TractorTimes The Journal for Agricultural Professionals 100,000 tractors Page 4 Irish NEXOS Page 12 www.claas.co.uk Bicton ARION Page 16 Summer 2014 AXION 900 drilling boost Page 20 ➲ Video ➲ Weblink News 100,000 tractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4/5 Royal Award winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 LAMMA winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Helmut Claas honoured . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Oldest combine winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 CLAAS UK out and about the UK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 EASY GPS steering New EASY terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 RTK for driver comfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Easy-to-use S7 terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 NEXOS Narrow width power for Irish orchard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 ELIOS Perfect fit for strawberry tunnels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 AXOS Unique beet hoe slashes costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 ARION ARION 640 goes to college at Bicton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 ARION CIS simplicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Refined ARION CEBIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 AXION 800 Economical lugging power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 AXION 900 20% boost to daily drilling output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 XERION The ideal FW60 replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 SCORPION Pre-series SCORPIONs in the field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22/23 Welcome The agricultural industry is never without its challenges and this year its blackgrass that has again reared its ugly head. One solution is early harvest of the contaminated crop. With the increased number of anaerobic digesters in the UK – 138 plants Jeremy Wiggins currently operational and a further 341 Manager, in development, the early whole-cropping Sales and MarketingCLAAS UK of cereals such as wheat and rye has become a more viable option for many growers. To this end at CLAAS we have seen a recent increase in the demand for wholecrop headers which can cope with harvesting the contaminated crop eradicating return of the seeds to the soil, with the crop then supplying an AD plant. Looking to harvest, combine deliveries are now a major priority as crops appear to be a good week ahead. Our Logistics department works tirelessly to ensure that our customers have their combines delivered to farm in good time and that everyone has the harvesting capacity they require. CLAAS combine operator training is also in full swing across the UK and at the CLAAS Academy at Saxham, ensuring that everyone gets the very best performance from their machine. We have also been busy attending a number of key events across the country. Grassland at Stoneleigh was very well attended. We were blessed (just in time) with a great couple of days weather for demonstrating our expanding line up of green harvest equipment and tractors to an enthusiastic crowd. The Royal Highland Show remains the premier show in Scotland and for our customers in the North and the CLAAS stand welcomed customers old and new for a chat and a cup of coffee. Finally, a very big thank to all our students who have done a sterling job for us this year, supporting our dealerships across the UK and Ireland. We hope that they have enjoyed their placement year and learnt more about CLAAS and the business in general, and that when they graduate they return to the industry to follow a career in agriculture. Lets all hope the good weather continues and I wish you a successful and trouble free harvest. Kind regards Jeremy Wiggins Sales and Marketing Manager CLAAS UK Ltd Scan the QR code with your smart phone to connect to the CLAAS UK website 13 www.claas.co.uk 10 19 3 100,000 tractors in 10 years The CLAAS tractor division reached a major milestone when the 100,000th CLAAS tractor to be built since production started in 2003, recently rolled off the assembly line at the Le Mans tractor factory. This year it is 10 years since the first CLAAS tractors arrived in the UK, following the formation of the CLAAS Tractor division a year earlier. any other manufacturer. At the same time, the range has grown from five to nine ranges with power outputs from 75hp to 525hp. The intervening years have seen CLAAS tractors becoming well established throughout the UK, and CLAAS has been one of the few manufacturers to enjoy a consistent increase in sales and market share. Le Mans is responsible for building tractors from the 75hp AXOS 310 up to the largest standard CLAAS tractor, the 410hp AXION 950 and currently over 13,000 tractors a year are produced there. Just how far CLAAS has progressed in 10 years is evident in the fact that over that time, each model has been replaced nearly two-and-a-half times, more than 4 Since