Claas has unveiled its two new Xerion 12 Series tracked tractors that offer power outputs of up to 653hp, the Cemos operator assistance system, an enormous hydraulic pump capacity of up to 537 lit/min and a new spacious cab with four-point suspension.
Due to arrive in the UK in spring 2024, the company says the newcomers – the Xerion 12.590 and Xerion 12.650 – represent uncompromisingly powerful specialists in the highest performance class for tractors. They feature Claas’ highly efficient low-engine speed drive concept 2.0, and have been designed as highly efficient specialists for the toughest of draught work, such as pulling wide cultivators and seed drills as well as chaser bins.
The successful basic concept with a bolted, highly resilient central frame and two steering axles has been adopted from the Xerion 4200, 4500 and 5000 models and adapted to reflect the increased output, higher weight and larger track width. The new Terra Trac triangular crawler track units transfer the power gently and efficiently to the ground, while the driver enjoys an excellent all-round view in the large, four-point-suspended cab. The low-speed concept 2.0 marks a perfect synthesis between the efficient, high-cubic-capacity Mercedes-Benz engine and the optimally coordinated continuously variable transmission – capped by the high-performance, low-engine speed hydraulics featuring the highest hydraulic output on the market.
With a maximum power output up to 653hp and up to 3,100Nm of torque, the Xerion 12 Series is currently the most powerful four-wheel-drive tractor with continuously variable transmission technology on the market. It features the familiar Cemos operator assistance and process optimisation system from Claas standard tractors with CMatic continuously variable transmission.
The 15.6-litre Mercedes-Benz OM473 LA six-cylinder inline engine is familiar from the Claas Jaguar and Lexion, and combines enormous torque with fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs. In the Xerion 12.590 this power unit delivers 585hp from 1,600rpm and up to 653hp in the Xerion 12.650. Turbo compound technology with wastegate turbocharger ensures enormous power development, even at low engine speeds, and maximum efficiency under full and partial load at the same time. As a result, the maximum torque – an impressive 3,100Nm in the Xerion 12.650 – is available even at 1,300rpm. The idling speed is set at a low 650rpm.
The coolers for engine, transmission, hydraulics and axles are generously sized for maximum efficiency and positioned for easy access. The cooling area can be cleaned at the press of a button with the aid of a hydraulic reversible fan. The fuel tank in the Xerion 12 Series has a capacity of 1,400 lit, while the AdBlue tanks can hold 90 lit. The central position of the fuel tank means that the tractor’s weight distribution doesn’t change during the working day as the fill level falls.
The engines certainly don’t disappoint when it comes to maintenance, with an oil change interval of 1,000 operating hours and a maintenance-free Stage V exhaust gas aftertreatment system.
Like all Claas tractors, the new Xerion 12 Series is equipped with the latest generation CMatic continuously variable transmission – maintenance-friendly, durable and perfectly matched to the engine’s optimal torque and consumption characteristics. Since 2003, the transmissions in the Xerion have proved themselves to be exceptionally robust, reliable and durable, even in the toughest situations. In addition, the gentle starting and deceleration torque of the continuously variable, split-power drives protect cultivators and seed drills by avoiding peak loads on the frame structures and hitching devices caused by abrupt shifting or engaging and disengaging with the implement in working position. Nevertheless, the Xerion still delivers the full engine torque from the minimum speed of 0.05km/hr. The Xerion 12 Terra Trac reaches a top speed of 40km/hr at an efficient 1,400rpm.
Thanks to four automatically selected drive modes, the transmission works with a high degree of efficiency, transferring power to both axles continuously. In combination with the multi-pass effect and the 50:50 weight distribution under traction, power is transferred to the ground without compromise while at the same time ensuring maximum soil protection – regardless of the steering angle. This means that full traction is available even when working on hilly ground or negotiating obstacles.
Following its introduction in the Arion and Axion/Axion Terra Trac standard tractors with CMatic transmission, the self-learning, dialogue-based operator assistance and process optimisation system Cemos is now available for the Xerion too. Double-digit percentage improvements in fuel consumption and area output can be achieved by optimising power transmission, drive management and ballasting. Furthermore, Cemos incorporates a plough settings assistant as well as the Terranimo app. Once the operating conditions have been entered, the app calculates and displays the compaction risk in three soil layers to help the driver optimise the machine settings in favour of greater soil protection.
