Claas: Revised Lexion offering for 2011 revealed

Fifteen years after Claas first introduced the Lexion combine, the company has totally revamped its model offering to ensure it remains the benchmark by which other combines are compared.
The Claas philosophy of using modern technology to aid driver efficiency, and improve overall productivity, is at the core of the two new Claas Lexion ranges for 2011. There are six new Lexion 600 models featuring a combination of Claas’ APS primary threshing system in combination with five or six straw walkers, while the  four Lexion 700 models feature the company’s unique APS Hybrid system which uses twin rotors for secondary separation.
Outwardly the only change is the addition of a new, spacious, high-specification cab, but under the panels the new Lexion models incorporate a host of new features including: a constant-pressure hydraulic system; larger grain tanks; colour Cebis screen; larger fuel tanks; increased power; the new Cemos controller (Lexion 700); higher road speeds; and Cruise Pilot II.
All these new features mean that the latest Lexion range is faster, more productive and economical compared to the current models.

The 2011 Lexion cab is the largest ever fitted to a Claas combine.

Larger cab
One of the keys to getting the most out of a combine is operator comfort and new Lexion now features the spacious, high-specification cab already used on the Claas Jaguar and Xerion.
In addition to increased space within the cab, the wider cab means that the cleared screen area is now 20 per cent greater, so providing enhanced visibility. Climate control and a seat that independently adjusts to the driver’s weight – and dampens vibrations by up to 40 per cent – are now standard features.
Cab options include a low-frequency heated and ventilated seat and a Xenon lighting package that is fully automated using Cebis.
To help make operating the combine as simple as possible, the latest Lexion range features Claas’ new EASY (efficient agriculture systems) concept which aims to co-ordinate all the on-board setting, steering and monitoring functions in order to help the operator gain optimum performance and benefit from all these functions.
The Cebis unit itself now comes with an 8.5-inch colour screen and incorporates a flashcard reader, plus there is space to store up to 20 different personalised crop settings.
A new feature is a ‘hotkey’ function that provides quick and easy access to a wide range of operational settings and functions.
A new feature specific to the Lexion 700 combines is the Cemos optimisation system, which won a Gold Medal at Agritechnica. Using a second removable console that can be used for a variety of applications, such as the GPS Pilot steering system, Cemos is an interactive guide that enables the operator to actively question their combine’s settings and to look at alternatives they might not ordinarily consider in order to boost output without compromising quality.
To achieve this, Cemos evaluates 50 different parameters covering 11 criteria, and once the operator has asked Cemos for recommendations, they will be able to immediately see if that change will have a positive or negative impact on harvesting and then either accept or reject it.
Specific to the Lexion 770, 760, 750 and 670 is the new Cruise Pilot II system. Once activated, Cruise Pilot II will monitor the volume of crop entering the combine, engine load and also grain loss to ensure that the required throughput is maintained for greater overall productivity.

The Lexion 670 is the largest of the straw walker models in the new range.

Faster hydraulics
One of the most noticeable new features on the Lexion 700 and 600 combines to existing users will be the use of a constant pressure, load-sensing hydraulic system. The benefit to the operator is a 50 per cent increase in hydraulic reaction time, especially to functions such as Auto-Contour and lateral levelling, which is now 200 per cent faster, allowing faster operating speeds.
To achieve this, working pressure has been increased from 180 bar to 200 bar and the pump volume is 50 per cent greater at 120 lit/min. Steering pressure has also been increased to 175 bar, making the overall operation of the combine far smoother. An additional benefit is that the oil-change period has been increased to 1,000 hours.

The latest Generation III Terra Trac.

Fast tracks
A combine only earns its keep when it’s harvesting crops in the field, so the less time it spends turning or on the road the better.
As standard, the road speed on the new Lexion 770, 760, 750 and 670 has been increased to 30km/hr, which is a 20 per cent increase on the current Lexion 580 and 570 models.
One of the most popular current models for contractors and farmers faced with a lot of roadwork is the Lexion 570 Terra Trac on account of its narrow road width. In recognition of this, its replacement, the 3.30m wide Lexion 750 Terra Trac goes one step further with the option of a new 40km/hr transmission making it the fastest combine on the road.
The new Generation III Terra Tracs fitted to the Lexion 770 and 750 models feature independent hydro-pneumatic suspension of the drive wheel and support rollers to further reduce shock loading. As a result, both field compaction and cab vibration have been reduced by 30 per cent and stability enhanced at higher road speeds.
On wheeled models, Claas is also now able to offer the new Michelin CerexBib tyre which has been developed exclusively for the Lexion and provides a 22 per cent increase in contact area compared to a similar sized standard tyre.
This means the CerexBib tyres provide the flotation benefits of a larger tyre, but without the greater transport width.

Higher capacity
To ensure that there is more than sufficient power under peak loading, the new Lexion range is fitted with the latest Caterpillar and Mercedes engines, which on some models provide an increase in power output. However, this is not at the expense of fuel consumption as the rated engine speed of most of the engines is now up to 400 rpm lower.
To keep working time to a maximum, the fuel tank capacities have been increased with the result that the harvesting day has been lengthened by at least two hours, and up to five hours on certain models.
Other new features across the range include a new design of chaff spreader, higher capacity unloading systems on larger models and an enhanced lighting package for night-time working.
Added to this there is the option of the full range of Claas GPS Pilot automatic steering systems and the company’s unique Telematics web-based combine and output monitoring system.
Overall, through the use of modern engine, electric and hydraulic power systems, combined with the development of enhanced operator control systems and a superb working environment, in the new Lexion combine range Claas has created a new range that now sets an even higher standard for high output, cost-efficient harvesting.

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