taking over the tractor plant from Renault 10 years ago, over €400 million has been invested both in product Research and Development and also in developing the tractor production facilities. In 2008, a new assembly line for cabs was built, with a new paint shop set up two years later and in mid-2012, a new testing and validation centre in Trangé went into service. Thanks to its proximity to the assembly plant, this new facility at Trangé allows CLAAS to work closely with the Product Development, Industrial Production and Service teams at CLAAS Tractor. CLAAS TractorTimes / Summer 2014 CLAAS made its latest large investment in the development and production of a new automatic transmission for the ARION 500 and 600 series. This transmission, which was developed and manufactured by CLAAS Industrietechnik (CIT) based at Paderborn, has been co-developed by CLAAS Tractor. CLAAS has been developing and building tractors for 10 years now and what the company has achieved over that time is impressive. Thirty-four models have been developed, covering a power range from 72 to 524 hp and all tailored to modern agriculture. The leading role that CLAAS now has in the development of modern, well designed tractors is exemplified in the new AXION 800, which was recently awarded ‘Machine of the Year 2014’, ‘Tractor of the Year 2014’, Gold at the iF Product Design awards 2014, and “Best value” in its class in the DLG PowerMix Test. However, it should be remembered that CLAAS’ association with tractors did not just start in 2003, but goes right back to the 1950s with the development of the HUCKLEPACK tool carrier which was designed for use with a wide range of attachments and configurations. Taking this concept a stage further, in the 1960s CLAAS started work in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz on the HSG and Mercedes went on to launch the MB Trac. CLAAS restarted work in 1978 on a totally new systems tractor, code named Project 207 which was eventually unveiled as the XERION in November 1993. The original HUCKLEPACK tool carrier from the 1950’s. The CLAAS Tractor timeline: 1950 HUCKLEPACK developed 1960 Work on the HSG with Mercedes-Benz 1978 Project 207 launched 1993 XERION launched 2003 CLAAS acquire majority share in Renault Agriculture 2004 CLAAS CELTIS, ARES and ATLES ranges arrive in UK XERION 3300 launched NECTIS narrow width tractors launched 2006 New 163-260hp AXION range launched 2007 ARION 600 and 500 range introduced with hp from 112-155 AXION CMATIC with infinitely variable transmission launched 2007 XERION 3800 added to the range 2008 AXOS range replaces CELTIS 2009 Smaller 90-125hp ARION 400 range introduced New XERION 4500 and 5000 announced Narrow-width NEXOS and compact ELIOS ranges announced 2011 New 280-410hp AXION 900 range announced 2012 New TIER 4i ARION 600/500 range introduced 2013 AXION 800 announced at SIMA and wins ‘Tractor of the Year’ EQ200 infinitely variable transmission developed 2014 Watch this space! 5 Royal award winners One of the busiest areas at the recent Suffolk Show was the Farm Discovery Zone, a new area designed to educate children on the importance of agriculture. A highlight for many of the children was the announcement of the results of the new Suffolk Farming School of the Year competition, with the winners amazed to find that they would be receiving their award from Prince Harry. As part of the competition, which is for Key Stage 2. The children had to make a model combine from recycled food packaging and give a short presentation on what they had learnt about agriculture over the course of the competition. The entries from schools throughout the county were narrowed down to just three, with the panel of judges, including CLAAS UK CEO Trevor Tyrrell, finally declaring Saxmundham Primary School the winner’s. Part of their prize will also include a visit to CLAAS UK at Saxham. The runners-up were Stanton and Orford primary schools. with displays and activities so that children could learn all about farming and the journey their food takes from field to plate. A popular exhibit was the latest CLAAS LEXION 780TT combine, alongside which was parked a CLAAS SUPER from the 1930s to show how farming has advanced over the years. The Discovery Zone itself was packed Wedding bells Karen Presland and James Watson invited a CLAAS ARION 640 to be their ‘guest of honour’ at their recent wedding at Fornham, Bury St. Edmunds. Married on Saturday 14th June, 2014, Karen has worked for MANNS at Saxham for the past 16 years. James has worked for MANNS over the past 6 years. 