Claas has further invested in its four-cylinder tractor lineup, with the arrival of its new Arion 5 CMatic CVT series. The three-model range offers power outputs from 145hp to 180hp, and claims to pack large tractor technology in a compact format.

Following the recent launch of the Axion 8, the new Arion 5 series is made up of the Arion 5.140, 5.160 and 5.180, each fitted with the same Deere Power Systems (DPS) 4.5l four-cylinder engine churning out 145hp (619Nm), 165hp (697Nm) and 180hp (730Nm), respectively. The range-topping model offers a permanently available 180hp and a power to weight ratio of 42.8kg/hp.

Not only does the Arion 5 fit into the current generation tractor family in terms of model numbering, but also in terms of its exterior design. Similar to the Arion 6, the new Arion 5 features an updated front nose. Previously available with either the Hexashift powershift or CMatic CVT transmission, the powershift option has now been dropped, leaving the CVT as the sole transmission option. By doing this, Claas is chasing the more premium end of the market with the Arion 5, offering a high level of spec as standard. This includes a fully suspended cab and Proactiv front axle, Cebis terminal and armrest, along with the CMotion control lever. The cab is also equipped with automatic air conditioning, and up to 20 LED work lights.

Although the cab is largely the same, there is a new premium driver seat option with massage and seat climate functions (ventilated and heated) and a larger touchscreen radio with all the latest functions, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ radio. The Dynamic Steering system has also been introduced, allowing half the number of steering wheel turns at the press of a button.

The in-house CMatic CVT features a host of new features that have made their way down from the larger tractor series and more recently the Arion 6. This includes the Auto Load Anticipation adaptive drivetrain management system, designed to detect load spikes in advance and increases engine revs to prevent drops in engine speed, as the powertrain comes under load. Once the tractor has been paired with an implement, the self-learning system collects information regarding draft and hydraulic requirements for the first few field passes to figure out how to best anticipate and overcome load spikes. The tractor can then increase engine revs where necessary to flatten out load spikes.

The system is also designed to regulate engine speed and gear shifting depending on load and driving speed, to ensure that the required power is delivered under all conditions. All of these features are automatically implemented.

Another new feature is the automatic trailer overrun brake and the wheel loader mode for front loader operations. The overrun or stretch brake is a system where the tractor detects when it is being pushed on by the load following, triggering the trailer brakes to be applied.

On-board technology

When it comes to guidance, the new Arion 5 uses the GPS Pilot Cemis 1200 as a steering terminal. Using Claas Connect, all field boundaries can be sent to the machine online or directly from machine to machine – for example, from the Arion 5 CMatic with a four-rotor rake to the Jaguar forage harvester following behind.

The new automatic reference track change function identifies the appropriate reference track based on the vehicle’s position and direction of travel, and switches between different reference tracks. For example, when switching to headland reference tracks or when working on wedges with a different reference track, the driver does not need to intervene to switch these manually.

Irish and UK models will arrive with a fairly high level of spec as standard, including four spools, Isobus compatible Cebis monitor and GPS and autosteer ready.

The latest Maxi Care warranty package allows customers to extend their five year, 5,000 hour warranty to eight years or 8,000 hours.