Claas: Arion tractors updated for Stage IIIB

Claas has released details of its new four- and six-cylinder Arion tractor line-up to meet the Stage IIIB exhaust emissions standard. There are three Arion 500 four-cylinder models (530, 145hp max; 540, 155hp; and 550, 163hp) and four new Arion 600 six-cylinder models (620, 158hp; 630, 165hp; 640, 177hp; and 650, 184hp) that will all use Deere Power Systems engines and won’t need AdBlue.
First launched at the Agritechnica 2007, the Arion 500 and 600 tractor ranges have proven to be a major seller for Claas on account of their versatile power-to-weight ratio, comfort and economy. More than 10,000 Arion tractors have been sold around the world, and in the UK, where the Arion range straddles the current average horsepower, the Arion 640 has consistently been the top-selling Claas tractor.
Under the bonnet of the new Arion range, which will be available this autumn, Claas has stayed loyal to Deere Power Systems (DPS) for engine supply. These power units features the latest engine technology in order to comply with the Stage IIIB emissions regulations while also offering enhanced performance.
Power for the new Arion range comes from the latest DPS Powertech PVX engines, that use a diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel particulate filter in order to meet the new standards. As part of the Claas Power Systems philosophy of using the optimum technology and components, this engine has been chosen both for its performance and compatibility with the tractor’s transmission and other components.
The engines also feature four-valve technology, a variable-geometry turbocharger, intercooling and a new common-rail injection system that operates at 2,000 bar rather than the 1,320-bar system used previously.

The flagship Arion 650 now offers up to 184hp.

The Arion also features the new Visctronic electronic fan control system first introduced on the Axion 900. This provides precise control of the cooling fan, ensuring that noise level and power requirement is kept as low as possible, so helping reduce power requirement. The layout of the cooling pack has also been designed for optimum efficiency, but the components can be quickly swung open for easy access and cleaning.
A particular feature of these new DPS engines is the high power output and torque levels they offer, especially when used in conjunction with Claas’ Hexashift transmission.
With its combination of a short wheelbase and low operating weight, the four-cylinder Arion 500 has proven to be an exceptionally versatile tractor, and ideal for use with a front-end loader. Thanks to the latest technology used on the four-cylinder 4.5-litre engine fitted to these models, the most powerful offering in this range now has a maximum power output of 163hp making it one of the most powerful four-pot tractors on the market.
The larger Arion 600 range has proven to be extremely versatile, being light enough for top work, yet powerful enough for heavy cultivations when weighted up properly. The new Arion 600 is no exception with maximum power outputs from the new six-cylinder 6.8-litre engine ranging from 158-184hp.
All the new Arion models retain the well proven and reliable Claas Hexashift transmission which the German agriculture society DLG has shown offers extremely high levels of power transfer to the driving wheels and PTO, resulting in increased output and a corresponding reduction in fuel consumption.

Claas Arion line-up:

The Hexashift transmission features six power shifts within four ranges that can be used in either manual or automatic Hexactiv mode, allowing both clutchless powershift and range changes automatically under load. It is available in both 40km/hr or 50km/hr versions.
The Revershift electro-hydraulic clutchless reverser has also been retained, as has the Skipshift function that allows changing up through the gears two at a time, and the Speedmatching function that ensures smooth range changes.
One of the most striking features of the new generation Arion 500/600 range is the cab, which sets a new standard for this size of tractor on account of its space and comfort. The new cab is an adapted version of that used on the new Axion 900, which was named Machine of the Year at Agritechnica 2011.
As on the Axion 900, the cab on the new Arion is positioned slightly further forward, and to provide greater all-round visibility has only five pillars rather than the six on the previous Arion range. The cab features a curved rear window that has allowed the two rear ‘B’ pillars to be moved forward, so providing the operator with greater rearward visibility over wide implements while on the offside there is a single piece door providing superb visibility.
Compared to the previous Arion cab, the new cab is 7.0cm wider and 3.0cm longer, resulting in a four per cent increase in internal volume giving the Arion the same internal space as the high-powered Axion 900.

