An sneak peek at the impressive new CLAAS XERION 12 Series tractor that was launched in Australia this week
It’s been a much-anticipated arrival, but finally, the CLAAS XERION 12 Series high-horsepower tractor has been unveiled in Melbourne by Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre, signalling an end to the wait for the model down under.
With significant interest in the American and European markets, the XERION has taken some time to get to this side of the world in a low-regulated version. While five evaluation units have already clocked up more than 2000 hours in Australia, it’s likely New Zealand may also see the model making its way here.
Chief executive, Richard Wilson says, “We are delighted to be able to finally bring the new CLAAS XERION to the Australian market. We have been working with CLAAS since 1987, and they are a world-leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery.”
In 2023, CLAAS made good on its promise to take the high-horsepower tractor market head-on with the release of its all-new XERION 12 series at Agritechnica. With the CLAAS XERION 12 Series, the Harsewinkel-based company currently has the most powerful all-wheel drive tractor with continuously variable transmission technology on the market.
The XERION 12 was the result of six years of research and development, 10,000 hours of field testing across five countries, and was recognised by five international awards at Agritechnica, AGROmash, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, and an iF design award.
“It’s a fantastic-looking machine, built by a great company with a great reputation. We have had considerable interest in the XERION 12 since its launch and have pre-sold two units in Western Australia and one in Eastern Australia,” he says.
Engineered specifically for broadacre markets, the flagship model packs a super-efficient 653hp engine, 914mm tracks, industry-leading hydraulics, and a new luxe cabin with four-point suspension.
XERION 12 is powered by the same 15.6-litre six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM473 engine found in CLAAS’ combine and forage harvesters.
“XERION 12 is all about performance, comfort, and productivity — and it delivers all three in spades,” says Kevin Walker, product business manager — Tractors Australia & New Zealand.
“With a maximum power output of 653hp and 3100Nm of torque at just 1300 rpm, this is the most powerful four-wheel-drive tracked tractor on the market with a CVT transmission.
“Thanks to its balanced 50:50 weight distribution, the XERION 12 Series tractors are built to exceed expectations and to stand up to any job you throw at it. A specialist for heavy-duty pulling work in all speed ranges, whether in front of a cultivator, disc harrow, plough, airseeder, or trailer.
“Despite its immense power and size, it’s extremely nimble, thanks to its precise twin-axle steering,” he says.
The XERION 12 Series TERRA TRAC model is equipped with newly developed triangular crawler units and 914 or 762mm tracks, while the wheeled variants can be fitted with 800/70 R42 dual or 900/60 R42 single tyres.
The machine’s unique features include a luxe cab offering space, comfort, and an impressive all-round view supported by four-point suspension.
State-of-the-art onboard and offboard features for digital agriculture allow automated steering, section control, variable rate, and automatic documentation, as well as the optimisation of machine and process performance with CEMOS. The XERION 12 Series is even more connected with further development towards high automation of work processes and autonomy.
Landpower and CLAAS Harvest Centre have a network of 33 owned and franchised CLAAS Harvest Centres and 22 independent dealerships throughout New Zealand and Australia, supporting agricultural customers with the most reputable brands and after-sales service.