When Claas reported a couple of months ago that it had bought the remaining shares in Renault Agriculture, and now owned 100% of the Le Mans, France-based tractor maker, another just-as-important change was going on behind the scenes. Production of the Celtis, the last Renault-designed tractor to be built at the plant, had stopped and the assembly line was being readied for Claas’ latest model – the Axos.
With full-scale production just beginning as the annual French summer holiday comes to an end, the new Axos brings the style – and some of the technical developments – from Claas’ Axion and Arion tractors to the 75-102hp segment of the market.
The new range consists of four models: the Axos 310, 320, 330 and 340, which have power outputs of 75hp, 87hp, 92hp and 102hp respectively.
In designing the new Axos range, Claas looked at the wide range of tasks that tractors of this size are expected to handle, from fieldwork such as fertiliser spreading or mowing, to trailer work and handling operations with a front loader. In addition, specialist markets such as local authorities and vegetable growers also has specific requirements that had to be taken into consideration.
To meet these varying market requirements, three different specification levels – C, CL and CX – are available, reflecting the different transmission and cab options that can be fitted to the new tractors. Most combinations of features that a user might want are, therefore, covered by one of the 12 standard models, although the new can Axos can also be personalised by adding optional features where required.
While compact in design, the new Axos range has a long wheelbase and even weight distribution to provide stability on the road and increased lift capacity. Maximum ground clearance is 490mm making it ideal for field work, but a tight turning circle also ensures the Axos is just at home working in buildings and tight spaces.
For fast and easy access to the engine, all Axos models feature a one-piece bonnet – which follows the styling cues of the Axion and Arion – and an easy-access cooling package layout. In addition all models also feature a moulded rear wing style for increased durability.
Because tractors of this size do not need the electronic sophistication and engine management systems found on higher-horsepower models, Claas has opted to use Perkins 1104D-44TA engines for the new Axos range.
Built at Peterborough, these 4.4-litre, four-cylinder engines feature a mechanical injection system with a two-valve cylinder head, a wastegate turbocharger and exhaust gas recirculation to meet Tier 3 emission standards. The two higher-powered models also feature an intercooler.
The high efficiency of these engines means that which they offer a wide constant power band of up to 300rpm and up to 45% of torque back-up. This ensures that there is plenty of power available at all speeds, but the engines remain fuel-efficient and performance is comparable with the Tier 2 DPS engines previously used on the Celtis.
Transmission options
A total of three transmission options are available on the new Axos tractors. The C models come as standard with a fully mechanical, two-range, 10 forward/10 reverse 40km/hr transmission, which for maximum flexibility has six speeds within the 6-15km/hr speed range. An optional mechanical splitter is also available to double the number of gears.
Axos CL models are fitted with a new version of the base 10 forward/10 reverse transmission fitted with Claas’ Revershift electro-hydraulic clutchless reverser for direction changes. With the availability of three declutching options (Revershift lever, gearstick button and clutch pedal) and no need to declutch when changing direction, this makes this transmission ideal for use on tractors fitted with a front loader.
The highest specification Axos CX models feature the well-proven Twinshift 20 forward/20 reverse transmission, which incorporates an electro-hydraulic splitter operated using buttons on the side of the gear lever, as well as the Revershift reverser.
As an option for specific operations such as vegetable work, a third creeper range of gears can be specified across the range to provide a minimum speed of 400m/hr.
As with all Claas machines, operator comfort is a priority and was a major consideration when designing the new cab for the Axos range. Two levels of cab specification are available, again dependent on model and anticipated market requirement.
Manufactured in the new Claas cab manufacturing facility at Le Mans, the spacious cabs have sufficient room for a passenger seat and feature front opening doors that can be locked open.
Depending on specification, the cabs are fitted with an adjustable steering column with self-cancelling direction indicators as fitted to the Arion range, and also feature a new dashboard with digital displays. Both cabs also have a large glass panel in the roof, which is ideal when using a front loader.
In their standard specification Axos C and CL tractors are both fitted with a low-profile cab that gives the tractor an overall height of less than 2.50m. The highest specification Axos CX has a new high-roof cab that provides increased headroom and a maximum height of 2.65m.
Loader ready
In view of the fact that a high proportion of these tractors are likely to be used with front loaders – Claas estimates that up to 50% will be sold with a factory-fitted loader – all Axos models feature a new high-capacity hydraulic system, powered by a 60 litre/minute Bosch pump. Bosch zero-leak spool valve connections are also fitted, which have sprung dust covers and a waste oil reservoir.
A new fitting bracket for Claas’ FL loader range has been designed for the Axos, and this features rear-axle support in order to evenly spread the load.
The Axos has been designed so that it can be fitted with both Claas’ Pro Pilot single-lever mechanical control or the Flex Pilot hydraulic single-lever control systems for operating the loader.
To accommodate the wide range of powered implements likely to be used with the Axos range, up to three PTO speeds – 540, 540E and 1,000 – are available with a new design of interchangeable PTO shaft. Mechanical or hydraulically assisted PTO is offered depending on the model.
The maximum lift capacity at the three-point linkage’s ball ends 4,200kg for the Axos 310, 320 and 330 models and 5,100kg for the 340. An optional front linkage and PTO is available with a lift capacity of 2,800kg.
Claas Tractor Specialist Alistair McCallum said that the new models would be very important to the UK market, where the Celtis had been one of the company’s most popular models.
Of the 1,100 units sold by Claas UK in 2007/08, more than 250 had been from the Celtis range, and more could have been sold if they had been available.
For more information visit: www.claas.co.uk.