The Arion 500 Series has proved to be ideal for use with a front loader.

The cab on the new Arion is also fitted with Claas’ unique four-point adjustable cab suspension system that is recognised as being one of the best cab suspension systems on the market on account of the ride comfort it offers, especially when used in conjunction with the Proactiv independent front-axle suspension and the transport shock absorber within the linkage.
Internally, the Arion features a new slimline dashboard that is mounted on the adjustable steering column, which can be fully folded up out of the way, allowing for easy entry and exit from the cab, and precise adjustment for ease of use. The operator also now has the choice of five different seat options from either Grammer or Sears.
As previously, the new Arion 500/600 is available in either Cebis or CIS (Claas Information System) variants. In line with the new design of cab, the ergonomic layout of the controls ensures that all the main controls are located either on or within easy reach of the adjustable armrest.
On Cebis models, the screen has now been incorporated into the armrest which also follows the design of that introduced on the Axion 900. All the main transmission, linkage, hydraulic and GPS steering functions are controlled using the new CMotion multifunction control lever, which fits comfortably into the right hand and can be operated using just three fingers. The armrest console can also incorporate an Electropilot joystick control for the hydraulic functions.

Arion 500 and 600 Cebis models have a redesigned armrest with an integrated screen, CMotion control lever (bottom front) and Electropilot joystick (middle left).

The new design of armrest on CIS specification models retains the simple Drivestick fingertip control of the transmission when working in manual Hexashift mode, with powershift and range changes made by simply moving the Drivestick forward or back. Behind the Drivestick is the throttle control and engine speed memory buttons, while to the side of the armrest console are the mechanical controls of the three-point linkage and spool valves, plus the depth control dial and PTO engagement control.
In common with all other Claas tractors, the new-generation Arions feature a long overall wheelbase, but within compact overall dimensions, with an almost equal weight distribution between the front and rear axle providing excellent comfort, stability and traction.
Aside for ensuring optimum traction for greater output and reduced fuel consumption, this provides the Arion with the versatility of being light enough for top work such as fertiliser spreading, but when weighted up to have the traction to utilise the power and torque for heavy cultivations.
Base weights range from just 5.7t up to 7.8t, but the design gives the Arion a maximum permitted total weight of 12t on both the 40km/hr and 50km/hr models. To enable this, the Arion has been fitted with a new heavy-duty rear axle that is capable of taking tyre sizes up to 710/60R38 ex-factory. For heavy cultivations, in addition to current front-end weight options, the rear axle can now also be fitted with 250kg, 350kg, 450kg or 550kg wheel weights.

Rear axle weights up to 550kg can be used on the Arion 600 Series to add ballast for heavy draught applications.

Three-point linkage capacity has been increased with the Arion 640 and 650 both having 8.0t capacity rear linkages, while the smaller Arion 530 and 630 have 6.9t capacity linkages. Factory fitted front linkage systems and front loaders are also available, carried on a half-frame mounted between the front-axle carrier and the transmission.
All new Arion models are fitted with a 110 lit/min load-sensing hydraulic system and the standard specification also includes Proactiv independent front-axle suspension. There’s also front-axle braking on 50km/hr models.
To provide greater accuracy and output, the new-generation Arion 500/600 range tractors are ready for use and fully compatible with the complete range of Claas GPS steering systems. These range from the simplest Egnos GPS Copilot steering guidance up to the highly accurate automatic steering using an RTK signal from either the Claas network or Baseline.
The new Arion can also be specified with the unique Claas Telematics performance monitoring system. All aspects of the tractor’s performance, settings and position can be remotely monitored and saved for future reference and analysis, and if need be the tractor can also be accessed by the dealer for remote diagnosis to save on downtime and repair costs.

For more information visit: www.claas.co.uk.