Launceston
Joseph Richardson RICKERBY, Bowburn
TM
 CLAAS NEWS 11

30 new apprentices
The CLAAS Agricultural Apprenticeship Scheme
offers a wide range of benefits and opportunities
to its students and demand for places on the
Scheme is high. This year 30 successful students
have been awarded places.
Of these, 13 students will be training at
Reaseheath in Cheshire, where they will be
undertaking a Landbased Service Engineering
apprenticeship, along with a further two who
will be studying for the CLAAS Parts Sales &
Marketing apprenticeship. An additional 15
students from the north of England, Scotland
and Ireland will be studying for their Landbased
Service Engineering course at SRUC Barony near
Dumfries.
For the Landbased Service Engineering
apprentices based at Reaseheath and Barony, REASEHEATH COLLEGE – CLAAS REASEHEATH
their time will be split between blocks at college, LANDBASED SERVICE ENGINEERING COLLEGE – CLAAS
where they will receive comprehensive technical INTAKE PARTS SALES &
training, and working with their sponsoring dealer Joe Baxter ALKMONTON TRACTORS MARKETING INTAKE
gaining experience in the field. In addition, during Kolbie Taylor CLAAS EASTERN, Ulceby Cross Emma Hill
Ciaran Moat CLAAS MANNS, Essex OLIVERS, Luton
the four years, they will also attend additional
Edward Patten CLAAS MANNS, Market Harborough Elliott Matthews
specific CLAAS product training delivered at the OLIVERS, Petworth
CLAAS Academy at Saxham. Bayley Anderson CLAAS MANNS, Spaldwick
For the students on the CLAAS Parts Sales & Connor Babb CLAAS WESTERN, Cirencester
Marketing Apprenticeship, again their time will Rhys Morris CLAAS WESTERN, Evesham
be split between formal block training at the Shannon Howe HAMBLYS, Honiton
college, balanced with practical time back at their Charles Lewis MORRIS CORFIELD, Broseley
supporting dealership. Upon completion of the Charles Hatton OLIVERS, Tingewick
course, successful students will be awarded a Oliver Franchi OLIVERS, Luton
Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard. Joshua Bentham SHARNFORD TRACTORS
For further information on career opportunities Daniel Lee SHARNFORD TRACTORS
with CLAAS UK, contact us today or visit https://
www.claas.co.uk/company/jobs-careers-uk

SRUC BARONY – CLAAS LANDBASED SERVICE ENGINEERING INTAKE

David Coleman ALAN DOUGLAS (Ireland)
Philip Byrne LEINSTER FARM
MACHINERY (Ireland)
James Cahill MCCARTHYS (Ireland)
Cameron Atwell RICKERBY, Alnwick
Alex Finch RICKERBY, Bowburn
Alfie Turnbull RICKERBY, Carlisle
Charles Crocker RICKERBY, Carlisle
Owen Bell RICKERBY, Carnforth
Josh Kerr RICKERBY, Cornhill
Jake Plumb RICKERBY, Hexham
Joseph Common RICKERBY, Hexham
Harvey Jackson RICKERBY, Penrith
Alfie Chalmers SELLARS, Old Meldrum
Angus Riddoch SELLARS, Old Meldrum
Ewan Milne SELLARS, Old Meldrum

HarvesTimes
12 DEALER NEWS

MANNS Norfolk
In August, the MANNS team in Norfolk made the short move
down the road from their old Thursford premises to the new
purpose built MANNS Norfolk branch that sits on a 0.6ha site at
Great Fransham near Dereham.
The new building covers 1,315m2 and offers the dealership
more office space and a state-of-the-art workshop, capable
of accommodating the largest CLAAS machines. The parts
storage area is considerably larger and also includes a bulk
storage area, so that these new premises will also be able to
provide support to the Halesworth branch. Outside, there is a
sizeable machinery display area, and also a large retail space
for selling an extensive range of clothing, tools and other sundry
equipment
The MANNS Norfolk location in the middle of county, right
alongside the A47, makes it ideally placed to provide a more
efficient service to customers across the region. There has
already been a noticeable increase in foot traffic, with customers
dropping by to visit the dealership and take advantage of the
new wider range of stock items available for sale.

GORDONS
Wigtownshire
In early November, GORDONS will be opening the doors of its new
purpose built Wigtownshire depot at Wauphill. This replaces its Old
Station Yard and Castle Kennedy branches, but there will now be a
twice daily parts delivery to the fuel station there which remains open
and the service team will continue to provide a full on-farm service.
The new 1,858m2 building includes a 1,300m2 workshop area,
complete with an overhead gantry crane, from which a team of nine
skilled service engineers will be based. The building also contains an
extensive parts storage area, manned by a team of three advisors
and a retail shop area. The building itself is heated using an air
source heating system.

SHARNFORD TRACTORS become

green harvest dealers
Long time CLAAS tractor dealer
SHARNFORD TRACTORS, based at
Frolesworth in Leicestershire, has now taken
on selling the full range of CLAAS Green
Harvest machinery, in addition to CLAAS
tractors. Relinquishing their previous green
harvest franchise, SHARNFORD will also now
be providing sales and service support for
the TORION wheel loader and SCORPION
telescopic handler ranges.
Take advantage of CLAAS early action finance.

Act now for the

very best deal on
Before 30.11.20 a NEW combine.

Early Action 0% Finance

- Pay over 4 years
- 1 + 3 Annual Payments
- First payment on signing
- Offer ends 30th November 2020
- For business users only. Terms and conditions apply. *

We understand the need for flexibility, and work directly with you
to develop bespoke finance solutions that can help you replace old
machinery with new CLAAS machinery. You can choose between
four core finance products.
- Hire Purchase
- Operating Lease
- Finance Lease
- Commercial Loans (UK only)

To find out which finance option is right for you, try our product
selector, www.claas-finance.com/product-selector

CLAAS Financial Services packages are available through any

CLAAS dealer supported by a nationwide dedicated team of
Regional Finance Managers. Every member of CLAAS Finance has
excellent product knowledge and financial experience.

Find your local Regional Finance Manager via

www.claas-finance.com/contact-us
or contact our central office sales team on
+44 1284 777 663
email salesoffice@claasfinance.com

* Finance for business purposes only. Subject to acceptance and affordability checks. Applicant must be 18 or over. Promotion valid until 30th November 2020. Available
on new equipment only. The interest free offer is subject to a maximum balance to finance of 50% (based on RRP). The finance product offered under this promotion is
Hire Purchase. First payment, full VAT and a documentation fee of £160 are all due on signing. An option-to-purchase fee of £85 (plus VAT) will be collected with the final
payment. You will own the machine when all payments have been made. Alternative finance options are available. Terms and conditions apply. Images are for illustrative
purposes only. Finance provided by CLAAS Financial Services Ltd, Northern Cross, Basing View, Basingstoke, RG21 4HL. Registered in England No: 5854271.
 14 PRODUCT NEWS

A new level of straw-walker

As part of a revolution in combine harvesting the new LEXION APS
straw walker 5000 & 6000 ranges see not only a considerable
expansion in models available, but also the introduction of a host of
new features all designed to take straw-walker combine output and
efficiency to a new level.
SEVEN NEW MODELS
GREATER THROUGHPUT
The main focus of their attention has been on how to achieve greater
throughput from a straw-walker threshing system, in particular the
very well proven APS primary threshing drums. The result is the
new APS SYNFLOW WALKER threshing system, which significantly
increases throughput capacity.

A total of seven new models are now available in the range,
comprising four 6-walker LEXION 6000 versions and three 5-walker
LEXION 5000 models. At the top of the range are two new models,
the range-topping 507hp LEXION 6900 and the 462hp LEXION 6800,
which extend the overlap between LEXION straw-walker and HYBRID
models. Also available for the first time is a 5-walker TERRA TRAC
model – the LEXION 5500TT.
So what’s new? Basically everything!! Starting with a blank sheet
of paper the designers went back to the drawing board and have
come up with a straw walker LEXION in which over 2/3rds of its parts
are new.
To provide greater cleaning capacity, the LEXION 6000/5000 also
now adopts the well-proven JETSTREAM cleaning system on all
models. Tank capacities and unloading volumes have also been
increased, while new engines provide greater power and the
introduction of DYNAMIC POWER. In the cab, the operator benefits
from a state-of-the-art workplace with the latest touchscreen CEBIS
terminal and the option of advanced automated operator assistance
systems.

755 mm threshing drum.

26% bigger for optimal crop flow.
3
Maximum separation performance. 4
Smooth acceleration of crop flow to as much as 
20 m/s by APS SYNFLOW across all concave areas.

Large 600mm, additional

separator drum with active 1
separation delivers greater throughput.

Smooth and even crop flow. 2

Synchronised setting of speed for
smooth crop flow in all speed ranges. 7
Pivoting concave bar.
Can be operated via CEBIS
5
and engaged hydraulically from
the cab.
6
For a fast response to a
change in crop type or the
conditions in the field.

Hydraulic threshing concave flap.

Can be engaged hydraulically from the cab or manually
from the outside. For a fast response to a change in crop
type or the conditions in the field.

Gentle on grains and straw.

Parallel and synchronised adjustment of all concaves.

Automatic adjustment.
All settings for the threshing unit are applied by CEMOS AUTO THRESHING.

performance
APS SYNFLOW WALKER THRESHING
The APS threshing system is key to the high performance of the
LEXION and the development of the new APS SYNFLOW WALKER
system takes the threshing and separation performance from the
LEXION 6000/5000 to a new level. This is achieved by bringing
together the accelerated crop flow provided by the APS system but
adding to this an additional separator drum after the threshing drum.
First seen on the LEXION 8000/7000 HYBRID range launched last
year, central to the all-new threshing system is a massive 755mm
diameter threshing drum, fitted with 10 rasp bars, which is 26%
larger than the 600mm drum on the LEXION 600 range. However,
behind this is a new additional 600mm-diameter separator drum that
provides further gentle separation of grain from the straw.
The greater diameter of the main threshing and separating drums
means the concave wrap angle is shallower at 132° and 116°
respectively. Straw flow through the APS SYNFLOW WALKER system
is flatter and gentler, which maximises straw quality but reduces load
on the threshing system, so saving power and fuel.
LEXION 5000/6000 15
The main concave area is also considerably larger. At 1.30m2, the
concave area on the 5-walker LEXION 5000 is now larger than on the
biggest LEXION 670 six-walker model (1.22m2) while in the LEXION
6000 models it’s a massive 1.55m2.
Due to the higher centrifugal speed of the rasp bars, to maintain
velocity, drum speed has been reduced and is now infinitely variable
using CEBIS from 330-930rpm. Drum speed is also synchronised
across all four drums.
Using CEBIS, there is both parallel and synchronised infinite
adjustment of the pre-concave, threshing concave and separator
concaves. For changing the concaves, for instance when harvesting
beans, this is quickly and easily done and 40% of the main concave
can be pulled out sideways.
Where greater threshing intensity is needed in difficult to thresh crops
or for deawning barley, an additional pivoting concave bar located
between the pre-separation concave and the main concave can be
engaged hydraulically using CEBIS.
HarvesTimes
 16 PRODUCT NEWS