6 Both are now hard back at work at MANNs after their wonderful day. We wish them the very best of luck for the future. CLAAS TractorTimes / Summer 2014 Combine competition winners As part of our 100 Year celebrations, we set about trying to find both the oldest CLAAS combine in the UK and Ireland and the oldest CLAAS combine that commercially harvests more than 2.0ha. Run in conjunction with Classic Tractor magazine, the responses from the competition came flooding in. It was amazing to learn of how many classic and vintage CLAAS combines are still in regular use each harvest. The winner of the oldest CLAAS combine was just down the road from Saxham at Woolpit, where Stephen Proctor owns a 1948 CLAAS SUPER trailed combine. In addition to a commemorative plaque and a model vintage combine, he received a cheque for £500, which he very kindly donated to the Rainbow Children’s Ward in Bury St Edmunds Hospital. The winner of the oldest commercial working combine was Peter Jeden, who Stephen Proctor (left) recieves his prize from Paul Moss at the Suffolk Show. still uses a 1961 CLAAS COLUMBUS to harvest his crops at Tain in Ross-Shire. Congratulations to them and many thanks to all those who entered the competition. Helmut Claas honoured Helmut Claas has been awarded the highest honour in American equipment manufacturing. His induction into the Hall of Fame of the American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) association recognises his lifetime’s work and achievements. Helmut Claas joins the ranks of other founders and leaders of companies, such as Benjamin Holt (founder of Caterpillar), Joseph Cyril Bamford (JCB) and Jerome Increase Case (J I Case). Dr Theo Freye receives the plaque of honour on behalf of Helmut Claas from Stu Levenik (AEM President and President of the Caterpillar Group). LAMMA winner Richard Edgeley, pictured here with his son Hugh and granddaughter, receives his prize of £1000 worth of CLAAS oils and lubricants from Richard Vaughan, which he won having entered a prize draw run by COMBINE WORLD at LAMMA in January. 7 Busy Grassland The CLAAS UK demonstration plot again proved one of the major attractions at this year’s Grassland & Muck. CLAAS had one of the main 3.2ha plots, with a total of 18 CLAAS tractors working, from the smallest ELIOS up to the AXION 900, demonstrating the full range of CLAAS forage harvesting equipment. Highland sunshine The Royal Highland Show again proved a great success, with the CLAAS stand busy on all days, helped by the great weather. On the stand was the complete range range of CLAAS machinery, including the new, award winning AXION 800 which attracted particular attention. Glastonbury calling ... It wouldn’t be Glastonbury if there wasn’t a bit of mud, so in anticipation of this a fleet of six CLAAS tractors will again be on hand to keep traffic moving, manned by Wells & Glastonbury Young Farmers Club. 8 The tractors have been hired from local dealer Vaughan Agri, and will be located around the main site and in the car parks. CLAAS TractorTimes / Summer 2014 More than just a steering terminal The new CLAAS S7 and S10 control terminals will be the standard control terminals for all CLAAS steering systems, and can provide far greater functionality. Both terminals support all the driving modes that CLAAS offers and can be used with either steering valve technology or the GPS PILOT FLEX steering wheel. The standard dual frequency receiver for the different correction signals from EGNOS to RTK is now integrated in the housing, which means that antennas do not need to be repositioned when switching to another correction signal. As standard they work with EGNOS; OMNISTAR, BASELINE and RTK corrections and GLONASS reception can be activated via the terminal menu if desired. For those who just want a terminal for setting-up and operating their GPS steering, then the new S7 is ideal. With its 7-inch touch screen, this incorporates the latest technology and the simple operation makes it quick and easy to use. The new S10 terminal, which features a considerably larger 10.4” touchscreen, provides a greater range of functionality so is perfect for those who want to use the terminal to control additional functions. The S10 can also be used to control ISOBUS implements, so the touch screen can be used to display either individual application screens, one full-screen image from a single camera, three screens of different applications, or all four camera images at the same time. Comprehensive reference line management and SECTION VIEW are also available (section width control display) and the S10 can also be enhanced to offer many other functions through the use of additional modules. The new S7 terminal (above) is ideal for those who will only use it for steering. The S10 (below) offers greater functionality and is ISOBUS compatible. AUTO TURN automatic headland control also features a number of new functions. The adaptive AB contour, for example, rerecords existing AB contours in sections, such as when travelling round obstacles. Another feature that makes work easier is the favourites menu and users can also design their own main menu and set it to show up to eight of the functions they use the most. ➲ Weblink 9 “I can’t fault the S3 terminal” GPS steering provides benefits both operationally and physically for the operator. As a result, this means that Pickering Contractors intend to spec RTK as a matter of course as they replace their tractors. The last few years have seen considerable