CLAAS has consistently evolved in leaps and bounds, which was evident with the ARION 610 CIS we tested during our Farm Trader Tractor Showcase
The CLAAS ARION 610 (145hp) is the baby of the four-model 600 Series being brought into New Zealand. Carrying through to the CLAAS 660 (185hp boosted to 205hp), this Series complements the well-respected and price-competitive Claas 620 and 640C machines for the low-spec, price-conscious buyer and is deservedly popular with livestock farmers.
Our test machine is more of an operator’s tractor.
Being what CLAAS dubs as high reg (referring to the higher engine emissions badge – or lower, depending on how you want to look at it – but in this case Stage V), these machines are available in three variants, which I will expand on shortly.
Engine
The Stage V, 145hp engine (no boost) comes from a DPS 6.8-litre, 6-cylinder engine complete with SCR, EGR, DPF, and DOC. Juice-wise, there’s a 280-litre fuel tank and a 17-litre AdBlue tank. Our favourite feature here was the stackable radiators on gas struts.
Providing excellent access, in fact, the best out of all the tractors we tested, this comes in the form of three layers: row one is the radiator, row two is the intercooler and transmission cooler, and row three is aircon/hydraulic cooler and diesel cooler. Sitting in front of that is a PowerCore air filter. To the left of the cab is good access to a battery box with jump-start poles and a toolbox.
An all-round solid performer in the engine department, this is backed by a 500-hour engine service interval, and the CLAAS machine is fully backed by a 3-year/3000-hour warranty.
Transmission
The CLAAS Hexashift transmission will not be new to many but is still a nifty transmission deserving some recognition. Running four ranges of six power shift gears, with handy controls on the armrest, you can push the Hexashift lever forward for up, back for downward powershifts, and full ranges can be skipped by pushing the Hexashift lever through a detent. The transmission also features auto, road, and field modes for gear changes to suit the situation. These are fully customisable in the CIS monitor.
While you’re pesting around in the A pillar-mounted display, you can turn the Smart Stop (brake to clutch) on or off, and this will stay how you’ve set it. Forward/reverse shuttle sensitivity can be adjusted, too. Speaking of shuttle controls, there are buttons on top of the loader joystick, but you can’t swap between joystick-mounted and LH console-mounted. You have to pick one and stick with it.
Transmission options
CIS: The lower spec of the trio, with four ranges, and six powershift gears in each range. Hexashift powershift only, mechanical spool valves with colour A-pillar display showing all the critical information.
CIS+: Can be either CVT or powershift tractors. The ‘+’ gives electronic spools but is still on the simple armrest with the ‘thumb’ Hexashift gearstick.
CEBIS: The all-singing dancing bells and whistles version. Available in 24-speed Hexashift or CVT. Integrated into the much plusher armrest is the 12-inch touchscreen and CMotion joystick, now shared with all top-spec CLAAS combines and foragers.
Our showcase machine was the CIS powershift model. Overall, this delivered a smooth transmission, but like most electronically governed powershift boxes, there’s a noticeable delay between ranges. Overall, however, it performed well.
Operator environment
The large five-pillar cab (my favourite kind) comes with four-point cab suspension (another personal favourite), and for the trifecta, the rear of cab is mounted in front of the rear axle. Not only does this help with the 50/50 weight distribution, but it also increases overall tractor comfort. While this does somewhat limit drawbar visibility, a small mirror is mounted at the base of the rear window to give a bird’s-eye view, so honestly, this wasn’t a problem at all during our testing (although it could be said that I’m taller/larger than the average bear).
The cab has a nice feel of quality throughout, with a large door opening for easy access, two-piece mirrors, and the large glass area and curved rear windscreen allowing panoramic views all around the machine. The armrest is comfy and sits well in the hand, with a smooth shuttle. The large jockey seat has a cooler box for ‘Scooby snacks’ and folds as flat as a table, offering the best of everything.
If you’re the kind of operator who likes to restrict your right-hand view of the cab with monitors, the CLAAS also has that covered. The rear-mounted D pin plug has a switch inside, there’s a panel of electrical/accessory outlets in the cab, and an electronic battery isolator also, which is handy. Overall, slim dash with cast foot pedal matching the clutch and brake pedal, which rounded out one of our favourite cabs of the machines tested.
Loader
These machines are designed from the factory for loaders and the spec represents that. CLAAS are well known for being a stickler to the 50/50 weight distribution rule. This and the long wheelbase deliver increased stability, making the machine exceptionally well-balanced during loading.
It has a genuine mid-mount valve controlled by an electronic joystick on the armrest (adjustable flow rates in the CIS monitor), the largest front axle pivot on show, full dish rims, and turnable front fenders as standard. Not only is the CLAAS ‘loader ready’ from the factory but the boom is also actually shipped on the machine. It rolls off the ship and is ready for work. The Electropilot joystick was one of the nicer ones we experienced, in terms of smoothness and placement on the armrest.
Loader-wise, in comparison to the other brands, the CLAAS badged (MX) FL120 was the only one without self-levelling (although it can be retrofitted and is only available as hydraulic self-levelling, which is the best kind), and the suspension was a tap and not activated in the cab.
Hydraulics, linkage, PTO
Pretty hard to fault in this department: 110-litre per minute CCLS pump with Power Beyond prep and trailer brakes, and three adjustable mechanical spool valves (colour-coded with a diagram), which can all lock and float and also feature detent and decompression levers.
The lift cylinders sit upside down so mud doesn’t sit on top of the wiper seal. With a 7.5-tonne lift capacity, and top marks for hitching options with a ladder hitch, pintle hitch, and swinging clevis drawbar all standard, there’s also four-speed PTO as standard, electronic speed selection and engagement, headland management with auto PTO and large buttons on rear guards for PTO start/stop and linkage – top marks all round and plenty of bang for your buck here.
Performance/judging summary
Overall, the CLASS proved popular and earned the respect of the team.
It’s certainly well suited to loader work, thanks to its balanced design and layout: the large front axle pivot, Electropilot joystick, and 50/50 weight distribution make it great for loading. Combined with the snappy, well-refined transmission, large cab with fantastic suspension, and an overall quality feel to it, Trés Bon Monsieur CLAAS.
Top 5 features
- Long wheelbase and 50/50 weight distribution
- Loader-ready front-end with large pivot axle, full dish rims, and turnable front fenders
- Good serviceability and access to cooling package and engine
- Exceptional cab suspension and ride comfort levels
- Hydraulic spool valves decompression levers, lift rams upside down
| Tractor | CLAAS ARION 610 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6-cylinder/6.8L |
| Stated max horsepower | 145hp |
| Emissions level | Stage V |
| Transmission | Semi-powershift |
| Number of gears | 24x24 |
| Hydraulic capacity | 110L/m |
| Tyre size | 600/65R38 rear, 480/65R28 front |
| Service interval | 500-hour engine |
| Warranty | 3-year/3000-hour |