HIGH CAPACITY GRAIN HANDLING

Grain tank capacity ranges from 9,000 litres on the smallest LEXION
5300 to 13,500 litres on the LEXION 6900. Unloading augers up to
12m are available, with a forward pivot angle of 105° for improved
visibility. Depending on model and auger diameter, the maximum
emptying speed is 180 litres/second on the LEXION 6900, enabling
its 13,800 litre tank to be emptied in just 75 seconds. If necessary,
the unloading speed can be halved to 90 litres/second for topping
off trailers and the augers are turned off gradually to ensure the
unloading auger is fully emptied.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
The new pivoting concave bar, synchronised drum speed As before, CRUISE PILOT and the AUTO SLOPE grain cleaning
and concave adjustment systems are fully integrated into system are also available on the LEXION 6000/5000.
CEMOS AUTO THRESHING, which uses information Depending on preference, the LEXION can be controlled using either
from the grain quality camera and QUANTIMETER to the CEBIS touchscreen terminal, the rotary push switch on the CEBIS
automatically adjust the concave settings and drum speed. control panel, or via direct switches on the new LEXION armrest.
Where CEMOS AUTO CLEANING is fitted this will
automatically adjust the JETSTREAM fan speed and the
upper and lower sieve settings. All this information is also
now fully integrated into the new CEBIS touchscreen
terminal.
Sensors in the new APS SYNFLOW WALKER and
secondary separation system are also used by AUTO
CROP FLOW to monitor flow and load through the
LEXION and to automatically restrict crop
entering the combine should it detect
a potential blockage, so allowing the
operator to confidently push the combine
without the risk of overloading it.

GREATER ENGINE POWER

The LEXION 6000/5000 is powered by either MAN or Mercedes-
Benz engines with power outputs ranging from 313hp on the
smallest LEXION 5300 to a high of 507hp for the largest LEXION
6900.
All LEXION 6000/5000 models have DYNAMIC POWER
intelligent engine management system and DYNAMIC COOLING
variable fan cooling.
A completely new drive system, based on that used in the
JAGUAR forage harvester, ensures a more positive, smooth
engagement of the threshing and auger systems. A new clutch
system is used to engage and tension the belts, resulting in
improved belt life.
 LEXION 5000/6000 17

NEW QUANTIMETER
The latest QUANTIMETER
yield measuring system uses a
pressure cell in the grain elevator
delivery point to accurately
record yield without needing the
thousand grain weight. Not only
is this far more accurate and
robust, but it only needs
calibrating once a year for each
crop type. It is also fully
compatible with TELEMATICS
for yield mapping and record
keeping.

JET STREAM CLEANING

A new feature on the LEXION 6000/5000 is the JET
STREAM cleaning system. Depending on model, the six or
eight turbine fans venting through a dual straw-walker step
and a long airflow equalisation channel provide intensive
pre-cleaning of the grain. The sieves and fan are adjusted
electrically from the cab.

OTHER NEW FEATURES

• Option of 40kph on all wheeled and TERRA TRAC models
• TERRA TRAC available on a 5-walker model for the first time
• Larger wheel sizes up to 42 inches and a diameter of 2.15m on the front axle and 30 inches with a diameter up to 1.75m on the rear
• Differential lock on all wheeled models

LEXION 6000/5000 SYNFLOW WALKER RANGE

Model Threshing drum Separator drum Concave area Total sieve Grain tank Max unloading Max. hp
(mm) (mm) (m2) area (m2) (litres) speed (l/s)
LEXION 6900 6-walker
13,500 /
LEXION 1700 x 755 1700x600 2x 4200x445 6.20 180 / 130 507
12,000
6900 TT
LEXION 6800
12,500 /
LEXION 1700 x 755 1700x600 2x 4200x445 6.20 130 / 110 462
11,000
6800 TT
LEXION 6700
11,000 /
LEXION 1700 x 755 1700x600 2x 4200x445 6.20 130 / 110 408
10,000
6700 TT
LEXION 6600 5-walker 10,000 /
1700 x 755 1700x600 2x 4200x445 6.20 110 354
9,000
LEXION 11,000 /
1420 x 755 1420 x 600 2x 4200x445 5.10 130 / 110 408
5500 TT 10,000
LEXION 5400 1420 x 755 1420 x 600 2x 4200x445 5.10 10,000 110 354
LEXION 5300 10,000 /
1420 x 755 1420 x 600 2x 4200x445 5.10 110 313
9,000

HarvesTimes
 18 Rob Hales, East Sussex, August 2020 – by Nick Fone
A walker that ticks all
the boxes
Farming in the heart of the rolling Sussex
countryside, the Hales family have
considerable experience with CLAAS
combines.
Over the last 30 years DE Hales have had more than 15 CLAAS
harvesters pass through their gates, starting out initially with a
DOMINATOR 106 and progressing on through the decades with
218s, 480s, a 530 MONTANA, a 570 LEXION TERRA TRAC and
most recently an eight-year-old 770TT.
“With our old LEXION being a HYBRID we knew we could
comfortably cover the acres but I was conscious that we needed to
maintain a reliable machine to keep our contract farming customers
happy,” explains Rob Hales.
“Initially we had thought we’d being going down the same route as
before, but talking to the team at our local dealer – MANNS Kent –
they came up with an alternative option.
“Based on what they had seen, they were confident that the new
generation of straw-walker machines could match our expectations in
terms of output.
“To be honest I was very sceptical at first, but on closer examination
I could see the merits of going back to a walker machine, if it could
comfortably handle our workload which extends to about 700ha in
total.
“I was impressed with how much the technology had moved on and
I liked the idea of having a straw walker combined with JET STREAM
sieves. Having had quite a bit of experience of both HYBRIDs and
walkers in the past, I was convinced that the sieves would make the
difference.
“I’d always felt that we could achieve lower running costs with a
walker machine but until last year there hadn’t been anything on the
market that could provide the output we require. These new 6000
series LEXION seemed to tick all the boxes so we took the plunge
and signed up for a mid-range 6700.”
HOW HAS IT PERFORMED?
“With our old 770 we could comfortably churn out 50 tonnes an hour
in standing wheat. Despite being a much lesser machine on paper,
the 6700 can get pretty to close to that if we’re pushing it.
“What’s so impressive about that is that it’s doing similar tonnages on
about half the fuel. The 770’s Merc V8 would guzzle through 550-600
litres a day, whereas the straight-six in the new combine is only using
300-330 litres in the same time.
“I’m convinced that’s all down to the smoother crop flow through
the threshing gear. The bigger drums and concaves make all the
difference – it never feels pushed. On top of that, the DYNAMIC
POWER system is clearly helping too – it senses when the grunt isn’t
needed and cuts back the fuelling accordingly.
LEXION 6700
“That smoother crop flow also makes for much quieter running – I
can now hear the returns and can tell when CEMOS AUTOMATIC is
tweaking the bottom sieve.”
HOW DO YOU GET ON WITH CEMOS?
“We’ve had LEXION in the past with CEMOS but this is a completely
different animal. Initially I didn’t trust that it could do as good a job as
I could, so when I started out I had it switched off.
“Then gradually I started turning on the various elements and quickly
realised that it was doing a far better job at constantly tweaking
everything. Enabling CEMOS to first start making its own drum and
concave settings and then working that in tandem with fan speed
and sieves as well as cruise control, I gradually gained confidence.
“Now I just pull into a field, hitch on the header, select the crop
type and just let it do its own thing, tweaking settings constantly
throughout the day.”
AUTO SLOPE
“Adding AUTO SLOPE into the mix with CEMOS is just fantastic. By
automatically adjusting fan speed as the machine goes up and down
hill, it keeps output to the max without any increase in losses – it’s
really impressive on our undulating ground.”
GRAIN QUALITY
“The GRAIN QUALITY CAMERA is an essential part of the CEMOS
set-up. I like to be able to see it identifying rubbish and broken grains
on the screen, but ultimately I let the combine decide what it wants to
do about it and the result is consistently a fantastic sample.
“Part of that is down to the JET STREAM sieves which I know from
previous experience are unbeatable. But also CEMOS is running
the drum faster and the concaves more open than I’d ever have felt
comfortable with before. The result is fewer broken grains and less
smashed straw, but strangely not at the expense of losses.”
QUANTIMETER
“The new yield-monitoring system is unbelievably accurate – in one
200 tonne batch of barley it was just 620kg different from what was
measured over the weighbridge.
“But that level of accuracy isn’t just for cereals, in rape it’s equally
precise. In fact, it’s now given me the faith that we can reliably build
up some proper yield maps with a view to potentially moving towards
variable rate applications of fertiliser and seed in the future.”
TELEMATICS
“Although we’re not running a fleet of combines I find the
TELEMATICS app on the phone very useful.
“Simple things like being able to check the fuel level means I can
decide where to take the bowser out to. Critically it’s a fantastic
health and safety aid, providing traceability and tracking for lone-
working.”

Pre-series
report
“What’s so impressive is that the new combine
is doing similar tonnages on about half the
fuel. I’m convinced that’s all down to the
smoother crop flow through the threshing gear.
The bigger drums and concaves make all the
difference – it never feels pushed.”
Rob Hales
19
WHY CLAAS?
“It was a big leap of faith putting our names down for one of the first
new generation straw-walker LEXION, particularly not having had a
demo.
“However I have absolute faith in the team at MANNS and if they say
a machine is capable of doing the job, I know that it will be. More
importantly, if we have any issues I know we’ll be well looked after
and if it isn’t a quick fix then a replacement will be in the yard within
hours.”
HarvesTimes
 20