expansion for Robert Pickering and his son Matthew. Traditionally the company, which also farms and contract farms, has provided an arable contracting service for farmers in the Gainsborough area, but the development of a number of AD plants in North Lincolnshire has opened the door to new opportunities. Working with neighbouring contractor David Fox, the Pickering’s are already establishing and harvesting crops for four AD plants and by the end of next year this number will have doubled. “As arable contractors we had a short season and we were keen to expand. AD fits in well and has stretched our season. The workload has doubled, but the extra investment needed has only been for attachments,” explains Robert. “However, whilst it’s great to add operations like mowing and drilling maize, the sheer hours the drivers do each season is also increasing, so having steering on the tractors helps them increase output and makes their job as easy as possible.” Spearheading the Pickering’s tractor fleet, which is supplied by Marsh, are two XERION 3800s with full steering, controlled using S3 terminals and an RTK signal from the CLAAS network. An older XERION 3300 uses RTK controlled with a CEBIS MOBILE terminal, shared with an ARION 640, and a second ARION 640 has a simple Outback lightbar guidance system. Robert is the first to admit that he was not initially sure about the benefits of GPS steering when Matthew fitted a system to his tractor. “It was funny that after he had driven my tractor and I had showed him how to use the GPS steering, by the following week he had it fitted to his own tractor,” quips Matthew. 10 “As contractors you want everything to look right. Whilst we initially got a steering system for accuracy when drilling, we now use it for virtually everything,” says Robert. “However, one of the biggest advantages for me is that when you go home after a long day you are still awake. You don’t realise quite how tiring concentrating on following a line is, so by removing that strain you are far more relaxed.” “Also during the autumn the tractors are often cultivating 24 hours. Having steering makes the job far easier and we can be confident that they are doing just as good a job at night as they would during the day. Also the wider the implement, the more you need steering.” For the Pickering’s, one of the great benefits of the S3 terminal, which has now been replaced by the new S7, is their Robert (left) and Matthew Pickering simplicity and ease of use, ensuring that anyone can quickly set-up and use the steering system. “I can’t fault the S3 terminal,” says Matthew. “It’s very user friendly. We have also found that the whole CLAAS RTK system keeps on improving year on year. We can now work up to 50 miles away with a constant RTK signal.” “The other big advantage of the CLAAS RTK network is that the subscription is cheaper compared to others available in the area, particularly as it is a flat rate for 12 months rather than varying according to use.” CLAAS TractorTimes / Summer 2014 ➲ Weblink Easy-to-use S7 You can’t appreciate the benefits GPS steering brings until you have tried it. And once you have you would never go back to manual steering again states contractor David Fox. David’s first experience of GPS steering was a steering wheel system fitted to a prototype AXION 950 he was given to use in 2010. This was replaced by a pre-series AXION 920 in 2012 fitted with a hydraulic steering system. This in turn was replaced by his current AXION 920 CMATIC, fitted with an S3 based RTK steering system. When David ordered a new TIER 4i ARION 650 CEBIS, he specified this with RTK and the latest S7 control terminal, having seen the benefits of RTK steering on his AXION 920, “I really like the S7 terminal,” says John Street who drives the new ARION 650. “It’s a good clear screen and makes it very easy to set-up your lines and use. The system will fully come into its own when drilling, but so far I have mainly used it when raking. It makes marking out far easier and avoids short work, which in turn will help the forager driver.” Apart from having a larger 7 inch screen, the fact that the S7 terminal can also receive correction signals from the Glonas satellite network will help the terminal maintain accuracy. “RTK steering really comes into its own with root crops. We do a lot of bedforming for potatoes and the accuracy is second to none. Having RTK steering on the tractors takes the pressure off the drivers, so they can just concentrate in the implement. I am sure that it also helps save fuel and certainly results in improved workrates.” David Fox (right) with ARION 650 operator John Street. 