Claas’s new Axion 900 TT introduces Terra Trac to mid-size tractors.
It’s the world’s first fully-suspended half-track, with suspended tracks at the rear and suspended flotation tires at the front.
The elongated rubber rear tracks differ from the design of some other tractors sporting rear tracks and front tires. The Terra Trac design is closer in shape to traditional parallel tracks than to true triangular tracks. This creates a larger longer footprint, according to the company.
The Axion 900 TT is expected to make its public debut at the Ag in Motion farm show in July at Langham, Sask. It was previewed by Canadian farm media last week.
Axion 900 TT is based on the standard rubber-tired Axion, but provides better flotation, added traction and less compaction.
The Axion has been tested and has shown to have significant benefits, according to Claas tractor manager Drew Fletcher.
During the video presentation Fletcher said Axion TT technology excelled in five major areas:
- 20 percent less heat buildup than other half-tracks
- 33 percent fewer bends in the belt, thus reducing temperature
- 15 percent better traction than tires
- 25 percent greater soil contact than tires
- 25 percent less compaction than tires
Fletcher said that in European tests, Claas conducted side-by-side comparisons with the John Deere 8RX370 in identical conditions. The Axion out-performed the four-track Deere in four main categories:
- maximum horsepower eight percent
- 9.5 percent less weight
- 14.5 percent more acres worked
- three percent less fuel burned
“Axion is equipped with a full hydro-mechanical drive with four drive modes to give the tractor better efficiency,” said Fletcher. “Most other constant variable transmissions out there have only one or two modes. We’re never more than 40 percent hydraulic drive and never less than 60 percent mechanical power. The continuously variable system always searches and finds its optimal mode automatically.
“Ride height at the back of the tractor is adjustable, making it easier to hook up implements. That means you can also pull the implement level in the field. The combination of four-point cab suspension and fully suspended tracks gives the tractor an exceptional ride. Headland berming is reduced by brake-assisted steering and tires at the front.”
Terra Trac technology employed on the Axion has been used for years on Lexion combines and Jaguar forage harvesters. Like all previous Axions, the new 900 has an 8.7-litre Fiat Powertrain Technologies engine that keeps the low-speed, high-torque concept at 1,400 r.p.m. for optimal engine efficiency. Fuel capacity is 229 U.S. gallons. The hydraulic system runs at 58 gallons per minute. Both Terra Trac systems are greased automatically. The tractors are available with 25-inch, 29-inch or 35-inch belts.
The Terra Trac option is only available on the 350 hp, the Axion 930 and the 440 hp Axion 960.