“With the differing crop

conditions over the last
two seasons we can now
confidently say the 8900 will
do at least 20% more than
the old combine, if not more.”
Richard Ledger
 Richard Ledger, Kent, August 2020 – by Nick Fone
There’s no
stopping it
This season is the second harvest for
Little Mongeham Farms’ LEXION 8900
which has the task of single-handedly
knocking down some 1,425ha (3,520
acres) of combinable crops.
A pre-production model last year, it took over from a 780TT and
immediately impressed the team at the Kent-based operation with its
appetite.
“Initially we were sceptical about how much more capacity the 8900
would have but from the outset it was clear it was something else,”
says Richard Ledger.
“With the differing crop conditions over the last two seasons we can
now confidently say it’ll do at least 20% more than the old combine, if
not more.
“But that’s not the most impressive part. What’s really striking is the
fuel use. It’ll cut all that extra tonnage while using significantly less
diesel.
“While the old combine would go for a maximum of 11 hours
between fill-ups, the new machine will stretch to 14 hours. Logistically
that can make a big difference, avoiding a stop at a time when you
could still be combining.”
This difference in both output and fuel use is felt to be mainly down to
the improved flow of crop through the LEXION 8900.
“It’s a whole lot smoother and quieter than our 780,” says operator
Nigel Richardson.
“Sitting in the seat you can feel that the combination of the bigger
diameter drums and concaves, the new engine, the new unloading
auger and the rubber-belted intake elevator all work to put less stress
and strain on the machine which has got to be better for diesel
consumption.”
CEMOS AUTOMATIC
There aren’t many operators with more experience of flagship LEXION
than Nigel, who has been at the helm of Little Mongeham’s combines
for some 35 years. Two seasons in with the new range-topper, he
believes he’s still got plenty to learn.
“I’ve been lucky to see the evolution of CLAAS’ CEMOS auto settings
system over time and this new version is a real step forward.
“Being more familiar with the combine in this second season I’ve
2019 PRE-SERIES LEXION 8900 21
Pre-
series
catch-up
experimented a bit more, tweaking settings and fine-tuning the
system to get the best from it. Each time I delve deeper into CEMOS
I find something else that either ups output, improves the sample or
helps to kerb any losses.”
GRAIN QUALITY CAMERA
Nigel continues, “Having the camera constantly monitoring sample
quality is what really makes the difference with CEMOS – I can just
leave it to do it’s own thing safe in the knowledge we won’t see
any extra rubbish in the tank. In fact I never touch the sieve or fan
settings, the only thing I tend to tweak is rotor or drum speed and,
even then, more often than not I find that I’m better just sticking with
what CEMOS has selected.
“The sample itself is so clean that I nearly always have CEMOS set to
maximum throughput. Even then there’s hardly a sign of any chaff or
straw in the tank.”
QUANTIMETER
“Yield monitoring is so much more accurate than before. We can now
trust that what the combine says it has cut is pretty much exactly
what’s in the heap.
“Last year we cut 11,640 tonnes according to the 8900 and the
total across the weighbridge was pretty close to that – that level of
accuracy is pretty impressive.”
MAINTENANCE
“The 8900 is a much cleaner machine than anything we’ve ever had
before. Along with the horizontal radiator package, there are so many
fewer places for dust to hang up, especially on the pulleys.
“As a result I’m only having to clean it down once a week with our big
road-towable compressor. Each morning I just whip round with the
on-board air-line and blow off the worst of it.”
WHY CLAAS?
“We’re probably a bit over-capacity with the 8900 on our acreage
but it gives us the peace of mind that we can comfortably cover all
our ground with just one machine rather than two - that’s a huge
efficiency gain,” explains Richard Ledger.
“I believe CLAAS has the edge when it comes to output from these
biggest LEXION and the technology they use. But ultimately it all
comes down to back-up.
“We know that in our area our CLAAS dealer will look after us better
than any other brand if we have anything go wrong.”
HarvesTimes
22 Tom Dye, Albanwise Farming Ltd, 12,000ha, Yorkshire and Norfolk

Two new LEXION 8900TT combines,

both equipped with CONVIO FLEX
1380 draper cutterbars, have
revolutionised harvest on Albanwise’s
Revolution
two Norfolk farms.
Growing a total of 3,200ha of combinable crops, split between
1,800ha at Barton Bendish in west Norfolk and 1,400ha 36
miles away near Holt in north Norfolk, each farm previously ran a
LEXION 780 with a contractor brought in as necessary to back
them up.
By changing the LEXION 780s for the higher capacity LEXION
8900, AFL Managing Director Tom Dye’s plan was that the
combines would give him the option to back each other up,
avoiding the need for a contractor.
“I reckoned that each combine would have the capacity to do
about 1,600ha a year,” he explains. “In reality, even with an
average harvest, we have been really surprised by the hunger of
the new LEXION. Their appetite, not least due to the momentum
of the larger threshing drum, is huge and they have so much
capacity there was no need to run the two together. Losses have
also been minimal at less than 1% across all crops.
“I budgeted that each combine should clear over 50ha a day over
a 30 day harvest, which would take some doing, but I felt was
possible based on testimonies from pre-series users. We had a
good start to harvest and made good progress but missed seven
days due to wet weather. But on a lot of days they were both
clearing up to 100ha a day, while on its best day the west Norfolk
LEXION alone cleared 105ha.”
Like many farms, this year’s cropping saw a considerable increase
in spring barley which, says Tom yielded just on budget, while
winter wheat at around 9.2t/ha across both farms was slightly
down and with winter barley and OSR yields being hit hard.
So in a year where harvesting every last grain possible has been Tom Dye, Managing Director, Albanwise Farming
important, opting to equip the new LEXION 8900s with CONVIO
FLEX cutterbars has proven to be a sound investment.
“The CONVIO FLEX allows us to really hug the ground and so
lose far less crop, particularly in spring barley. Overall flow into definite step above the CEMOS system on the LEXION 780. Both
the combine is far better, but the biggest benefit has been in Jono Darby and Michael Balls, the farm managers on each farm,
brackled barley where cutterbar losses have been considerably make full use of TELEMATICS and their combine drivers regularly talk
reduced. The other big benefit is that because it avoids damp to each other to compare settings, apart from having a bit of healthy
straw wrapping around the reel, we can start at 7.30 to 8.00 in competition comparing positions on the TELEMATICS performance
the morning instead of 10.00, so gain an extra couple of hours league!
combining. Overall I believe the extra investment in the CONVIO
“Even though we have run CLAAS combines for a long time, I always
FLEX will pay for itself in about three years just due to reduced
consider the other options and what else is on the market. But I
losses.”
am very glad we made the decision we did. In our opinion CLAAS
“The aim is to have as much capacity in as few machines as and MANNS take a lot of beating and the development of their new
possible so as to keep the combine cost per hectare at an branch at Fransham shows their commitment to the area’s CLAAS
acceptable level. The combination of one combine, a chaser bin customers.
and a lorry works very well and running more smaller combines
“The new LEXION is closer to a revolution than an evolution and I
would just reduce field efficiency by about 7% on average.”
would not be overly concerned if we had 2,000ha to put through
To fully maximise output, both combines are equipped with each machine, which I would never have dreamt of doing before,”
CEMOS AUTOMATIC which, states Tom is very clever and a concludes Tom.
 2020 LEXION 7000/8000 23

nary not evolutionary

HarvesTimes
24 Frazer Jolly, Saltby Estate, Leicestershire

Everything
a combine
should be
A change of combine to a LEXION 7700
APS SYNFLOW HYBRID equipped with
a CONVIO FLEX 1230 cutterbar has
transformed harvest and subsequent
crop establishment on the Saltby Estate.
Farm manager Frazer Jolly has many years of LEXION combine
driving under his belt. However, for the past 5 years, since moving
to Saltby in Leicestershire this has not been the case. However,
although having historically received excellent back up for his old
combine, the reliability and confidence had gone. So when in April
the decision was made to change the combine, Frazer was only too
keen to contact Philip Gandy at CLAAS Eastern.
“As the decision to change was so late, the whole deal was done
in a matter of days. The decision was never going to be a difficult Frazer Jolly, Farm Manager
one, as my experience with the LEXION product, the backup I had
experienced with past machines and the people within CLAAS, gave
us the confidence to change brand.
“In really short straw the ability to pitch the cutterbar forward to get
“As soon as the new LEXION arrived and I got going, with the under the crop without bulldozing meant it was a godsend in spring
CONVIO FLEX cutterbar at the front, the new HYBRID threshing barley this year, and it’s a credit to the cutterbar that it doesn’t
system in the middle and the excellent straw chopper at the back, need lifters. Previously with a rigid header we would leave about a
its everything a combine should be,” states Frazer. 12cm stubble in places, but with the CONVIO FLEX we are down to
Cereal cropping on the 1200ha estate amounts to 780ha, mainly just 5cm. With a rigid 12m header you’d never get that low evenly
growing winter wheat for Weetabix, rye for Ryvita and spring malting across the full working width and it gives you a lot of confidence
barley, along with beans and oilseed rape. Crops are grown using when you see how sections of the knife bar just lift up and ride over
a CTF system based on 6.0m multiples, with the LEXION being the stones.
final element in the system, as its 12.27m CONVIO FLEX cutterbar “Accepting a reduction in straw volume this year, we were very
and 7XL unloading auger enables trailers to stay in the tramlines. impressed with the straw chop and spread capabilities to the full
“For a narrow body combine, in a big field with the CONVIO FLEX width of the header and more, even without the stationery knives in
header and the new APS threshing system it has some serious place. 60% of our OSR area has been established by broad casting
capacity. Nothing phases it. The CONVIO is increasing productivity the seed into the previous year’s standing crop two weeks before
over a VARIO before we start thinking about the combine itself. harvest. The chop quality and evenness of spread is crucial for us
I’m convinced the APS threshing system alone does as much to retain the moisture around the seedlings with the chopped straw.
separation as the whole of our previous combine. We now have The system on the CLAAS allows the operator to fine tune the
more than enough capacity without going over the top. spreader through the touch screen terminal for the day’s conditions
and straw volumes.
“I did question whether we should go for the conventional VARIO.
But this is an investment for at least the next seven years, so the “The belt feed into the combine is so smooth and you don’t get any
specification needed to be right to future proof the combine. It’s a of the usual bunching. I tended most of the time to just leave it in
decision I would have to live with, and I’m glad we did go for the Auto mode with the pressure set at 50/50, which was more than
CONVIO FLEX as I have been really impressed with how it works. As enough to follow contours. It was only really in wheat where I would
a result we have now ordered the same combination for our other set it to rigid, but even then it’s very simple to just press the button
farm near Corby, which will be run on a machinery share basis. to change back to ‘flex’ mode again so as to get under the crop.”
2020 LEXION 7000/8000 25

Technical note

CONVIO and CONVIO

FLEX cutterbars
Launched last year and available in working widths from
7.7m up to 13.8m, the CONVIO and CONVIO FLEX draper
type cutterbars both feature a hydraulically driven reel with an
adjustable cam track that allows the tines to pick-up the crop
before it’s cut.
Both cutterbars have AUTO CONTOUR for precise contour
following. AUTOMATIC BELT SPEED adjusts the belt
speed relative to the ground speed for an even flow into the
combine. All the belts and reel can be reversed and there is
driver warning of a belt slippage or a stopped belt.
On the CONVIO FLEX, the knife and cutterbar table are able
to move over a range of 225mm, from 90mm upwards and
135mm downwards. ACTIVE FLOAT comes as standard
which allows the operator to alter the ground pressure.
CONVIO FLEX has four operating modes: GRAIN mode in
which the knife and table are rigid; LODGED CROP mode
in which the knife bar is rigid but can be changed to flexible
mode at the press of a button; in MANUAL FLEX mode
the knife bar uses sensors to follow ground contours but
exerts no pressure while in AUTO FLEX mode the cutterbar
automatically determines the best position for crop flow and
contour following, while maintaining the lowest possible cut
height.

Photo: John Uttley Photography

HarvesTimes
Revolutions start in the heart.

