New release: Claas Axion 960 Terra Trac
Claas releases its first half-track tractor models, with the 445hp Axion 960 Terra Trac already proving popular with NZ contractors
Demonstration models of the much-anticipated Axion 960 Terra Trac (445 hp) half-tracked tractor are now hard at work across the country, and there’s a steady supply of brand-new models straight from the Claas factory landing in New Zealand and being delivered by Claas Harvest Centre to customers.
Billed as the world’s first half-tracked tractors with full suspension, the Axion 960 Terra Trac (445 hp) and Axion 930 Terra Trac (355 hp) incorporate the proven tracked assembly technology utilised in the company’s industry-leading Lexion and Jaguar grain and forage harvesters.
Claas Harvest Centre product manager (Claas Tractors) Paul Holdaway says the
‘half-track’ tractor concept combines the benefits of tracked and wheeled machines.
"In short, Terra Trac improves traction and reduces soil compaction while still retaining the driving characteristics of a wheeled tractor," he says.
"Combined with the front axle and unique four-point cab suspension already found on the Axion, this is arguably the most comfortable broadacre tractor on the market."
The Axion 900 Terra Trac is currently available with 635mm, 735mm, or 890mm track widths.
"With a total footprint of 3.87 square meters, the 890mm track is 35% larger than a 900/60 R42 tyre, which equates to 15% more tractive power and a 50% reduction in ground pressure," Paul says.
"It’s also worth noting that all three widths keep the external width of the tractor to less than three metres."
The rear axle of the Axion has been substantially modified to accommodate the Terra Trac units, which, in turn, have been modified to improve traction.
"The size of the drive wheel has been increased to meet the specific power transfer needs of a tractor and to handle the high levels of torque," Paul says.
"Likewise, the transmission inside the crawler tracks has been strengthened to transmit higher torques.
"Each assembly can pivot up to 23 degrees longitudinally.
"Combined with its individually-suspended rollers, this allows each unit to maintain optimum ground contact in all soil conditions, terrain and operating speed."
The tracks use a force-locking drive and are maintained at a higher tension for even pressure distribution.
Specially designed friction blocks on the drive wheel reliably transfer drive forces to the track belt and at the same time ensure thorough self-cleaning of the contact surfaces.
The continuously variable Cmatic transmission allows the tractors to be precisely operated at low speeds or at the other end of the scale, up to 40km/h on the road.
An intelligent drive control system means the tracks are capable of performing tight turning manoeuvres.
The driver can activate three levels of steering assistance or adjust the tractor’s ground clearance by up to 12cm via the Cebis terminal.
"This enables the operator is able to select the optimum height for the implement being used behind the tractor or increase ground clearance when baling or grain carting," Paul says.
The Axion Terra Trac has an operating weight of 16.5 tonnes and a maximum gross weight of 22 tonnes, giving it a load capacity of 5.5 tonnes.
Claas has also modified the design and position of the 860-litre fuel tank.
Find new and used farm machinery for sale in NZ
Keep up to date in the industry by signing up to Farm Trader's free newsletter or liking us on Facebook