11 “It’s simple to operate” A new NEXOS 240 VL has helped Keelings, who are one of Ireland’s largest growers and suppliers of fresh produce, to increase productivity and reduce disease pressure in their historic apple orchards. The Keelings family has been growing fresh produce just north of Dublin since 1896. Originally growing fruit and salads for the Dublin markets, in the 1920’s and ‘30’s cropping was expanded to include rhubarb and strawberries, with the first of their Bramley apple orchards being planted in 1949. The good ground clearance (306mm under the front axle and 330mm under the rear) were a clear advantage to Ian. Other features that appealed were the the standard 540/540 ECO rear PTO and the availability of a factory fitted with a front linkage and integral 1000rpm PTO, plus the four spool valves needed to operate the combination. The cab is fitted with carbon filters so that the tractor can be used for mist blowing. Considerable investment over the past 20 years in state-of-the-art glasshouses means that the Keelings are now also able to supply supermarkets with Irish grown produce such as peppers, tomatoes, aubergines and lilies. Bramley apples still account for the majority of the 40ha grown by the company for supermarkets. All the orchards are hand pruned and as their most powerful fruit tractor, one of the main operations for the new 101hp NEXOS is to power a front-mounted brush working in combination with a rearmounted pulveriser from November through to February. During the spring and early summer the NEXOS will then be used for mist blowing and general haulage work come harvest. “A key factor in choosing the NEXOS was its high ground clearance, as most other fruit tractors we looked at were not high enough to safely clear the prunings in easily clear out small cuttings and old fruit from under the trees, which will help reduce the risk of disease and mildew.” The new NEXOS VL, which is just 1.3m wide, arrived in November, and was supplied by Leinster Farm Machines to replace a 1998 Renault that had clockedup over 10,000 hours. With the orchards spread out over a five mile radius from the company’s base at St Margaret’s near Dublin Airport, another standard feature that Ian appreciates is the tractor’s 40kph road speed. Ian Sheridan case they ride-up. As it is, we have also added some additional guarding underneath just for extra protection,” explains Ian Sheridan who is responsible for machinery operations in the orchard and is the main driver. “Using a front brush in combination with the pulveriser, will enable us to more “The NEXOS is very well equipped for what we need,” states Ian. “For a small tractor the cab with its air-seat is very comfortable and the access is good. On the road it’s very sturdy and having suspension on the front linkage is a great advantage. It’s simple to operate, everything comes to hand well, has plenty of hydraulic power and with the ECO speed rear PTO, to be able to knock the engine speed back to around 1700rpm makes a great difference. All in all we have been extremely pleased with it,” he concludes. ➲ Weblink 12 CLAAS TractorTimes / Summer 2014 ➲ Video ➲ Weblink “Our drivers love the ELIOS” Two 88hp ELIOS 230 tractors have been specially adapted in order to meet the exacting demands of one of Scotland’s largest fruit farms. As you tuck into your strawberries and cream this summer, if the strawberries were bought in M&S, Tesco or Waitrose, then there is a fair chance that they were grown by P J Stirling Fruit Farms. Based near Arbroath, the company grow a total of 65ha of strawberries under tunnels, giving them a harvesting season that lasts from May through to mid-September. P J Stirling has been growing strawberries under standard tunnels since 1996. Having changed to lower Spanish tunnels in the last year, which are stronger and result in an earlier harvest, their low overall height did pose a problem. “The challenge was that our existing tractors were too big,” explains manager Kenny Shellard. “to work in the tunnels we need a tractor that is no higher than about 2.5 metres, but also has to have a maximum ground clearance of about 600mm in order to clear the strawberry beds, and it needs to be no more than 1.8m wide and have a comfortable cab.” Finding such a tractor was no easy challenge. Having gone through all the tractor manufacturers’ specifications and options, Kenny found nothing that exactly met their needs. The only tractor that came close was the ELIOS, but even then the ground clearance was not high enough. However, Peter Stewart at Sellars, Letham was positive that a solution could be found and arranged for a demonstration ELIOS so that Stirling’s could assess the tractor and look at various tyre options. “No other manufacturer did what these guys did,” states Kenny. “I spoke to Peter on the Wednesday and by Friday a tractor was in the yard, so that we could use it in the tunnels and try different tyre options to increase the clearance.” To accommodate wider diameter tyres, but still maintain the lead ratio between the axles and leave clearance under the mudguards, Sellars came up with the solution of adding a drop box and changing the front axle and differential to achieve a different rolling radius. This Kenny Shellard allowed bigger 320-85 R32 tyres to be fitted to the front axle and 380-80R38 tyres on the back in place of the standard R20 and R28 tyres. Due to the