The LEXION 7000-8000 series featuring:

APS SYNFLOW HYBRID – for improved
throughput and threshing performance
Larger Grain Tank and faster unloading
auger with up to 18,000 litre grain tank
and 180 litre/second unloading
Larger Concaves – for more controlled
threshing and greater flexibility
in different crop types
FIELD SCANNER – for precise guidance
CEBIS Touch Screen Display
Engines – up to 790 hp with
DYNAMIC POWER and DYNAMIC COOLING
Ground Drives – more powerful ground drives
for road and field transport with the option of 40K
road speed on narrow and wide body machines
QUANTIMETER – for precise measurement
of yield with simplified calibration
CEMOS AUTOMATIC – for intelligent
operator assistance at the touch of a button
Cab – additional cab space, greater
legroom, greater insulation and new grain
tank window

The 7000 and 8000 LEXION HYBRID series, revolutionising harvesting efficiency.
Call your local CLAAS dealer today for a demonstration and for our Early Action Finance Terms.
Before 30.11.20 claas.co.uk
 Nick Morton, Farmer and Contractor, Lincolnshire
Impressive chopping
with an even spread
With an increasing number of his
customers using minimal tillage or
direct drilling, the quality of straw chop
and spread from the new LEXION was
the main reason behind Nick Morton
deciding to change make to CLAAS.
“Although I have had demos of the LEXION in the past, I have
always been quite happy with the combines we ran,” he says.
“However, one thing that let it down was the straw spreader and
with a move towards minimal tillage or direct drilling we needed a
better chop and even spread of straw. I could see us potentially
losing customers because of this.”
“I had the latest version of our combine and one other on demo and
they were no better. I have known Jon (Baxter) at CLAAS Eastern
for a long time and after talking to him and his explaining about the
chopping system on the new LEXION, he arranged for me to visit
one of the pre-series combines last year and the chop and spread
on that was impressive. We went to Saxham so I could see both
the new LEXION and also the TUCANO, which confirmed that the
LEXION was the right way to go.”
Based near Horncastle in Lincolnshire, in addition to their own
140ha of crops, Nick and his son Sam contract harvest for four
neighbouring farms, giving them a total of 520ha for their new
LEXION 7400 APS SYNFLOW HYBRID with a VARIO 770 cutterbar
to harvest.
“The technology on the LEXION as a whole, but even on the straw
chopper itself is impressive. The wind sensors are such a simple
idea but very effective. We are exposed and during August had
some high winds. But you could see on CEBIS how the sensors
were constantly altering the deflectors in the chopper to allow for
this and it maintained an extremely even spread right across the full
cutting width without any blowing into the standing crop.
2020 LEXION 7000/8000 27
“Overall the new LEXION has exceeded my expectations. You hope
for the best and prepare for the worst, but it has been fantastic.
Because of lock-down we never had an operators course, so went
in blind but it is so easy to operate. The cab is a really nice place
to spend the day and I really like the controls. Changing from a
straw-walker to a HYBRID took a bit of getting used to, but the new
touchscreen CEBIS terminal is so easy and intuitive to use, and the
pre-set settings are very good. It’s very different to what I was used
to, but if I was really stuck I downloaded the CEMOS app onto my
phone, which was helpful, and I could always ‘phone Jon or get the
operator manual out!
“The pressure was definitely on to do something about straw
residue and my customers have been more than happy and I have
had a lot of positive comments back. The spread is so good we
have even tried drilling rape straight into the chopped straw which I
have never done before. And I really like that it can be switched over
just at the press of a button.
“The sample has been fantastic. I did use the pivoting concave
bar quite a bit in barley, which worked well. But also the amount of
adjustment you have between the combination of the APS drum
and HYBRID rotor speeds, the concaves and the ‘bomb doors’
gives you so many options. It makes it so easy to get a really good
sample at a high output and with hardly anything going through the
returns.”
One aspect of the new LEXION that Nick and Sam were not
expecting is how quiet the combine is, and how much less fuel
it uses. “Although we have not accurately measured it, we are
certainly using about 20% less fuel and AdBlue consumption is so
low we only filled it twice in the whole harvest.” comments Nick.
“In the LEXION 7400 we have bought a lot of technology and
output. It’s not been an easy season and yields have been all over
the place. I am sure I have not had the best out of the LEXION yet
and will learn more about it and how I can push it even harder.”
HarvesTimes
 28 John Langmead, 1,000ha cereals, West Sussex
“Punches well above its weight.”
John Langmead, TUCANO 580 and 570
As John Langmead has found, increasing
your cropping acreage by 70% to 1,000ha
in one year is not without its challenges, not
least harvesting the crops and the dilemma
of do you go for one big combine or two
smaller ones.
BIG INCREASE IN ACREAGE
The last year has been one of considerable change for John as he gears
up his machinery fleet to cope with a 400ha increase in acreage, giving
him 1000ha either owned or on different management agreements. This
is split between nine farms and six landowners, spread over 15 miles
along the Sussex coast between Worthing and Chichester.
“Taking on that acreage has been a big step and needed some bold
decisions, not least about the machinery needed and logistics,” he
says. “One of the major considerations is that half the cropping is down
to Group 1 milling wheats, plus there is 100ha of seed peas for Birds
Eye. So there is a lot of pressure to get those crops in quick as a lot of
premium is at stake. It’s one thing if I miss the premium on my own crops
but I potentially face a lot of questions if I lose it on someone else’s crop.”
ONE OR TWO COMBINES?
Faced with the need to replace his 6-year old LEXION 750, the question
was should he stay with just one higher capacity combine or go for two
smaller machines.
“One option I looked at with Gavin (Elliot) at OLIVERS was to go up to a
LEXION 7700, which logistically would be far simpler and organising the
trailers to support it would be considerably easier. However, it can only
be in one place at one time, and over that acreage and spread of land
the option of two smaller combines would give me a lot more flexibility to
jump between crops, react to adversity and also keep two landowners
TUCANO 570/580
Pocket
rocket
flexibility
happy at the same time! Also it avoids the risk of having all my eggs
in one basket, so should one combine go down, I still have another
harvesting.”
Being near the coast, one compromise he didn’t want to take was to
change back to a straw-walker machine, so this meant either running
the smaller LEXION HYBRID or the TUCANO HYBRID.
“The damp can come in quickly at the end of the day, so the higher
output from the HYBRID enables us to push on and make the most
of the prime harvesting hours in the heat of the day. Also the ability of
the HYBRID system to thresh every last grain out in potentially heavy
straw crops is important.
MAKING FINANCIAL SENSE
“Technologically the TUCANO is a simpler combine and in the
past, I would not have considered one. But in the latest model the
technology creep down from the LEXION to the TUCANO HYBRID
means the gap has certainly narrowed. Cost wise having two smaller
LEXION wouldn’t work – you need to step far enough away to keep
the capital cost between buying one and two combines realistic.”
With this in mind, Gavin came up with a deal that included a new
TUCANO 580 and a local 3-year old TUCANO 570, both with VARIO
770 cutterbars, that had been looked after by the Petworth team
from new.
“Cost wise this meant the two options were similar, but while the
running costs of having two combines may be slightly higher, that’s
what you pay for flexibility. Because the TUCANO is technologically
simpler, I am planning on a 6-year replacement, so the 570 fits well
into that as I certainly don’t want to be buying two combines at the
same time again!
“We have run CLAAS combines from Petworth since 2000 and the
service support from the team there has always been excellent. And
although I did have demo’s of other machines, the historical service
and support we have had accounted for a lot and was a major
reason for staying with CLAAS, as I know OLIVERS will look after us
and go the extra mile when we need it.
“Both the TUCANO went very well and I have been very pleased with
the performance. They certainly seem to tuck the acres away and
we finished wheat on the 8th August. Typically together they cleared
around 52ha a day, but yields were down so the real challenge will be
next year in hopefully thicker crops. Both the combines are equipped
with TELEMATICS and weigh cells so I can provide accurate yield
maps.
“I did do a bit of a double take when I saw what the new generation
LEXION is capable of, but pound-for-pound the TUCANO HYBRID
really does punch above its weight. It’s a little pocket rocket. Time
will tell if I made the right decision and this year has definitely been a
severe test of the system. Hopefully the next few years should seem
easy by comparison!”
 TECHNICAL FOCUS TUCANO HYBRID 29

Technical focus on the

TUCANO HYBRID

First introduced in 2015, the TUCANO APS HYBRID offers all the
benefits of the unique and well proven combination of the APS
primary threshing system with the extremely efficient ROTO PLUS
secondary separation system.
Like their larger LEXION cousins, this combination means that both
the TUCANO 580 and 570 HYBRID models provide separation
qualities and output that differs considerably from a straw walker PLUS rotor, which as conditions change during the day can be
machine. infinitely varied from a maximum of 920rpm down to just 480rpm.
As on the TUCANO straw-walker models, the crop initially flows This wide range of speeds means that where straw is to be baled,
through the APS threshing system. This consists of an accelerator the high centrifugal forces allow the rotor speed to be reduced for
drum to even out and start speeding up crop flow from around 3m minimal damage but without compromising separation or output.
to 20m a second. With a wrap angle of 151°, the large multigrain
The rotor has a total of six concaves, the first two of which can be
concave area around the main threshing drum is designed for gentle
manually closed either individually or together in order to alter the
but effective grain separation, so that around 70% of the grain is
separation area as conditions change. This means that in damp
removed prior to the crop flow carrying on through an impeller drum
conditions later in the day or in green-strawed crops, a larger
into the ROTO PLUS rotor for the secondary separation process. The
separation area can used to achieve improved separation of harder
concaves are easily adjusted using the latest CEBIS Touchscreen
to remove grains, or in very dry conditions both concaves can be
terminal, as is the drum speed in tandem with the accelerator drum.
fully closed for maximum throughput without overloading the sieves
Unlike the LEXION, the TUCANO features a single ROTO PLUS with short straw.
separation rotor that’s 4.2m long and 57cm in diameter. Being so
With the added benefit of AUTO CROP FLOW now available on the
wide, this creates an extremely high centrifugal force for extremely
TUCANO to detect and react to a potential overload or blockage
effective secondary separation but without damaging the straw.
and AUTO SLOPE CONTROL that continuously alters fan speed
The rotor speed is also controlled using the CEBIS Touchscreen, and relative to the angle of the combine, this ensures that the operator
is set independently to the APS drum speed, so giving the operator a can confidently set and push the unique TUCANO APS HYBRID
wide range of setting options while protecting grain quality. The range to its limits, while gaining optimum grain separation and quality, at
of drum speeds is reflected in the greater diameter of the ROTO consistently high outputs regardless of conditions.

