Glacier FarmMedia – 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 that sport 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.
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The Axion 900 TT made its public debut at the Ag in Motion farm show at Langham, Sask., and was previewed by Canadian farm media before the show.
Axion 900 TT is based on the standard rubber-tired Axion, but provides better flotation, added traction and less compaction.
The Axion has significant benefits, according to Claas tractor manager Drew Fletcher.
During a video presentation, Fletcher said Axion TT technology excelled in five major areas:
- 20 per cent less heat buildup than other half-tracks
- 33 per cent fewer bends in the belt, thus reducing temperature
- 15 per cent better traction than tires
- 25 per cent greater soil contact than tires
- 25 per cent 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 outperformed the four-track Deere in four main categories:
- maximum horsepower
- 9.5 per cent less weight
- 14.5 per cent more acres worked
- three per cent 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 per cent hydraulic drive and never less than 60 per cent 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 on the Axion has been used for years on Lexion combines and Jaguar forage harvesters. Like 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 US 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.
– This article was originally published at The Western Producer.