The low-engine speed concept 2.0 in the Xerion encompasses the power hydraulics as well as the drive. Up to three load-sensing pumps supply external consumers with a maximum 537 lit/min at 1,900rpm – no other tractor on the market currently beats that. This ample output means that even the widest air seeders with a continuously high oil demand can be operated even more efficiently at greatly reduced engine speed. Up to eight double-acting control circuits continuously supply sufficient oil to cultivation implements, drills and precision air seeders too, with prioritised control circuits able to deliver up to 140 lit/min to the highest consumers.
The flow rate of each spool valve is shown in the Cebis terminal in the form of a graphic display. When working with attached implements that have multiple consumers with a high demand for oil, this enables the operator to adjust and prioritise flow rates accordingly.
Claas Industrietechnik at Paderborn developed the new crawler track assemblies with positive drive for the Xerion 12 Series to satisfy the most exacting customer requirements in terms of power transmission, soil protection and comfort. Sturdy steering axles with two auxiliary steering cylinders per axle and large drive wheels transfer power gently to the drive belts while simultaneously engaging eight lugs. The two-part frame construction of the crawler tracks enables the two pairs of mid-rollers that are mounted on bogies to adapt to ground contours independently of the main frame. Large rubber blocks between the undercarriage and the main frame of the crawler track assembly effectively buffer bumps and vibrations.
In addition to the multi-pass effect, ideal 50:50 weight distribution regardless of tank level and combined with the efficient drivetrain with low-engine speed concept 2.0, this reduces hourly fuel consumption by eight to 10 per cent compared with other tractor concepts in this performance class. Thanks to the large triangular crawler tracks assemblies, the Terra Trac system achieves the same level of efficiency with 30-inch or 36-inch (762mm or 914mm) track belts.
With two steering axles, the Terra Trac steers tightly and precisely with the cab and rear linkage remaining in mid-axle. The steering behaviour is similar to that of standard tractors: steering manoeuvres and turning operations are implement- and driver-friendly with minimal track formation. In addition to the standard steering program with trailed rear-wheel steering, classic four-wheel steering with simultaneous steering of the front and rear axle is also available. The Dynamic Steering function available in the standard steering program halves the number of turns of the steering wheel needed during fieldwork and further reduces the steering torque.
When developing the Xerion 12 Series, driver comfort was a key priority in addition to efficient, soil-friendly tractive power transmission. The cab has been extended by 27cm at the front, making it currently the largest command centre in the premium tractor segment. Footrests can be factory-fitted behind the steering column and on the right-hand A-pillar. The driver’s seat is available in three versions with standard upholstery or optional high-quality cotton or leather upholstery, and can be rotated by 40 degrees to give the driver a perfect view of attached implements.
Both the exhaust gas aftertreatment system and the exhaust system are fully integrated into the right-hand side of the chassis under the cab. Combined with the slender steering column, this ensures unrivalled all-round visibility. Key functions are operated and monitored via the ergonomic armrest with CMotion multifunction control lever and the Cebis touchscreen terminal. This means that a standardised control concept is now available for all Claas tractors between 125hp and 653hp from the Arion 500 upwards.
The new four-point cab suspension provides a level of comfort previously unknown in this performance class. By cushioning impacts and countering rolling movements, it enables drivers to concentrate fully on the job in hand without tiring even during long working days. In addition, the cab has been further decoupled from the chassis to significantly reduce the impact of noise and vibrations from the drivetrain and chassis on the driver.
The Xerion 12 Series comes with a customisable package for ISObus and precision-farming applications. Buyers can choose from automatic steering by GPS Pilot with different correction signals, both on- and off-line Task Management, and precision farming applications with Section Control and Variable Rates Application. All functions for modern, precise and site-specific work are available in conjunction with the 12-inch Cemis 1200 terminal that uses the familiar Cebis control concept. With Claas connect, new licences or activations can be transferred straight to the terminal online, as can tasks with predefined tracks and application maps from connected farm management information systems.
The ability to automatically create multiple reference lines per field provides a further efficiency boost. Using recorded or imported field boundaries, A-B lines and contours for different areas and sections of the field can be calculated and saved before cultivating the field. This feature simplifies work in irregularly shaped fields, as several headland sequences and rounded field boundaries can be saved as references in addition to the main working direction.
The tramline management feature in Cemis 1200 also reduces the workload significantly. Tramlines are marked in colour on the screen and a signal alerts the driver when to create one the same. This means tramlines can no longer be missed, leaving the driver to focus fully on the optimum performance of the tractor and attached implement.