amount of work the ELIOS’ will be doing and the long hours they are worked, the tractors have been specified with a number of optional extras including electronic linkage control, air conditioning, an air seat, horizontal exhaust and a three spool block. “The cab on the ELIOS is a nice place to sit and there is plenty of room. Also with a kerb weight of only around three tonnes they are fairly light and will not create too much compaction or churn up the headlands when turning.” “It was very much a case of the two companies working together and the result is ‘bang on’ and the drivers love using them,” states Kenny. “Each tractor will do about 1000 hours a year, mainly spraying and 90 percent of the time they will be in the tunnels, so it was important we got it right.” “The only other solution would have been to go for a cabless tractor and that would have done the job, but the health and safety implications for spraying work would have been a problem, so this was the ideal outcome.” 13 “It’s light, the right horsepower and the price is right” The development of a unique sugar beet hoe and sprayer combination built around an AXOS 340 will enable Hogsbjerg Farms to slash their variable costs. With weed control costs amounting to around £200/ha over the 97ha of sugar beet that Tony Hogsbjerg and his son Aaron grow and manage at Belchamp Walter in Suffolk, they were keen to look at ways to not only reduce their costs, but also achieve better control. The solution has been to invest in a new 12 row Garford Robocrop self-steering hoe. To this they have added a band sprayer system fed by a 500 litre tank mounted on a frame on the front of the new 102hp AXOS 340. This in turn has been fitted with an RTK steering system and RDS variable rate control box to maintain spray rate relative to forward speed. “It makes sense to spray whilst you hoe, because both jobs are done at a similar speed. Whilst similar systems are used in Europe, as far as we know there is no other system like this in the UK and Garford are interested in how well it will work,” explains Aaron. “Weed control can be a nightmare,” adds Tony. “We felt there had to be other ways of achieving similar, if not better control but at less cost. By using this combination of mechanical and chemical weed control, our aim is that depending on the season, in three years out of five we should be able to reduce costs to as little as £50 per hectare.” From their well equipped workshop, the Hogsbjergs have designed the sprayer 14 ➲ Weblink system so that it can be completely removed from the steering hoe and mounted on their Monosem drill instead. Another option will be to take all the tines off the hoe and just use it as a band sprayer. To achieve an optimum spray cone of 16cm, each of the nozzles is angled and as the working height increases during the season, the angle can be altered to maintain the optimum pattern. In addition to fitting the RTK steering system to the tractor, which works in tandem with the steering system on the hoe, Aaron has also fitted a movement sensor on the linkage that automatically shuts off the sprayer when lifted. He has also added a pulser on the wheel to again shut off the sprayer when the tractor stops. A second 35 litre/minute PTO driven pump is used to provide enough oil for the hydraulically powered sprayer, which is fed directly from the tractor’s sump. They have also used spacers to push the 340/85R38-shod rear wheels out to 2.00 metre centres. When it came to a tractor to mount the whole system on, one of the reasons Aaron and Tony Hogsbjerg that the Hogsbjergs chose the AXOS was on account of its simplicity. “This is our first CLAAS tractor, but we have always run CLAAS combines, so we knew the service from Manns would be excellent,” explains Aaron. “For this job you just need a simple, straightforward tractor and with its mechanical controls the AXOS is ideal. Its light, the right horsepower and the price was right. Most other manufacturers want 30% more for tractors that are the same power but have electronic spools and linkage, which we just don’t need. The AXOS is definitely right for the job.” “It’s been a difficult season, but so far it has gone well and I have been able to increase water rates to between 150 to 250 litres according to forward speed. Working at 8kph I can cover around 30ha a day and hopefully between hoeing and spraying we should achieve total control at far less cost.” CLAAS TractorTimes / Summer 2014 ➲ Video ➲ Weblink Neil and Stephen Garrod “It’s reliable, holds its value and economic to run” Simplicity is the key for Neil Garrod and the fact that CLAAS are one of the few manufacturers to offer differing levels of specification is key to his decision to standardise on CLAAS tractors. Neil and his son Stephen like to do everything themselves over the 243 hectares they farm near Ipswich, where all but 12ha is down to combineable crops. Whilst their LEXION 620 is the latest in a long line of CLAAS combines, it is only in the last seven years that the Garrods have