Recent years have seen Claas completely renew its medium- to high-horsepower tractor ranges, with the launch of the Arion 600/500, Axion 800, Axion 900 and Xerion ranges. Now the company has turned its attention to tractors of less than 140hp, and as part of this it has redeveloped the Arion 400 tractor range.
The new Arion 400 has been totally revised and, in recognition of the broad range of tasks that tractors of this size are used for, instead of the three models previously, the Arion 400 range has now been expanded to six models: 410, 90hp; 420, 100hp; 430, 110hp; 440, 120hp; 450, 130hp; and 460, 140hp. For each of these models, a number of specification, including CIS versions, and cab options are available, including a new unique and striking Panoramic cab that sets a completely new standard for cab visibility.
The new cab features a one-piece windscreen that’s joined to the 2.41 square metre roof pane without a crossbeam. This gives the operator an unrestricted 90-degree field of vision over a front loader and gives the cab a large feeling of space that is unprecedented.
The new design for the Arion 400 maintains the even weight distribution that’s a common feature on Claas tractors. The Arion 400 also features a wasp-waist design to the bonnet, which allows a tight turning lock for maximum manoeuvrability and also provides plenty of space above the front axle for the radiator assembly.
The Arion is built around a solid cast frame with integral oil sump. Where the Arion is to be used with a front loader, the brackets can therefore be bolted directly on to the engine frame and transmission, and a front linkage can be fitted to the front chassis, ensuring maximum stability and ease access for servicing.
Proactiv front-axle suspension is also available as an option for models of more than 90hp. This has a steering lock of 55 degrees and when activated provides independent suspension with automatic height control.
The new Arion 400 range, which spans 90 to 140hp, is powered by the fuel-efficient four-cylinder, 4.5-litre FPT turbocharged and charge-air cooled engine. This uses the combination of SCR technology and a diesel oxidation catalytic converter (DOC/Oxicat) to meet the Stage IV emissions standard, and all the components are housed under the bonnet so they don’t restrict driver visibility.
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| Claas’ revised Arion 400 range now offers six models from 90-140hp. |
The engines have no boost so full power is always available at all times, and they are governed using a Claas engine management system designed to provide optimised engine performance curves.
Drive to the axles is through the well-proven 16-forward/16-reverse speed Quadrishift transmission. The four powershifts and four ranges can either be changed manually without using the clutch or, alternatively on CIS models, there’s also the option for Quadractiv in which gear and range changes are all made fully automatically.
The Quadrishift transmission and other main operating functions are controlled using a new multifunction control lever. This is designed so that all the gearbox functions can be controlled using a thumb-operated rocker switch.
Depending on specification, the new multifunction control also incorporates controls for the headland and linkage controls, can be used to operate Electropilot proportional electronic spool valves, or a front loader in either Flexpilot or Electropilot modes.
The range of hydraulic options available for the new Arion 400 again reflects the varied uses that these tractors will be used for, with three different hydraulic circuits available for each model in the range.
For general work, a 60 lit/min open-circuit hydraulic system is available. Where a higher flow rate is required for more demanding work, a 98 lit/min open-centre hydraulic system can be specified that combines two pumps, one with a flow rate of 57 lit/min for the control systems and a second of 41 lit/min for the rear linkage, which can be merged if required. Finally, a 110 lit/min load-sensing hydraulic circuit is also available with optional Power Beyond, which is a first for this size of tractor.
Up to three mechanical or four electronic spool valves can be fitted to the Arion 400. Two additional spool valves can be fitted to the front of the tractor for a front loader, operated by Flexpilot or Electropilot. The spool valves are all clearly colour coded and an oil spillage container is also fitted to the tractor.
Two PTO options are available on the Arion 400 – 540/540 ECO or 540/540 ECO/1000. Speeds are selected using buttons on the B-pillar. There’s an automatic PTO function that will turn the PTO on and off according to the height of the rear linkage, which has a maximum lift capacity at the ball ends of 4.5 tonnes on the smaller Arion 410/420, rising to 5.75 tonnes on the Arion 430-460.
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| The latest Arion 400 is fitted with a new Panoramic cab. |
For the front of the tractor, a fully integrated 2.8 tonne capacity Claas-designed front-linkage is available that requires no side reinforcement. A factory-fitted 1,000rpm front PTO is also available, as are connections for three- and seven-pin sockets, plus one hydraulic spool and one free-flow return line.
In addition to the new Panoramic cab, the Arion 400 is also available with a conventional cab built on a six-pillar design. The Arion 410/420 is also available with a low profile roof with or without a transparent sunroof.
This low-profile roof has an overall height to the top of the cab of about 2.5m on 34-inch tyres. This is one of the lowest on the market for this size of tractor, making it ideal for situations where height is restricted.
Five different Grammer or Sears seats are available, and a passenger seat is also fitted, under which is a cool-box linked to the air-conditioning system.
As on larger Axion models, the length and angle of the steering column, which also incorporates the instrument panel, is fully adjustable and can be swung up to make access easier. All the main operating controls are conveniently grouped to the right of the driver’s seat, with the secondary controls located on the B-pillar.
Where CIS is fitted to the tractor, this enables additional monitoring and setting functions, such as hydraulic and transmission settings, event counters and the on-board computer to be accessed using a rotary/push switch and an ESC button, with the information displayed on the A-pillar.
The Arion 400 can also be used with the full range of Claas Easy electronics systems, including Telematics. Claas GPS Pilot, S7, S10 and other control terminals can all be easily mounted on a frame above the control console, and the tractor is fitted with cab and rear Isobus connections
In addition to the plentiful storage space within the cab, there’s also space for a storage drawer under the right-hand side steps, and the lower link balls are safely stored beside the rear mudguard.
For more information visit: www.claas.co.uk.
