Originally introduced in 2009, the Elios has proved the ideal tractor for those needing a compact, lightweight but powerful tractor for jobs as diverse as working in poly tunnels on fruit farms, as a general yard tractor on livestock farms or for grounds maintenance at sports clubs.
A new generation of Elios tractors has now been introduced, but whereas the original range had just three models with power outputs from 75 to 88hp, the new Elios has been expanded to four models: 210, 75hp; 220, 84hp; 230, 92hp; and 240, 103hp.
The design of the new Elios gives it a low overall height to the top of the cab of just 2.37m on 380/85R30 tyres. However, thanks to the new design for the chassis that has a low centre of gravity, the front overhang is now some 24cm shorter, which means that while the wheelbase is 2.16m, even with a folded front-linkage, the overall length is just 3.82m, making the Elios ideal for use where access is restricted.
The new Elios is powered by a four-cylinder, 3.4-litre FPT turbocharged and intercooled high torque engine. This has a wide constant power range from 1,800-2,300rpm and is fitted with a visco-fan and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) with automatic regeneration to meet Stage IIIB emissions regulations.
The top-of-the-range Elios 240 also features Claas Power Management (CPM), giving the 92hp engine an additional 11hp boost in power to 103hp under certain conditions. CPM is activated when the tractor goes above 13 km/hr in gears 2, 3 or 4 in range III or if the PTO speed starts to drop.
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| The new Claas Elios 230 offers 92hp. |
A new feature on the Elios is an engine speed memory, which allows the speed to be adjusted precisely at the push of a button, which will be particularly useful for PTO work, and a second engine speed memory is also available as an option.
To meet the wide range of uses tractors of this size are used for, four different transmissions are available for the new Elios. Four-wheel-drive models are all fitted with a 24/24 transmission with the option of a mechanical splitter and reverser, Twinshift powershift and mechanical reverser or Twinshift powershift with Revershift clutchless reverser, all of which have a minimum forward speed of just 500m/hr. All two-wheel drive models come with a 12/12 transmission with a mechanical reverser.
The new Elios is available with a choice of two hydraulic systems. For general work, there’s the option of a 59 lit/min pump that serves both the rear linkage and the spool valves. For more demanding work, for instance where the Elios will be fitted with a front loader, a two-pump system is available, with a 59 lit/min pump that serves the spool valves and a second 26 lit/min pump to serve the rear linkage.
Depending on requirement, two or three mechanical spool valves can be fitted, one of which has flow rate adjustment. Alternatively four electronic spool valves are available, each with flow rate adjustment. All spool valves are also colour coded for easy connection.
Again depending on requirement, the Elios can also be specified with a mechanical or electronically controlled rear linkage. The standard linkage has a lift capacity of 2.6 tonnes, but this can be increased to 3.2 tonnes with an optional additional lift ram. A fully integrated optional 2.8 tonne front linkage is also available.
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| The Elios cab incudes a new glass roof panel to give a better view of the raised loader. |
The cab on the new Elios has been completely redesigned and the full width frame incorporates a new glass roof to enhance the feeling of space and to provide good visibility over a raised front loader. The cab specification includes the choice of a mechanically or air-suspended seat, air conditioning with the option of carbon filtration for spraying and an adjustable steering wheel.
The controls are all grouped on the right hand side of the seat. When a front loader is fitted, this can be controlled either hydraulically using a Flexpilot joystick or electronically with the Electropilot, both of which are factory fitted.
For more information visit: www.claas.co.uk.
