Across two events, we were lucky enough to put the new high-horsepower range of Claas Axion tractors through its paces
The tractor market remains the key focus for Claas, with its position in both the combine and forage harvester markets secure. While having some standout products at the top of the range, including its Xerion series, which underwent a full revamp two years ago, in the words of Trevor Tyrell, senior vice president and CEO at Claas UK, ‘we haven’t always met expectations with the tractor portfolio’.
It must be said that the issues were often less about the performance or the technology present within the machines, but the design, which had lagged somewhat.
With this in mind, product manager Patrick Frawley said that the Axion 9 series was the most important product the company had launched. It replaces the previous 900 series, with five models topping out with the 9.450, which offers a maximum output of 448hp from the FPT Cursor 9 engine. Torque levels on the flagship machine peak at 1,850Nm, available at just 1,400rpm.
A fully stepless ZF transmission puts power to the ground, with a top speed of 50kph, achievable at just 1,650rpm. Torque sensors have been integrated, which Claas states will improve the power management throughout the machine. Droop controls have also been fully automated, and a new casing has been used around the gearbox to limit noise levels in the cabin. Indeed, the company states that sound levels in the cab do not exceed 66dB.
Maintenance, or the cost of maintenance, has been a consideration throughout the development. Service intervals have been increased by 50%, eliminating the 100hr service, with the first being at 750hr. According to the company, this will reduce costs to the user by around 18%.
Of the five models, the flagship and the 9.360 are also available with the Terra Trac rear track system. This remains a key option for the company, especially in the UK and Irish markets, as Patrick notes that 15% of all Terra Trac machines produced globally come over here.
The Terra Trac system has had an overhaul. Two track widths are available of 635mm or 735mm, with the latter providing a footprint of 3.5sq m. The new design is said to reduce the power drag of the tracks by 8hp. The midrollers have a new, flanged design, enabling them to be quickly replaced if required. Each of the idlers also has a clear cap so that oil levels can be visually checked.
Bronze bushes have also been used in the design, replacing the nylon units previously used, and new suspension cylinders have been integrated. To further minimise maintenance around the track units, heavy-duty wear pads have been fitted, and the Terra Trac machines will also include automatic lubrication as standard, available as an option on wheeled machines.
The wheeled models have a fuel capacity of 710 litres, which will provide 10hr of operation at 85% engine load. The Terra Tracs get a larger 880-litre tank for 12hr at 80% engine load. Moving around the machine, there are two hydraulic options for the Axion. The standard single-pump is closed-centre, load-sensing and offers 220 litres/min, feeding up to eight spool valves around the machine.
For those requiring more output for high-powered pneumatic drills, a twin-pump option is also available, producing 370 litres/min. There’s the option of two high-flow priority spools, as well as flat face couplings to minimise oil spills when connecting or disconnecting hydraulic hoses.
The rear linkage has a capacity of 11,250kg on the wheeled machines, reducing to 10,500kg on Terra Tracs. At the front, the wheeled models can lift up to 8,415kg, while the half-track units can handle 7,490kg.
The comfort zone
If we look at the aesthetics first, Claas have addressed some of the previous comments about the style being outdated. Adapting the green and grey colour scheme used on the latest Xerion machines. It’s a sharp-looking machine, with a saddle-style grill moving over the front of the bonnet and an LED Claas logo at the front. The Axion now looks as modern as the various technologies found within.
It has a brand-new cabin, with a range of 360deg LED light packages. Climbing into the machine, you’re greeted with a new armrest – albeit with a familiar feel. The CMotion joystick and ElectroPilot can handle up to 38 different functions across the machine, and the CMotion is used to control the three virtual ranges built into the transmission by rocking it left and right.
The digital dashboard has been mounted on the A-pillar, with a rotary encoder mounted on the dash, and the new Cebis connect display has a new electronic architecture, which the company states will future-proof it, as well as enabling all current functions across the machine and precision farming systems to be displayed as required. Should the operator want to display multiple functions at the same time in more complex operations, a second 12in display can be optioned.
For the cabin, a lot of effort has gone into increasing the amount of space and comfort. An upgraded four-point mechanical suspension system is fitted, which addresses issues with the rolling effect from the previous generation. For the operator, the comfort zone is wider, with more legroom, and there’s been a 10% increase in the glazed area to increase visibility. To further boost visibility, up to five cameras can be mounted around the machine and the display setup to automatically show different feeds depending on the inputs.
The seat is suspended and moves through 50deg, turning 40deg to the right and 10deg to the left.
Precision systems
As this is a high-horsepower range, it’s to be expected that the Axion 9 series can be specced up to include all the company’s precision farming systems. The Cemos operator assistance system is available to control the automatic droop system, as well as provide ballasting and tyre pressure advice.
To adjust the tyre pressures easily, a central tyre inflation system can be fitted.
The Cemos system will also proactively adjust the engine and transmission ratios to anticipate the load when starting a new pass. This not only protects the machine but also ensures a consistent level of work from the start of the pass to the end.
Through Claas connect, you can transmit field boundaries, task data and route information directly to the tractor, and full GPS-steering and headland turning functions are available. You can also sequence the full headland process, which will activate based on GPS triggers.
A stretch-brake system is fitted for transport with trailed implements, and there is also a function to automatically lock steering axles when reversing.
Working the field
We were present for two tests of the machine, one in Germany and one in Bury St Edmunds near Claas UK. Jumping in the seat, it really is a quiet machine. Despite having 448hp under the hood and pulling a wide cultivator, it was easy to have a conversation without raising our voices.
With the familiar layout of the controls and the clear display, the Axion is easy to get moving and certainly puts power to the ground. In Germany, we had a gradual incline in the field, and the engine and transmission worked well to adjust output and keep the machine moving without us changing the working depth of the cultivator.
It certainly seems like Claas has shaken off the previous criticisms of the tractor portfolio. This looks the part and performs in the field. Cutting the maintenance costs will make this appealing, as the big businesses looking at a machine of this power will not necessarily be put off by a high initial cost, but a high cost of ownership.
Interestingly, Claas is taking a cautious route to market. Only the wheeled and Terra Trac variants of the 9.360 and 9.450 will be available in 2026, while production of the previous 900 series will finish this Christmas.
The full five model range will be available from 2027. Speaking to Patrick, he notes that the UK market currently purchases twice as many Terra Trac units as it does wheeled machines in this power bracket. “I expect this even out with the new design and clearer numbering on the new Axions, though,” he explains. “It could even swing the other way.”