changed over to CLAAS tractors, with the arrival this spring of the 158hp TIER 4i ARION 620 CIS completing the change. It joins two other tractors, a 2012 AXION 820 CIS which replaced their first CLAAS ARES 836 tractor bought in 2007, and a 2010 ARION 630 CIS. “There are three things I Iook for in a tractor,” states Neil. “Firstly reliability, secondly back-up and finally comfort. A lot depends on the dealer and we have dealers for all four major brands within 20 miles. But we knew how good the backup from Manns is and having Saxham on the doorstep, if we need anything we know they will have it and we know the people there well.” “But as a company CLAAS seem to be far more progressive. They do listen and pay attention to what their customers want. This is reflected in the fact they still offer the two CIS or CEBIS specification options for tractors, unlike other manufacturers where there is just the one high specification. The CIS specification is perfectly good for us. For what we do and the machinery we have, we don’t want or need things like electronic spools.” further. The whole combination of the cab comfort and the front axle and cab suspension system makes it extremely smooth to drive. The ARION has plenty of power for what we need it to do and it’s also very versatile. It’s light enough for spraying but we can easily weight it up for cultivations. Also, by having the eco speed PTO, for spraying I can run at just 1300 rpm, which helps save fuel.” The new 158hp ARION 620 is driven by Stephen and will mainly be used for spraying, ploughing and drilling with a 6.6m Sulky. As the most powerful tractor on the farm, the AXION 820 is responsible for all the heavy draft work, including ploughing, establishing oilseed rape using a Simba DTX with seeder and general cultivations, whilst the other ARION 630 is used for hedgecutting, power harrowing and fertiliser spreading. The only options added to the ARION’s CIS standard specification were 50kph for road work between their two farms, which are four miles apart, and front axle suspension. Like the other two tractors, the new ARION is also fitted with Michelin AxioBib tyres, which the Garrods have found work well with the tractors and at reduced pressures enable maximum grip, especially when cultivating on their heavy clay soils. “The new ARION 620 is a definite step on from the old ARION in many respects, but especially cab comfort,” says Stephen. “The old ARION is a very good tractor, but CLAAS seem to have upped their game “For what we need, the tractors are ideal. They are reliable, seem to hold their value well, are economical to run and comfortable to drive; they ‘do what they say on the tin’”, sums up Neil. 15 “Competes with the best” A new TIER 4i ARION 640 CEBIS is playing a central role in Bicton College’s Fossil Fuel Free Farming project that was launched last year. Working with partners such as the Dartington Hall Trust and Laverstoke Park, which is owned by ex-F1 driver Jody Scheckter, the Fossil Fuel Free Farming (F3) project has been set-up in order to look at ways in which farming can reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. As part of the project, over the next 10 years the College will be looking to reduce fossil fuel use on its own 200ha farm near Budleigh Salterton in Devon by at least 10% a year. “A key part in achieving that will be to make use of the latest technology available,” explains farm manager James Drury. “We will be keen to forge links with companies such as CLAAS and to look and assess new developments.” The arrival of the new ARION 640 CEBIS this spring was one of the first steps in the College farm’s drive to achieve this aim and was specifically chosen by James on account of the tractor’s high fuel efficiency. To further ensure optimum fuel use, the tractor has been specified with RTK steering, using a BASELINE mobile base station. At the same time, Hamblys also supplied the College with a new DISCO 3200FC mower, VOLTO 52 tedder, LINER 2600 rake and a VARIANT 385RC baler. “In the past the College has relied on contractors so silage, but there was minimal student involvement in what for many of them will be a key operation. The deal that CLAAS and Hamblys have put together means we can now make all our own silage, so we will have more control over quality and by making bales this will be easier for feeding outwintered stock in the fields.” Alex Tapp from Hamblys (right) who is an ex-Bicton student, hands over the keys for the ARION 640 CEBIS to Bicton College principle David Henley (left) and farm manager James Drury. “Having run ARION tractors in the past, I knew they are a good tractor and that the dealer service and back-up would be good. But I have been extremely impressed by the performance of the new ARION 640. It has done everything I expected of it and is a mile apart from not only the old ARION but also the darker green competition. You can’t compare the two. With the new ARION, CLAAS without doubt have a range to compete with the best.” “It has so far only done