TUCANO APS HYBRID RANGE

Model System Grain tank Max. hp
TUCANO 580 APS HYBRID, 1,580 mm 11,000 l 381
TUCANO 580 MONTANA APS HYBRID, 1,580 mm 11,000 l 381
TUCANO 570 APS HYBRID, 1,580 mm 11,000 l / 10,000l 354
TUCANO 570 MONTANA APS HYBRID, 1,580 mm 11,000 l / 10,000l 354

HarvesTimes
 30 PRODUCT NEWS
Stage V for mid-range
TORION
Among the latest updates for the TORION wheel loader range, the
three mid-range models make the move to Stage V engines, with the
TORION 1511 now packing a more powerful 6-cylinder engine under
its bonnet.
As part of its move to Stage V, the TORION 1511 has been given a
12% power boost thanks to it now being powered by a 188hp, 6.8
litre 6-cylinder DPS engine, which develops some 741Nm of torque.
In addition, the power within the VARIPOWER ground drive has been
increased by 23%, giving it more dynamism and agility for loading
and clamp work.
Meanwhile the Stage V engine fitted to the TORION 1410 gives a 5%
power increase to 163hp, while the TORION 1177 remains at 140hp.
TORION 1511
Larger pressure rams means that lift force on both the TORION 1511
and 1410 has also been increased by 20%, so providing more power
for handling work.
The cabs on all three mid-range models have also been brought into
line with those on the larger framed TORION 1914 and 1812, so
get more legroom and a 9-inch high resolution colour touch terminal
instead of a 7-inch one previously. The armrest has been redesigned,
as has the windscreen to provide greater field of vision and a larger
wiper area. Up to six LED lights can now be fitted on the rear of the
cab and the bonnet is now flatter.
The wide range of options include a new reactive joystick steering
system for working at low speeds, along with SMART HANDLING,
dynamic steering, integrated weighing and tyre pressure monitoring.
 Hannah Arnold, Spring Farm Partnership, Norfolk, October 2020. TORION 1812 31

High torque
TORION
Operated mainly by Andy Thurston, one of the main jobs for the
TORION is muck handling, when on larger jobs it can be kept busy
loading the company’s two 12t capacity Terragators and a 15t
capacity trailed Bunning spreader.
“The cab layout is brilliant,” states Andy. “Nothing’s cluttered, it’s so
quiet and the VARIO is a Godsend. When I first saw it I thought the
TORION looked clumsy, but the manoeuvrability and turning circle is
extremely good and the pushing power is phenomenal.
“With our previous loader, which was water ballasted, on silage it
would take at least three goes to clear an 18 to 20 tonne trailer load,
whereas the TORION will do it in two, and on the first go it will just
push right through the middle of the load and keep going. It’s got the
weight so it doesn’t need ballasting and feels comfortable, so you can
Hannah Arnold, Contractor
push it. For muck loading the raw hydraulic power is very good and it
will comfortably lift 7 tonnes at a time so in two and a half grabs the
The combination of a high engine torque Bunning can be gone.”
“It’s a very nice place to work,” adds another operator. “Within 15
driving through a power-split CMATIC minutes I felt right at home and it’s even got a fridge! The all-round
CVT transmission has enabled Spring visibility is good and having auto greasing makes daily maintenance
simple. The large terminal screen is easy to use and it’s simple to set-
Farm Partnership’s new TORION 1812 up and operate the TORION and functions like SMART LOADING.”
to more than take on the workload of the “It arrived at the start of the maize harvest, so it’s early days. However,
two wheel loaders it replaced. coming from Leibherr it will be well built and having CLAAS tractors
I know that MANNS will look after us well,” says Hannah. “So far we
Cab comfort, ease of use and plentiful hydraulic power have also all have been extremely pleased with it and with its long service hours
been stand-out features on the new TORION for Hannah Arnold and (2,000 hours and 6,000 hours for the transmission with a 3,000 hour
her team at Spring Farm Partnership. check) the running costs should be low,” she concludes.
Supplied by MANNS Norfolk this autumn, one of the loaders the
TORION 1812 replaced was a 7-year-old powered by a 252hp engine
developing 1,186Nm of torque, that weighed 15 tonnes and had a
tipping capacity of 8.2 tonnes. The other was a more modern 4-year
old 18 tonne machine, with a 11 tonne capacity powered by a 256hp
engine developing 1,250Nm of torque.
On paper, the TORION 1812 which weighs 18 tonnes, has a load
capacity of 11 tonnes and is powered by a 195hp engine would not
seem to have the power to compete. But as the Spring Farm team
have found, in reality engine power isn’t everything; it’s the engine’s
1,215Nm of torque developed at just 1,100rpm by the 4-cylinder
Leibherr driving through the CMATIC transmission that makes it stand
out.
“Of the two the TORION replaced, the 2016 machine didn’t have the
pushing power and just didn’t tick all the boxes. And when we looked
at the newer version of the 2013 machine, the guys said nothing
seemed to be any different on it. Price also played an important part,”
says Hannah Arnold.
“By comparison, when we tried the TORION its performance was
just so much better. The TORION is heavy, but it has the power to
just keep pushing – nothing phases it. Also because its low revving
and has the VARIO ‘box, it’s fuel efficient compared to the 2016
replacement machine.”
HarvesTimes
 32 PRODUCT NEWS
Telescopic TORION
A new articulated telescopic model, the TORION 738 T SINUS,
has been added to the TORION wheel loader range which offers
outstanding manoeuvrability and stability.
The TORION 738 T SINUS features a central telescopic boom with
an impressive bucket pivot point height of 4.96 m. Fully articulated
payload with the boom lowered but at its 2.69m maximum reach is
2,300kg. The maximum tipping load articulated is 3,800kg, and the
maximum loading and stacking height with loading forks is 4.80m.
The Z kinematics of the mast provide a high breakaway force and fast
dumping speed. The headstock can rotate through 172° and fitted as
standard is a fast implement changer and end-of-travel damping for
the telescopic boom.
The 93l/min, 230 bar hydraulic system has ample power for lifting
and stacking tasks and an optional additional 28 l/min high-flow
pump can be fitted to provide additional power for attachments
such as sweepers and mulchers. As an option, two control circuits
for attachments can be fitted at the front, and a single double-acting
control circuit at the rear.
EXTREME STABILITY AND MANOEUVRABILITY
To ensure the TORION keeps its wheels firmly on the ground, even
when lifting heavy loads to maximum height, the unique SINUS
steering system uses a combination of articulated and rear axle
steering, to give a maximum articulation angle on either side of just
30°.
To achieve this, the rear wheels are directly connected via two
steering rods to the front section, providing synchronised steering
capability on turning of the articulated joint to a maximum wheel angle
of 25°. This results in an outstanding turning radius at the bucket
edge of only 4.22 m – unparalleled in this equipment class – and the
inside turning radius is just 1.49 m.
The articulated pivot joint allows the front and rear sections to pivot
 TORION
TORION738
738 33

STAGE V 4-CYLINDER ENGINE

Power for the TORION 738 T SINUS comes from a 73 hp Yanmar
4-cylinder engine with wastegate turbocharger, which meets Stage V
exhaust emission requirements without needing AdBlue. Positioned
behind the cab, this also serves as a counterweight. An optional
automatic reverse fan is available to keep the radiator system clean,
which can also be manually activated.
Drive is through a hydrostat and two-speed automatic gearbox with
SMART SHIFTING. Two gear ranges can be selected with a rocker
switch, with a ground speed of up to 20 km/h in range 1, and up to
40 km/h in range 2. A key feature of the SMART SHIFTING system
is automatic gear shift in both gear ranges, with synchronisation of
the gearbox and hydrostat for optimum shift reliability and smooth
operation.

ALL-ROUND VISIBILITY
With just four narrow cab pillars, a steeply downward-sloping bonnet,
a deep windscreen and slimline boom there is unsurpassed all-round
visibility and a clear view of the implement carrier. The flat-floor,
air-conditioned cab comes with a heated, air-suspended seat for
maximum operator comfort.
All key functions are conveniently located in the right side control
panel and the joystick, which is connected to the seat. A 9-inch
adjustable monitor on the A-pillar keeps the operator fully informed of
by up to 8° on each side. Layered springs
all significant machine parameters and dynamic load limit status.
fitted as dampers in the articulated pivot
joint noticeably boost operator comfort,
particularly on the road.

SMART LOADING
For repetitive loading tasks, the optional SMART
LOADING package can significantly reduce
operator stress. Functions include programmable
lift height and lowering depth limit, automatic bucket
return, dynamic load limit, and display of telescopic
boom and headstock operation on the 9-inch
touchscreen terminal.
The dynamic load limit function operates with
pressure and angle sensors. A colour bar diagram
display on the control terminal keeps the operator
fully aware of the current load status. When the
safe load limit is reached, the extension and
retraction of the lift arm is initially restricted,
and then locked altogether. Restriction of the
telescoping speed and the boom lift/lower
speed is dependent on the carrying load and
height.
A unique feature is automatic retraction of
the telescopic boom in combination with
automatic bucket return and transition to
the lowest lowering depth limit point. The
boom and headstock are moved to their
stored positions with a single movement
of the joystick. The optional end-of-
travel damping for the lifting and lowering
kinematics can also be set individually on the
state-of-the-art terminal.

HarvesTimes
 34 RJ & A Dennis, Dairy farmers, Cornwall – by Mick Roberts
Agile loader
handles all tasks
While many businesses wouldn’t be
without a telehandler, one Cornish family
has opted for an agile TORION compact
wheel loader to carry out loading duties
on its dairy farm.
Reliability and manoeuvrability are more important loader
requirements than telescopic reach for Edward Dennis, who farms
with his parents Roger and Angela and brother in law, Mark Hughes
at North Park, Tregastick, nr Looe.
“There isn’t much room in the yard and around the buildings, so the
machine cannot be more than 6ft (1.8m) wide and must be able to
negotiate some tight corners,” says Edward. “Also, we can only feed
the milking cows when they are in the parlour and collecting yard, so
we can’t afford to have any problems with starting or break-downs. If
the loader stops it mucks up the whole routine.”
The family team doesn’t miss the reach of a telescopic, because they
have never had it, he explains. For the past 20 years loading work
has been the responsibly of a JCB 2CX compact industrial loader/
backhoe.
“We have been using one of these for the past 20 years. But the
latest was getting old and needing replacing,” says Edward. “So
when, one morning on the weekend, it refused to start due to a fuel
problem we started looking for a new one.”
The 6ft (1.8m) width limit does constrain choice – with few
telehandlers coming close. “We also quickly realised you can buy a
new compact wheeled loader for the same price as a second-hand
telehandler. And because we need absolute reliability a new machine
was a far better option for us,” he explains.
HAMBLYS Launceston was the obvious first call to start looking for
the replacement loader, explains Edward. “We currently run an ARION
650 and have had others in the past. We have had good experience
with HAMBLYS, who have always given us really good service and
back-up,” he adds.
The firm’s James Poad suggested looking at the new compact
TORION 639. At just 1.79m wide on 405/70R20 Mitas tyres, its other
compact dimensions and artic-steering not only fit the operating
requirements, but it also came at a price that enabled the family to
buy new, rather than used.
Another advantage of buying new is the option to include a five-year
 TORION 639 35

Edward Dennis, with father Roger

and Mark Hughes (in cab).

Articulated steering
provides a tight
turning circle, and
allows the bucket
to be always
positioned parallel
to the loader,
regardless of the
approach angle.

Less than 6ft (1.8m) wide, the TORION can

negotiate narrow passages, while is still able to
stack big bales up to the eves of high buildings with
the farm’s grab.

