Claas Axos 340
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We test drive the Claas Axos 340 Tractor, and find out how it measures up against other tractors in its class
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Claas Axon 340
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- Easy to operate
- 74hp – 102hp
- Heavy steel fabrications
- Excellent synchromesh transmission
- Low cabin noise level
- Two-way adjustable steering column
- Doors open 180 degrees
- Spacious
- Trick dash readouts
- Fast radiator access
- Impressive brakes
- Roof door for good loader visibility
The Axos range is an array of simple, easy to operate, every-day tractors ranging from 74hp through to the 102hp Axos 340, all sharing the same powerplant.
Two basic fabricated steel steps up to a massive sized cabin put you in the adjustable pneumatic driver’s seat, fitted to our test model.
The cab feels substantially longer than other 100hp cab tractors, giving the perception of lots of work space inside.
All controls are business-like and in position. The 540/1000rpm PTO lever is the most out of the way – behind the driver’s left seat (an Economy PTO speed is an option).
The dash has a new layout with analogue rev counter, temperature and fuel gauges, backed up with digital everything else including speed, range, gear, and a handy system where you can choose between time, engine hours, engine revs, tripmeter, or PTO rpm, just by pressing the right hand stalk.
There’s also a differential lock pedal mounted between the clutch and brake pedals, below the two-way in/out and up/down adjustable steering column.
The rear opening doors can open a full 180 degrees, unlike front opening doors. The Axos 340 door had a nice hitch in the full open position, so you can pull the release catch near the kiddie seat and the door will close on its own accord.
The exterior mirrors aren’t the smallest but they could be a bit larger and there is no interior rear view mirror. Along with everything else connected to the old Renault brand, this model has also lost the Deere Power Systems engine.
The Perkins 4.4-litre four cylinder Tier III engine runs an intercooled turbocharger feeding individual Bosch injectors. Torque from the engine at 1400rpm felt good and is backed up with a healthy 410Nm figure.
Driving up a few medium slopes in several high gears revealed the engine can take a good load and hang onto it.
Good access to all radiators could be achieved in less than 30 seconds; however Claas didn’t include a simple strut to keep the ancillary radiators up while you’re cleaning the main radiator.
The Axos 340 uses the engine, transmission and axles as part of a modular chassis.
The 40kmh transmission has two ranges, with five gears off the stick. In addition there is a two speed electro/hydraulic split shift to make for a 20 speed gearbox, in each direction.
This wet clutch tractor is fitted with a forward reverse shuttle that has a perfect take-up rate when moving off from either direction, something you’ll like while working down at the silage pit.
The brakes work fantastic, giving the driver great downhill confidence with a loaded trailer on. And it stopped really quickly for a tractor of this size, while the brakes offered good feel through the pedals too.
I felt the Axos 340 I drove didn’t have an outstanding turning circle for a 2489mm wheelbase tractor. But this was because the steering stops weren’t set correctly.
The Claas Axos 340 tractor came fitted with a 2190kg lift capacity Claas FL100 front end loader and when lifted up high, the driver can unlock a cab roof door for better bucket visibility.
At the rear is a pair of 60 litre per minute hydraulic outlets fitted as standard, a third is an optional extra. The Axos 340 incorporates two separate external hydraulic pumps to power the spool valves, and steering system.
The heavily fabricated hitch and three point linkage area is uncluttered and has an external linkage rise/fall lever on the right rear guard (on one side), rather than buttons only.
To read the full review of the Claas Axon 340 tractor, see the July issue of Farm Trader magazine.
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