Review: CLAAS ARION 620C Evolution

The CLAAS ARION 620C EVOLUTION delivers more power, comfort, and efficiency, with a new high-capacity hydraulic system, proven engine, and GPS-ready cab

Like all tractor brands, the popularity of the CLAAS 600C Series isn’t immune to the occasional couple of little gripes – with a desire for a larger hydraulic pump with load sense capability at the top of this list. Unlike the feedback I give to my children, the CLAAS team actually listened, and they have delivered – the 620C and 640C EVOLUTION models are quickly flying off the proverbial shelf.

Engine

Review: CLAAS ARION 620C Evolution — Left: Fantastically easy access with the high-lift bonnet
Right: Upgraded hydraulic functionality on the new style rear end

Like the previous gen ARION C line up, these all share the same Deere Power Systems (DPS) 6.8L, six-cylinder engine with two valves per cylinder, turbo charged, common rail engine – all complying with Tier 3 emissions standards.

The CLAAS 620C hits with rated 140hp while the 640C boasts 165hp. Regardless of the model, accessing the engine and the main daily check points under the bonnet is easy, even with loader mounts, as the large bonnet opens up high and well out of the way, ensuring radiator access is also a doddle.

Transmission

The Quadrishift transmission takes pride of place in the cab giving 16 gears in a four-range, four-power shift configuration, both forward and reverse thanks to the column mounted clutchless shuttle.

Running with the theme of this tractor, which is ‘simple to operate’, the transmission is no different. Simply push the +/- button and you shift up through the ranges without having to use the clutch or push multiple buttons at once. The gearstick also doubles as the hand throttle.

On the right-hand pillar there are two transmission settings: field and road. Field mode shifts through the gears like usual, but in road mode, at an intersection for example, it allows you to shift a complete range i.e. from B1 to C1 to D1 then up through to D4… nice.

Rear Linkage

Electronic (ELC) control controls the Cat 3 link arms (still not super straightforward to operate), while upside down cylinders provide the muscle to give 6500kg lift capacity on the 620C and 6900kg on the 640C. The benefits of these being upside down means that dust and dirt don’t sit on the wiper seal of the cylinder itself, improving service life.

Another aspect I like about CLAAS machines is the variety of drawbar options that come as standard. Not only do you get the standard swinging drawbar, but you also get a ladder hitch and a pintle hitch, which like many other features on this machine, allow it to slot into multiple applications.

Snazzy New Loader

The new CLAAS FL120C has a real knack for visibility thanks to its smart frame and low-profile crossbeam. This is the mechanical self-levelling option, which will be spec’d on the machines. The term loader ready is bandied around a fair bit but for the 600C Series machines, it’s a full design feature. It’s not just the joystick that’s integrated into the cab, the loader boom is shipped from the factory on the tractor, so you can roll this bad boy straight off the ship, treat it to a quick PD from the trusty Claas Harvest Centre team and then it’s onto the ranch – truly that simple.

There are a number of other nifty features that make it more loader suited also:

Large front axle pivot
50/50 weight distribution (CLAAS are justifiably proud of this)
Turn-able front fenders as standard
Full dish front rims help longevity, giving you no worries about rims cracking

Hydraulics: A Quantum Leap

Here’s where the ARION 600C has now leapfrogged the pack, going from having one of the lowest spec pumps on the market to being high up at the pointy end. The new hydraulic options are an ‘evolution’, you could say.

Standard Open Centre: 98 l/min fixed pump – the same as previous models
Load Sensing CCLS: Available in 110 l/min and the big dawg, the 150 l/min pump

The load sensing circuits only move oil when the job demands it, meaning greater efficiency, less heat, and fuel savings.

For the 150 l/min pump vs the Open Centre pump with the same flow demand (say 90L/min) the 150L will provide this at 40% less engine rpm – a considerable cost and wear saving
New rear spools with decompression levers: release implement pressure without the need to turn the tractor off or get covered in oil, speaking of oil, hoses are connected and removed mess free thanks to handy collectors
Power Beyond option: pressure, return, and LS lines for the most demanding implements, direct tank connection T (return to Tank), and higher hydraulic efficiency
Levers 1 & 2 now deliver full oil flow, and all three remotes are now fully flow adjustable

Operator environment

I genuinely believe that CLAAS has the best cab suspension on the market for this size machine and is streaks ahead of many of the competitors. It makes the daily chore of feeding out (often on bumpy tracks) much more enjoyable and its four-post suspension is so good that you feel like you have front suspension as well.

In addition to the smooth and comfortable ride, the cab is large, easy to get in and out of and is uncluttered. A high roof line gives the impression of space, and the large mirrors allow you to keep tabs on the implement behind you.

The machine also has more connectivity than ever before, with the option to have auto steer for full GPS functionality when combined with the CEMIS 1200 screen. This option also allows you utilise the off board CLAAS Connect software.

Summary

The CLAAS ARION 620C EVOLUTION isn’t just a facelift – it’s a leap in tech, comfort, and efficiency. The new hydraulic system was a much-needed boost, and CLAAS has overdelivered. The Kiwi market loves a simple machine that packs a punch and is easy to operate, and this ticks all of the boxes and more. The lack of hydraulic functionality and pump performance was always a stumbling block for these machines to really stack up against the competition in a head-to-head spec comparison. No longer folks: the new pump capacity, proven engine and transmission and a 3 year/3000hr warranty with nationwide dealer network support means that the CLAAS ARION 620C is the golden ticket.