At maximum articulation it has a full tipping load capacity of 3,850kg

extended warranty. “While it has to be serviced by the dealer, we
know it’s always well-maintained and we won’t pay for any nasty
surprises,” says Edward. “Apart from checking the oil and water and
other things we don’t have to touch it. And we know exactly how
much it costs.”
After a successful demonstration, the TORION 639 arrived in early
April. It is actually the same one they had on demo, which went away
to Albutt who fitted it with a Euro 8 headstock to match the existing
implements.
The TORION 639 is the larger of two new compact handlers
introduced last September. It has an overall cab height of 2.5m and
with its articulated steering offers a tight turning circle. Hydrostatic
drive to all wheels operates in two ranges, with a top speed of
20km/hr.
with a maximum lift height of 3.20m. Power is delivered by a 68hp,
3.3 litre Yanmar, four cylinder engine, which Edward adds, has the
benefit of not requiring AdBlue.
The wheeled loader’s industrial roots are obvious in the cab. The
operators, however, have no complaints with the workmanlike interior,
which is easy to access and clean. Controls fall to hand easily with
a large joystick in charge of all operations. There is also a great view
of the bucket through the front screen as well as behind through the
large, curved window (fitted with electric demister).
At North Park the loader’s main role is to load the Keenan Mech Fibre
340 diet feeder with four mixes a day, twice for the milking cows and
one each for the dry cows and youngstock. Edward, Roger and Mark
are all impressed with the loader’s agility and ability to move easily
around the tight spaces.
The front-mounted boom means the operators can always see the
whole implement and its position. This, they add, provides much
better visibility and control than you get from a side-mounted boom
machine. Roger is particularly impressed with the way the articulated
steering allows the bucket to be always positioned parallel to the
loader, whatever the angle of approach.
They don’t even miss the reach when loading and stacking big bales
in the yard. Using their own home-made grab it’s possible to stack
them six to eight high – right up to the eves in a high barn.
Now, after the novelty of the new machine has worn off Edward,
Roger and Mark are all pleased with the purchase. The TORION 639
does everything they want it to do and as yet they haven’t found a
task it can’t handle.

HarvesTimes
 36 PRODUCT NEWS DISCO 100/10

New DISCO 100/10 with

MAX CUT
Two new centre-of-gravity side mounted rear mowers will be available The DISCO 10 can work on slopes up to an angle of 45°. A drive with
in 2021. The DISCO 100 and DISCO 10, comprise seven brand- a double gearbox comes as standard, allowing an extremely narrow
new models that cover working widths from 3.4 down to 2.2m and transport position and a new folding angle of 95° and has a powerful
also incorporate the proven MAX CUT mowing bed, previously only belt drive that attenuates load peaks and can be tensioned without
available on wider working width models. They replace the DISCO tools using a rotary knob. The PTO shaft speed can be reduced
Inline and DISCO 50 series for the 2021 season. from 540 rpm to 460 rpm in light crops or when topping, which
The new centre-of-gravity hitching system ensures that the mower significantly reduces diesel consumption.
bed, much like mowers with centre pivoting, has a uniform contact
pressure over the entire working width using a large suspension
spring that engages in the middle of the machine frame. The line of
force of the spring runs exactly through the centre of gravity of the
mower unit, so force is evenly distributed to the mower bed by the
inner and outer support, resulting in clean forage and an undamaged
sward.

DISCO 100:
The DISCO 360 and 320 are straight mowers that have a working
width of 3.4 and 3.0m respectively and replace the outgoing DISCO
3150 and 3450. The DISCO 100 series also features a double
gearbox, integrated anti-collision device and quick blade change.
DISCO 10: MAXIMUM CUTTING QUALITY WITH They fold to 105°, so ensuring safe transfer even with lighter tractors,
LOW WEIGHT and have a damped end-stop. Visibility from the tractor’s rear-view
Three DISCO 32, 28 and 24 have working widths of 3.0, 2.6 and mirrors is not restricted by the mowing unit and the rear lights are not
2.2m and are all fitted with the MAX CUT mower bed. Manufactured obscured. The new double-acting hydraulic ram ensures a reliable
using two pieces of bolted pressed steel plate, MAX CUT features and safe folding process even on hilly ground.
a waved shape leading edge that enables the cutting discs to be The DISCO 320C and 280C are mower conditioners with a working
mounted close to the front of the bed. This provides a greater overlap width of 3.0 and 2.6m respectively and are fitted with a full width steel
between the blades, creating an enlarged cutting area for optimum tine conditioner, and fold to 95° for transport.
cutting quality and flow through the mower. Each mowing disc is
A headland stop is fitted as standard on DISCO 360, 320, 320C and
protected by a CLAAS SAFETY LINK module, that will shear in the
280 models and will also be a new option on the DISCO 32, 28 and
event of a collision, and is easy to replace.
24. The optional parking frame allows space-saving and at the same
time safe storage in the transport position for the DISCO 360, 320
and 280. All new DISCO 100 and 120 series mowers will also have
road lights as standard.
DISCO 100 AND DISCO 10
Model Working width (m) Discs (2 blades/disc) PTO speed (rpm) (reduced speed) Transport angle (°)
DISCO 360 3.4 8 1000 (850) 105
DISCO 320 3.0 7 1000 (850) 105
DISCO 320C 3.0 7 1000 (850) 95
DISCO 280C 2.6 6 540 (460) 95
DISCO 32 3.0 7 540 (460) 95
DISCO 28 2.6 6 540 (460) 95
DISCO 24 2.2 5 540 (460) 95
 Willie West, Contractor, Dumfries DISCO 28 37

DISCO 28 takes it all in

its stride
A pre-series 2.6m DISCO

Photo: AML AIR DUMFRIES

28 has proved the ideal
mower for part time
contractor Willie West, who
was looking for a compact
mower that he could use
with his 38-year-old tractor,
but would leave a clean
finish and be easy to get in
and out of small fields and
narrow gateways.
Willie specialises in making conventional baled
hay, mainly for horse owners, so often finds
that he is having to work in paddocks as small
as 0.2 of a hectare up to fields of about 5ha.
Type of grass also varies considerably from
long-stalked Timothy type grasses to thick,
short silage leys.
Having been used to drum mowers, this was
his initial thought when looking to replace
his mower at the start of the season. It was Pre-series
only after talking with Kieran McKerrow at
GORDONS in Dumfries, who explained about report
the new DISCO 10 series mowers and the
benefit of the MAX CUT disc bed, that he
came around to the idea of trying one.
“My concern about disc mowers has been about their ability to get extremely good. I’ve never had any belt slip and if I hit a tough patch
under laid or run down parts of the crop and how clean a finish it it’s the tractor that dies first.
would leave,” explains Willie. “Kieran explained about the MAX CUT, “The new suspension system works very well and leaves a good
now being available on the smallest mowers, and how having the even stubble. One thing I was hesitant about was whether light crops
discs further forward gets around that problem. I then also went and wouldn’t slip over the back of the bed, but regardless of how light the
spoke to some other farmers and contractors that I knew ran larger crop is, flow over the MAX CUT disc bed is very smooth and there
CLAAS mowers, and they all confirmed how well it cut and how good was no difference in mower performance. I also opted for the extra
a swath it left. I did also price it up against all the other main makes, swath board so as to leave a good, narrow swath as this then allows
but no-one could touch the three years interest free finance and two the ground between the swaths to dry quicker.”
years warranty that Stephen Cook at CLAAS Finance was able to Being in an area where stones and rocky outcrops are an
arrange for me, so done deal. occupational hazard, Willie has also been extremely impressed with
“Because I would be using it on a 1982 Ford 7610 weight is very how well the break back system works. Compared to past mowers
important to me, so I arranged to just hitch on a larger DISCO 290 which would often get damaged or he could hear the drums hitting
and see how it handled that, which was fine. Also the way it folds and obstacles, with the DISCO there was none of this and he only broke
sits behind the tractor is ideal, because I have to get through a lot of one blade.
small 2.4m gates, so I don’t want a mower that slews round to the “Over the years working for other contractors I have used a lot of
back.” CLAAS balers, tedders, rakes and mowers, starting with a ROLLANT
In a wide range of crops, Willie has been extremely pleased with 46 and WM 250 mowers. Also I have known Davie Lamont and
the performance of his new DISCO 28 and how well it has worked Graeme Fraser for a long time, so I knew CLAAS products and the
behind his tractor. “It’s a very easily driven mower and the belt drive is dealer service would be good.”
HarvesTimes
38 PRODUCT NEWS PARTSDOC

Online PartsDoc launched

Available to users throughout the UK and Ireland, the new Parts Doc
electronic parts catalogue enables customers to quickly and easily identify
any parts they require, which can then be ordered through their local
dealership.
Parts Doc can be accessed either via the www.claas.co.uk or www.claas.ie
websites where it can be found under the ‘Service + Parts’ – ‘Applications’
heading or directly via ‘www.claas.co.uk/service new/applications/spare-
parts-catalogue’.
From here, having selected the machine type and model, you just need to
enter their machine’s serial number to bring up the appropriate machine
sections, from which the parts required can be identified. For simplicity,
instead of a long parts number, each part is given a simple drawing
number.
Having found the part required, it can then be ordered from your local
CLAAS dealer, giving them the machine model or serial number and
appropriate drawing number for the part. They can then cross-reference to
the full part number and advise on price and availability.
Once ordered, the part will be dispatched from the central CLAAS UK Parts
warehouse at Saxham for next day delivery to the dealership for collection
by the customer. For parts that have to be dispatched from the CLAAS
Parts Logistics Centre in Hamm, Germany, again the majority of these items
will be delivered overnight direct to the dealership for next day collection.
www.claas.co.uk/service_new/applications/
spare-parts-catalogue

