Last week, the Irish Farmers Journal travelled to Germany, where Claas unveiled a number of new product updates and product ranges near its headquarters in Harsewinkel.

Although we can’t yet disclose details on certain updates until later in the year, there are several that we can and will do, starting with the new Axion 8 CMatic tractor series.

At the event, Claas CEO Jan-Hendrik Mohr reaffirmed the brand’s dedication to tractors and growing its overall global market share despite being a fraction of the size of certain market players. It’s clear that the premium end of the market is where the brand wants to be heading into the future, reassured by sales trends in recent years.

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Members of the senior management team highlighted that the Arion 660 Cmatic has been its most successful tractor line to date and the overall uptake rate for its CMatic CVT now exceeds 84%.

Putting its money where its mouth is, Claas continues to drive on and overhaul its current tractor portfolio. The current tractor family generation arguably began in 2023, with the launch of the Xerion 12 extra high horsepower range, followed more recently with the arrival of the heavily updated Axion 9, successor to the Axion 900 series. Continuing to work its way down the portfolio, Claas has now taken the wraps off the new Axion 8 Cmatic, which will replace the current mid to high horsepower Axion 800 series.

The series retains its 2.98m wheelbase and 50/50 weight distribution, as before.

Engine and transmission

The refreshed lineup comprises the Axion 8.240, Axion 8.270 and Axion 8.290, with rated outputs of 240hp, 270hp and 290hp, all of which benefit from Dynamic Power. This boosts respective power outputs to 264hp, 291hp and 313hp, marking the first time the range surpasses 300hp.

The series remains fitted with FPT’s NEF 6.7l engine which now sees service intervals extended by 150 hours to 750 hours, reducing operating costs. Efficiency on the road has been improved, with 40 km/h achieved at 1,300 rpm and 50 km/h at just 1,400 rpm.

Cementing its vision for the future of tractor transmissions, the Axion 8 is only offered with Claas’s own Cmatic CVT unit. But there have been changes made within, including a new electronic drivetrain management system to better improve performance, comfort and efficiency.

There has been a host of new features and functions added as part of Cemos Auto Powertrain, including Auto Load Anticipation, whereby the tractor proactively and automatically optimises engine speed, transmission ratio and power delivery according to the draft, hydraulic or PTO load in order to avoid load spikes.

The system is aided by artificial intelligence, whereby self-learning algorithms constantly monitor repetitive tasks which allow load spikes to be detected in advance. By preventing drops in engine speed and allowing smoother handling, Claas claims reductions in fuel consumption and improved efficiency overall.

Meanwhile, the new Dynamic Power power management system automatically distributes engine power via the gearbox, PTO or hydraulics based on where it is needed at any given moment. Auto Droop, forms another part of the package and is designed to automatically adjust engine droop to the use conditions on the fly.

The engine’s idle speed has also been reduced to 650rpm, saving on fuel and reducing noise. Not only have engine oil service intervals been stretched, but most important filter changes have too, by 150 to 300 hours.

Other new options include a reversible cooling fan, dynamic steering, upgraded LED lighting package (22 work lights) along with a central tyre inflation system (CTIS).

Hydraulics

The new Axion 8 features a choice of either a 150l/min or 205l/min load-sensing hydraulic systems, and up to five spool valves. In terms of output, there is capacity to offer up to 140l/min through a single rear spool valve and 110l/min via the remaining four.

Both front and rear lift capacities are unchanged, with all three models offering a 5,900kg front lift capacity. The smaller Axion 8.240 has a 9,700kg rear lift capacity while the larger models are rated to lift 500kg more at 10,200kg.

Cab and technology

The new Axion 8 inherits the cab from the larger horsepower Axion 9, bringing a more spacious environment, offering 3m3 of total volume and what it claims is one of the quietest on the market at 57dB(A). Like the Axion 9, the new Axion 8 cab features a new four-point suspension system which claims reduced vibrations.

When seated, there is a real automotive feel based on the quality of materials and switchgear used. There is now a Premium driver’s seat with optional ventilation, heating and massage functions as well as full electric adjustment.

Alongside the main 12in Cebis terminal, all information can now be displayed on an additional 12in Cebis terminal, with all functions and displays movable from one to the other. The new larger, more crisp pillar display shows all major machine parameters at a glance. Just like its larger counterparts, the Cmotion control armrest has been improved, so too has integration with Claas Connect.

This better enables remote fleet monitoring, precision farming applications, and job management to be shared from the tractor to the farm office etc. Three integrated cameras allow better monitoring and visibility, one of which is placed between the headlights in the front grille, allowing better visibility when exiting field entrances.

A further two external camera connections are available for attachments. The latest GPS Pilot system has been significantly improved to offer new levels of driver-monitored autonomy. A new vehicle control unit (VCU) allows work orders to be prepared and sent from the farm office to the tractor and implemented with just a single tap.

Under operator supervision, work is carried out completely autonomously, including automated steering, obstacle avoidance, headland management and, as well as site-specific rate control via application maps entered in Claas Connect.

Claas has also introduced a Maxi care focus package as standard on the new Axion 8 CMatic, which covers the engine, transmission and axles for up to 5,000 hours or five years.

In addition, customers can opt to extend this coverage up to eight years or 8,000 hours.