New Claas ideas on hydraulics in Axion 900 range

The new high-powered series is targeted at contractors and larger farms.

When first launched in 2011, Axion was the first Claas series at the time to meet the tier IV emission standard.

New features in 2018 include more powerful engines with a low-speed concept, optimised CMatic transmission control, the new Cebis terminal with touch display and CMotion multifunction control lever, as well as the new CIS+ equipment option with multifunction armrest.

All new Axion 900 models have the proven Stage IV emissions compliant six-cylinder FPT Cursor 9 engine with 8.7 litre cubic capacity.

It has a new, variable- geometry turbo as standard equipment, delivering optimum-charge air pressure in tune with load and engine speed. As a result, 70% of maximum torque is available even when idling.

The maximum output of these models (Axion 920 to 960) has been increased to a 325-445 horse power range.

As usual, the new Axion 900 tractors will transfer their full power from a standing start, and at all forward speeds, without a boost.

Thanks to the advanced low-speed concept, the Axion 900 engine develops 18% more torque than previously at a lower speed (up to 200rpm lower).

This reduces fuel consumption and guarantees optimum driving performance for all field and transport applications.

Further fuel savings, of about two litres per hour, are achieved by automatically reducing idling speed from 800 to 650 rpm when stationary.

In ECO PTO mode, up to 95% of maximum engine output is transferred to the PTO shaft, despite reduced engine speed, allowing heavy implements to be operated at a lower engine speed.

All new Axion 900 models are equipped as standard with the updated, continuously variable ZF Terramatic transmission that proved itself in the Axion 800, now adapted to the higher output of these tractors.

The continuously variable Claas CMatic transmission control system uses a new generation of software incorporating many customer requirements that the firm identified.

For example, cruise control can be deactivated with the accelerator pedal, and the transmission adjusts more rapidly to the job in hand, as the driver can switch between two saved engine droop values simply by pressing a button.

The new range is available in CIS+ and Cebis versions.

Like the Cebis (Claas electronic on-board information system), the CIS+ (Claas Information System) option boasts exceptional ease of use and, compared to the Cebis, offers a high level of convenience, with less complexity.

CIS+ features include a seven-inch colour display in the A-pillar, and the proven multifunction armrest with ElectroPilot four-way control lever, and DriveStick lever for the CMatic transmission.

The Cebis option has the Cebis terminal with a 12-inch touch display, and ergonomic armrest with CMotion multifunction control lever for convenient operation of all main functions, using the thumb and first two fingers.

The intuitive operating structure is based on the Cebis generation, but further optimised for touch display use.

One particularly convenient feature is a quick-adjustment facility for frequently-used tractor functions, when the driver taps a machine silhouette on the touch display.

Claas GPS steering systems are available ex-factory for the CIS+ and Cebis options in all configuration levels.

Claas Telematics telemetry is also part of the standard Axion 900 package.

All the tractors have load-sensing hydraulics with 150 or 220 litre/minute output and release levers for all hydraulic couplings at the rear.

Up to six spool valves are available in the CIS+ version and up to eight in the Cebis version. They are operated electronically by rocker switches in the armrest and the ElectroPilot four-way control lever.

Function buttons on the armrest and multifunction control lever can be configured for any of the spool valves.

This reduces driver workload. In the Cebis version, the driver can assign priority to any spool valve.

Pre-set oil volume for the prioritised spool valve then remains almost constant even when other spool valves are in use.

This is useful, for example, with continuously operating equipment such as hydraulic motors or pneumatic precision seed drills which need constant oil flow.

An opening and closing ramp for each spool valve can also be defined in the Cebis terminal. The driver can therefore specify how quickly a spool valve should deliver the maximum pre-set oil flow after activation. This allows hydraulic motors or smaller hydraulic rams, for example for the track marker, to be operated more gently, with less wear.

All new Axion 900 tractors are optionally available with different LED lighting packages.

The packages include up to 20 work lights and road lights, including daytime road lights.

All models can be fitted with the removable tool drawer with telescopic runners, a popular feature in the Axion 800 series.

The drawer is big enough to hold a conventional standard toolbox, allowing the on-board tool kit to be changed to suit different types of work.

Another useful detail for practical day-to-day use is the easily accessible, external battery terminals on all models.

This means that every tractor can be used as a power source with very little effort, for example for in-field refuelling.

Wide-angle mirrors with two adjustable fields of view, and a compressed air connection by the left-hand cab access steps, are also standard on the Axion 900s.