New CEMIS 700

ISOBUS terminal
A new ISOBUS compatible terminal, CEMIS 700, has been
introduced that will gradually replace the OPERATOR and
COMMUNICATOR II terminals.
The new CEMIS 700 terminal incorporates 10 backlit ISOBUS hard
keys as well as a rotary/push button. The high-contrast colour 7-inch
touchscreen display has automatic day/night switching. It can also
display real-time images from up to two cameras, which can be
changed at the touch of a button or automatically.
As an ISOBUS terminal, the CEMIS 700 terminal supports Aux-O and
Aux-N as well as UT1 and UT2 functions. In addition to language and
screen brightness, the operator can individually adjust the volume of
the integrated speaker.
The CEMIS 700 will be initially available as an option for DISCO
Butterfly mower combinations, the ROLLANT 540 round baler,
QUADRANT square balers and CARGOS loader wagons.
 PRODUCT NEWS
Easy automatic
documentation
TELEMATICS on tractors, foragers or combines provides not only a
quick overview of machine status and settings in real time, but also a
convenient solution for reliable documentation of field and harvesting
work.
Automatic Documentation enables machine data and agronomic
information to be assigned to specific areas in a time-saving and
uncomplicated manner. Having stored the field boundaries in
TELEMATICS, as the machine drives through the gate, the field is
automatically recognised. Then, while working, based on the field
boundaries and recorded tracks for each activity, TELEMATICS will
automatically create and update field-related documentation.
DOCUMENTING YIELD MAPS WITH NIR SENSOR
On JAGUAR foragers fitted with an NIR sensor, harvest quantities
and measurement values can also be evaluated for each field. The
NIR sensor provides information about dry substance content and
also constituents such as starch, crude protein, crude fibre, crude
ash, crude fat and sugar content.
TELEMATICS can also produce clear and highly precise yield maps
for subarea-specific analysis. Data and maps can be exported and
transferred in ISOXML format if required. In addition, the amount of
silage additive applied, controlled based on the NIR measurement,
can also be documented.
TELEMATICS 39
AUTOMATIC DATA TRANSFER—ALSO FROM
ADD-ON DEVICES
Using the new CLAAS API function, TELEMATICS can now be directly
connected to many well-known farm management systems. This
enables information such as field boundaries or data from automatic
documentation to be directly transferred to the respective farm
management system, so avoiding the need to manually transfer this
information.
The TONI function in CLAAS TELEMATICS continues to be unique.
The ISOBUS interface can also be used to document data from
stored add-on devices such as balers or loader wagons or, if
necessary, to export it in ISOXML format.
In the future, for farmers with a mixed machinery fleet, by using
DataConnect it will also be possible to also display information from
networked John Deere, Case IH, Steyr and New Holland machines in
TELEMATICS.
TELEMATICS also offers digital dealer support through remote
service, on request. This includes the transmission of faults to the
responsible CLAAS dealer, who can order and deliver the right
spare part after remote diagnosis, thereby saving time. A proactive
maintenance plan is a further component of the remote service for
sophisticated, rapid and perfectly-timed maintenance that is optimally
tailored to the customer.
Yield mapping with the JAGUAR is also possible via
TELEMATICS using a DLG-approved NIR sensor.
HarvesTimes
 40 PRODUCT NEWS ORBIS 900

Narrow transport width

ORBIS 900
Ready for the 2021 maize harvest, features on the latest version of the
ORBIS 900 row-independent header include a transport width of only
3.0m, automatically folding transport protection and integral lighting.
As with the ORBIS 750, the frame of the ORBIS 900 consists of
5 parts. This makes it unrivalled for fast folding and results in an
extremely compact, road-travel-friendly design without compromising
visibility to the front or sides.
During folding/unfolding, the optional fully integrated transport
protection with warning stickers and lighting automatically pivots
into the appropriate position for road travel or field work. The entire
folding process takes only 30 seconds and does not even require
the operator to leave the cab. This cuts transit and setup times
considerably and reduces the operator’s workload during transfers.
At speeds between 2 and 7 km/h, a touch
of a button is all that is required to start the
automatic folding process. With the front
attachment in working position, the transport
protection remains safely out of the way in its
parking position.
In order not to exceed a drive-axle load of 11.5 t,
an integrated transport system is available. This
is deployed automatically when road travel mode
or oscillation damping is activated. Attaching the
8.93 m wide ORBIS 900 is also straightforward
thanks to front attachment detection and an
automatic drive coupling.
cob retainers always ensure that cobs that have fallen down are also
transported to the feeder unit.
The guide strips in the high-wear areas can be replaced easily and
wear-resistant PREMIUM LINE versions can be specified as an
option. The latter comprise guide strips in steel, feeder drums with
an additional coating and particularly wear-resistant knives with the
proven, reliable crescent shape. The modular design of the drums
makes repairs easy.
The V-shaped, energy-saving crop transport system is supported by
two feeder cones on the impellers on each side. Feeder drums with
three speed adjustment settings handle the safe, longitudinal transfer
of the crop to the feeder unit. When lodged maize is to be harvested,
side covers with a hydraulically driven lodged maize auger as well as
lodged maize cones for the outer transport discs, an extended centre
point and point extensions are available. Optional guide bracket
extensions can be fitted when working in very tall maize.
The two-speed main gearbox makes it easy to adjust the speed
of the cutting drums to different operating conditions, and the
three speed feeder cone gearbox allows speed adjustment to suit
different chop lengths. Where the forage harvester has a variable
front attachment drive, the first speed is always used. The gearboxes
operate at low revs and therefore reduce wear. Furthermore, all drives
have comprehensive overload protection.
The new tilting frame with a +/- 5° tilt correction in combination with
AUTO CONTOUR ensures that the ORBIS 900 can accurately follow
ground contours. In addition to the two standard sensor bands at
the outer edges, a third, centrally fitted sensor band is available as an
option. This provides a further noticeable enhancement of the ground
contour following performance, especially on uneven ground.

UNIVERSAL USE
The flat mounting angle with two different
positions and the very flat design make it
possible to attain stubble heights as low as
85 mm. Large discs immediately ahead of
the feeder unit ensure that even large crop
volumes can be handled reliably. Paddles and
 Drew Watson & Co. Agri Services, Contractor, Dumfriesshire
A different beast
John Watson and Ryan Skillen.
This year the firm’s front line forager – a 2017 JAGUAR 970 – was
swapped for a new generation JAGUAR, again a 970. With a new
engine, crop intake set-up, variable speed header drive and CEBIS
touchscreen controls it behaves like a very different beast.
“We were initially very sceptical about the move from a V8 motor to a
straight-six but we’ve been proved totally wrong. The first thing you
notice is how much smoother and quieter running it is,” says John
Watson. “More importantly it’s much more ‘torquey’ – it hangs on in
there better and doesn’t get dragged down as easily when you hit a
heavy patch.”
But this smoothness isn’t just down to the engine, changes to how
crop is fed into the machine have made a big contribution on this
front too.
“The hydraulic feed-roller tensioning has made a big difference in
how material is presented to the drum. Because the mat of crop
coming in is so much more compressed, you don’t get lumps
making the machine surge,” explains operator Ryan Skillen.
“But the really significant thing is how much more consistent our
chop quality is as a result. We’ve got some customers who want
long fibre up to 18mm and others running AD plants that want it
minced down to 4mm. We can achieve all that with a standard
28-knive V-MAX
drum, safe in the
knowledge the
machine will alter the
feed roller pressure
itself to maintain an
even chop.”
Hydraulic feed roller
tensioning has also
played a significant
part in improving the
JAGUAR 970 41
While running one
silage gang can be
stressful enough at
times, operating four
forage harvesters can
be fairly full-on. But
with big acreages to
clear and some very
tight weather windows,
for Dumfriesshire
contractor Drew
Watson & Co. it’s the
only way of getting the
job done.
performance of the ‘STOP-ROCK’ stone detection system.
“Because the feed rollers are under constant pressure and are
producing a flatter mat of crop, they don’t tend to bounce as they did
with springs. That’s meant we don’t tend to get as many false alerts
and as a result I can run the system with higher sensitivity, picking
up more of the genuine foreign objects.”
The other big contributor to chop quality and material flow through
the machine is its variable speed header drive. By automatically
matching it to the feed roller speed, the feed is smoother and the
rate at which crop enters the drum more consistent.
These factors are also felt to have reduced wear and tear on both
the shearbar and blades, according to the Watson team. In addition
to ease of maintenance there are a number of other new features on
this latest generation JAGUAR designed to make the operator’s life
easier.
“Not only is the cab quieter, the new CEBIS touchscreen is so much
easier to set up. With the various menu pages so much quicker
to access, it means I’m able to change more settings on the go,
keeping the machine running at its best all the time.
“With CAM PILOT automatic row following keeping the machine on
track and Dynamic Steering reducing the amount of steering wheel
turns, my life has become so much easier. On top of that, with AUTO
FILL spout control loading trailers I can concentrate on what’s going
on and keeping the machine running at maximum output. When I get
out of the chopper after 14 long hours in the seat I’m definitely not as
tired.”
“Ultimately with the tricky weather patterns and heavy grass in our
corner of south west Scotland we’ve got to have the capacity to
cover the ground when we need to,” says John Watson. “With all the
new features on this latest CLAAS forager it’s become a whole lot
more achievable.”
HarvesTimes
42 PRODUCT NEWS

Higher capacity
CARGOS

Among updates for 2021 on the CARGOS forage wagon is the
availability of optional side extensions for the CARGOS 8400, which
increases the loading volume by 2.5 m3, giving it a total capacity of
38 m3.
Also available for CARGOS will be the new ISOBUS compatible
CEMIS 700 universal terminal, which replaces the
COMMUNICATOR II terminal. This has a 7-inch high-contrast
colour display with touchscreen, backlit hard keys and a rotary/
push switch provide optimum ease of operation, plus the ability to
display images from two cameras.

Cornering front linkage

A hydraulically swivelling front lower links system is now available fixed in place like normal lower links when they are not needed.
through CLAAS dealers for use with mounted front and rear The hydraulically swivelling lower links simply replace the standard
mower combinations. lower links and can be retrofitted. No structural changes are
Developed by Hans Sauter GmbH in collaboration with green needed on the front mower, so both new and older mower units of
harvest engineers from CLAAS, this significantly reduces or even all types are suitable for operation with the retrofitting kit.
completely eliminates strips of grass being left when negotiating The lower link kits are pre-fitted for use with CLAAS DISCO
bends and mowing on slopes. mowers and suitable for use with CLAAS AXION 900 and 800
Hydraulically shiftable rear mower units are nothing new, but often series tractors, but also with Fendt 900, 800 and 700 models.
the strip of grass left by the front mower unit when negotiating
bends is partially crushed by the wheels of the tractor before being
mown by the rear mower units. This results in part of the strip
remaining pressed down and uncut with more dirt getting into the
forage.
The new Sauter hydraulically swivelling lower links are designed so
that the front mower unit actively swivels inwards on bends. This
completely eliminates unwanted strips and overlaps depending on
the steering angle. When mowing on slopes, the offset can also be
compensated for by swivelling the lower links.
The linkage can swivel by up to 30cm, to either the left or the right,
and a double acting service is required so that it can be controlled
using a spool valve. The swivelling lower links are secured by a The hydraulically swivelling lower links ensure that the front
locking block for road transport and can be folded upwards and mower unit can be shifted laterally by 30 cm to the left and right.
PRODUCT NEWS STAGE V AXION 43

Stage V AXION

The AXION 900 and 800 range tractors are the latest in the CLAAS ISOBUS CTIC VARIABLE TYRE INFLATION
Tractor product range to make the move to a Stage V compliant Latest updates to the CTIC and CTIC 2800 tyre inflation systems
engine. At the same time, a number of other specification upgrades include ISOBUS compatibility, so that in addition to the CEBIS
have been made. touchscreen terminal, the system to be controlled using any ISOBUS
universal terminal, such as the CLAAS S10 or new CEMIS 700.
AXION 900
CTIC tyre inflation systems are now available ex works for the AXION
Under the bonnet, the 5-model AXION 900 range continue to be
900 Stage V tractors while the new generation CTIC and CTIC
powered by FPT Cursor 9 engines developing between 325 and
2800 can be retrofitted to the ARION 600/500 and AXION 900/800
445hp at a fuel-saving 1,800rpm, while peak torque of 1,600 to
regardless of the year of manufacture.
1,860Nm is available at just 1,400rpm.
CTIC is a variable tyre pressure system using the tractor’s air
A new feature on the AXION 900 is the option of CEMOS, which
compressor. CTIC 2800 is
enables the operator to call-up advice on ballasting, engine settings
a more powerful system
and implement settings. CEMOS can also be used to provide
using its own compressor
suggested settings for the new CTIC tyre pressure control system
with an airflow rate of
that’s now an option on the AXION 900.
2,800 l/min. This is more
As standard, the AXION 900 comes with a 150 l/min hydraulic
than enough to raise the
system, but a 220 l/min system is also an option, supplemented by
pressure in a 600/70 R28
a load sensing booster, which in Power Beyond mode ensures even
or 710/70 R38 tyre from
faster and more precise response.
0.8 to 1.8 bar in just 1
AXION 800 minute and 20 seconds.
While engine outputs, ranging from 205hp to 295hp for the 5 models
in the AXION 800 range remain the same, there has been a slight
increase in the torque curve, giving them more low end pulling power.
As with the AXION 900, the new CEBIS touchscreen terminal with
integrated ISOBUS UT is standard. This also includes a USB socket
for data import/export and the ability to link the terminal to external
cameras.
In addition to the standard 110 l/min hydraulic system with a 150 l/
min option, there is also now a further option of a 205 l/min system.
An engine speed memo button can also be linked to the external PTO
button using CEBIS and the PTO system now features an upgraded
7-plate PTO clutch for greater durability.

HarvesTimes
 44 Michael Wilton, Stody Estate, Norfolk
Impressive,
cost cutting
traction
A reduction in horsepower to a 445hp
AXION 960 CEBIS has given Stody
Estate the capability of handling all the
heavy cultivations previously completed
using a far more specialist powerful
tractor, but with flexibility to do other
jobs and so spread tractor costs over
more hours.
Farming with the environment while pushing their soils hard is central
to the ethos of the 1750 arable hectares on the north Norfolk estate,
where up to 14 crops are grown over a 12 year rotation on its light,
sandy soils, which are highly reliant on irrigation.
“We have a large area of stewardship, and we do work the soils hard
but are very mindful of managing grass weed risk, with the result
that we have very little blackgrass,” explains farm manager Mike
Wilton. “Having root crops means that we are often having to work
soils in less than ideal conditions, so we are at the higher end of the
horsepower scale for a lot of tasks.”
The arrival of the AXION 960 CEBIS last October marked a
considerable change for the farm as it replaced a more specialist
equal wheeled articulated tractor, which was around 100hp more
powerful and 6 tonnes heavier. However, despite this reduction in
power and weight, the AXION has proved more than capable of
handling all the same cultivation equipment, including a 5.5m He-Va
Combi-Disc, a 5.0m Vaderstad TopDown, a 7-leg He-Va subsoiler
and 7-furrow Lemken plough.
”The catalyst for the change was that our previous tractor had a
breakdown and Simon Bloomfield at MANNS lent us the AXION,
which was his demo tractor. We couldn’t believe how well it gripped.
Adam Godwin the operator also liked it and it ticked a lot of boxes.
From there it was down to price and service support,” explains Mike.
“In the past we tended to use deep cultivations because the tractor
gave us the horsepower to do it, rather than because we had to.
But the tractor was only any good for cultivations and so spent
a lot of the year parked-up. With the AXION I want to move to a
system where cultivations will be chosen appropriate to the soil and
conditions. By going back to a rigid tractor, the AXION is a compact
workhorse that has the weight distribution and high traction that
enables it to pull all the same equipment, albeit that with the Combi-
Disc it is at its limit, but it has the flexibility that allows it to be used
for other jobs such as hauling grain or sugar beet.”
This flexibility is evident in the fact that compared to their previous
tractor which did around 7-800 hours a year, the AXION in its
first year has already clocked up 1,200 hours. Not only does this
reduce its running cost but, states Mike, are extra hours that would
otherwise have had to go on another tractor.
So pleased has he been with the performance from the AXION 960,
that he has now added a AXION 870 as a second string tractor.
The policy is that tractors are paired, so supporting the AXION 960
is another 370hp tractor, while the 280hp AXION 870 supports an
older 290hp tractor for secondary cultivations and corn carting, with
another pair of 175hp tractors below these.
For operator Adam Godwin, while the arrival of the AXION 960
marked quite a change, he has also been very impressed with its
performance and pulling power and having technology such as the
S10 with RTK gps and CEBIS touchscreen terminal makes it very
easy to set-up and use.
“The AXION is a far more refined tractor and overall I have been very
impressed with it – it has far exceeded my expectations. The CEBIS
is so intuitive and easy to use. Every button does what it should.
So it’s very simple to change the engine settings, for instance from
max power for the Combi-Disc to a more economic setting for the
TopDown or ploughing. Likewise the S10 makes it so easy to save
your settings and A/B lines. It works very, very well.
“Also the LED lighting package is phenomenal and it’s such a
comfortable tractor. As a rule I hate leather seats – but the ventilated
leather seat in the AXION is brilliant; I love it!”
“The AXION is a good product that’s well priced, and the support
MANNS provide is faultless. Also the relationship the service team
have with Adam is important as it helps him to get the best out of
the tractor,” concludes Mike.
 AXION 960 45

“The CEBIS is so intuitive and easy to

use. Every button does what it should.
So it’s very simple to change the
engine settings.”
Adam Godwin

Both Mike Wilton (right) and operator Adam Godwin have been impressed by the puling power of the
AXION 960 and the flexibility it offers.

HarvesTimes
 46 Richard Evett, Wenallt Spraying, Carmarthen
Easy to use S10
sophistication
Changing back to an ARION 650 CIS+
and a 24m mounted sprayer from a
dedicated self-propelled sprayer is not a
decision Richard Evett regrets.
Simplicity, comfort, the S10 terminal and overall reliability, together
with the service and support he receives from supplying dealer
RIVERLEA all combine to provide the ideal package for his spraying
needs.
Based in Carmarthenshire, as its name suggests Richard’s company
Wenallt Spraying specialises in the application of herbicides and
pesticides, working in both the agricultural and amenity sectors.
The majority of his agricultural work is on dairy and beef farms in
the Carmarthen area, but he does also do some arable spraying in
Pembrokeshire.
Prior to buying the 185hp ARION 650 this Spring, which is coupled
to an Amazone 24m sprayer with an additional front tank, Richard
ran a self-propelled sprayer. While on paper it seemed ideal, in reality
it had its drawbacks, not least when working on steep ground and
reliability also proved an issue.
Having bought a 135hp ARION 540 last year, which is primarily used
for weed-wiping and smaller spraying jobs in more restricted areas
with a 12m sprayer, Richard started talking to Carwyn Evans about
alternative options and in particular the ARION 650 CIS+ which they
had in stock.
“The ARION 650 is a popular tractor in this area. Going back to a
tractor made a lot of sense. From the operator’s point-of-view the
ARION is so comfortable and the high road speed makes it very
easy to get around,” says Richard.
ARION 650 CIS+
As part of its specification, which includes electric spools, the
ARION is also fitted with the latest ISOBUS S10 terminal, with
variable-rate (TC GEO) and section control (TC SC) capability,
headland AUTO TURN and GPS steering using a SATCOR 15 signal.
“To an extent the self-propelled had too much technology on it,
which was troublesome, so I was initially wary of the S10, but it’s
great. It’s sophisticated but so easy to use and I like the fact it’s not
a tablet type interface. Also I hate cables in the cab, so having just
the one loom cable up into the cab roof is ideal.
“It’s easy to save your A/B lines and other data, and I like the fact
you don’t have to set-up a new field file every time. I love the auto
headland turning function, it’s great and spot-on. The various
ISOBUS options give me options for when I replace the sprayer
and I am also looking at adding a camera to it. I am now seriously
considering getting another for the ARION 540.
“Just as importantly the service I get from RIVERLEA is spot-on.
Back-up is an important part of the package and with my previous
tractors I didn’t feel looked after, but it’s something the team at
Whitland do very well. Carwyn and Paul Rogers on the sales side
and Jamie Evans on service are great and if ever I have had a
problem they have been straight out to sort it.”
 Kevin Heywood, 122ha, Cornwall ARION 460 47

‘Do everything’
ARION 460 “The ARION 610 was the main tractor on
the farm and we also had a second loader
tractor, so by buying the ARION 460 my
aim was to trade in both and have just one
smaller, but more powerful tractor that
could do everything.
“The ARION 460 is fantastic. It’s compact
for getting around the yard and for loader
work, but it’s easy to drop the loader off
and it has plenty of power for field work.
You certainly know the power is there as its
really lively and responsive.
“For loader work the PANORAMIC cab is
fantastic, but it also makes the cab seem
far more spacious. And I really like having all
the loader and tractor operating controls on
the multifunction joystick. That is definitely
one of the tractor’s best features and it
makes it very easy to set-up and use the
transmission and hydraulics.”

An ARION 460 PANORAMIC is the latest

in a long line of tractors and machinery
that Kevin Heywood’s family has bought
from HAMBLYS, going back to his
grandfather and the days when he used
to buy a new David Brown tractor off
them most years.
The number of machines and implements with HAMBLYS stickers
on, bears witness to the excellent relationship Kevin has with his
local CLAAS dealer HAMBLYS.
“HAMBLYS have always been good and there when we have
needed them,” says Kevin. “It’s a long established relationship and
its one that’s based on the service they provide, which is invaluable.”
The 122ha farm is mainly down to grass to support a flock of sheep,
but Kevin also grows 12ha of winter barley, with the aim that he does
as much as possible in-house. So aside from general livestock work,
the ARION is also used for arable work such as ploughing, power
harrowing, drilling and spraying, supported by a second 1976 David
Brown tractor and loader.
The 140hp ARION 460 with its FL80 loader arrived in June 2018 to
replace a 115hp 6-cylinder ARION 610C which had been the first
CLAAS tractor to be bought. “After my father retired, as I was going
to be running the farm by myself I decided to get rid of the cattle and
just concentrate on sheep.

HarvesTimes
The revolution continues.

The NEW LEXION APS SYNFLOW STRAW WALKER 5000-6000 series

The new APS SYNFLOW system takes threshing technology to another level in the new 5000-6000 range. Together with new drive systems,
intelligent operator assistance systems – CEMOS AUTOMATIC, greater comfort in a larger cab and the new field scanner for precision
guidance, efficiency is unrivalled in the new LEXION straw walker range. The proof is in the performance.

APS SYNFLOW NEW PIVOTING CONCAVE NEW JET STREAM CLEANING SYSTEM
New larger threshing system with wider drums Can be operated via CEBIS, for a rapid response Comes as standard on all new straw
and an additional separator drum for increased to change in crop type or conditions in the field. walker machines.
separation performance.

Call your local CLAAS dealer today for a demonstration

and for our Early Action Finance Terms.
Before 30.11.20 claas.co.uk/products/combines/lexion-6900-5300