about 350 hours, but that has been hard work on some steep ground mainly handling a 5-furrow plough at 95cm centres, drilling, mowing and baling but combined fuel consumption has averaged just 12.8 litres/hour.” “The ARION is a resource that will be shared with the teaching side and it is important that Level 3 students are introduced and learn about this kind of technology and that we can demonstrate to students how costly overlaps can be at today’s input costs.” ➲ Video ➲ Weblink 16 By opting for the higher CEBIS specification, which James comments is no more difficult to operate than an I Phone, and RTK steering, not only will the tractor be best equipped to achieve optimum performance, but it will also act as a valuable teaching aid. “The ARION is ideal for what we do. Not only is it fuel efficient, but it never lacks for power or grip on our steep hills and cab comfort due to the front axle and cab suspension is incredible.” The first job for the new ARION 640 CEBIS was drilling spring barley for Somerset Levels flood victim James Winslade, whose land was submerged to depths of 10ft. CLAAS TractorTimes / Summer 2014 “It’s the little things that make the difference” Michael Parrish traded in his old ARION 640 CIS for a new TIER 4i ARION 650 CEBIS, and was delighted that over the five years he had it, the ARION only lost £6.66/hour in value – a figure, he says, that is hard to beat. “When Olivers sold my father and I the ARION, they assured us that the tractor would do us well, and they were spot on,” states Michael. “It was a good tractor and apart from routine servicing we never had to lay a spanner on it. But for it then to only lose £16,000 over the five years and 2,500 hours - you can’t argue with that.” Having worked as an agricultural consultant, since returning five years ago to run the 263ha farm near Shefford in Bedfordshire, Michael has gradually builtup his machinery fleet and taken more jobs back in-house. In addition to his own 222ha of arable crops, Michael also works closely with his cousin nearby, which gives him an additional 182ha of contract work. He also does contract trailer work for neighbouring onion and vegetable growers. One of the main reasons for buying the new 184hp ARION 650 CEBIS has been the decision to invest in a sprayer, and Michael has bought a new Knight Trailblazer sprayer for use on his own and his cousin’s crops. “With the spraying work, the new ARION 650 will do far more work than the old 640, and it will be used for both cultivating and top-work. I have had it fitted with Michelin 650 Multibibs as I got on very well with those on the old ARION, plus I have kept the narrow wheels for spraying. Also, compared to other tractors, it is noticeable how good the ground clearance is on the ARION, which is ideal in oilseed rape.” Another item carried across for the old ARION is the steering system, which is used in conjunction with RTK for both cultivations and spraying. “The old ARION 640 was a good tractor, but comparing the two it is noticeable how much more refined the new ARION 650 is. The cab, especially, is superb. The visibility is fantastic and I love the CMOTION control - it’s so easy to use and what you can do with it is amazing,” says Michael, who has also taken out a 4,000 hour, four year MAXI-CARE cover to fix his costs. “The engine is very responsive and even though its a slightly higher horsepower, you can tell there is more torque, as it pulls a lot better. )n general work it has only been averaging 10 litres an hour.” Michael Parrish But he adds that it’s also the little things that he likes, such as the space for the toolbox under the steps which avoids having it in the cab and the pressure release levers for the hydraulics, he says, which are such a simple idea. Also the ability he has with CEBIS to be able to individually set-up the electronic spool valves, and having both linkage and hydraulic top-link control buttons on the mudguards makes hitching on machinery extremely easy. “The old ARION was brilliant, but however good the ARION is, ultimately it is also down to the support you receive from the dealer and Olivers are excellent. They are a good solid company, a pleasure to deal with and are an important part of the running of the farm.” ➲ Video ➲ Weblink 17 Smooth running lugging power One of the first of the new ‘Tractor of the Year’ award winning AXION 800’s has been delivered to William and Robert Hays’ farm near Turriff in Aberdeenshire. It replaces an old 8500-hour Renault and another fast tractor used for spraying. It will work alongside two older 232hp AXIONs, which have so far clocked-up 3500 and 4500 hours. For both the brothers and operator Willie Still, one of the most noticeable differences between the old and new AXION is the performance of the FPT TIER 4 engine in the new AXION 840 compared to the DPS in the old AXION’s. “The new AXION may be heavier and more powerful, but the engine is more responsive and has far greater ‘lugging’ power,” comments Robert. “It quite happily sits at around 1100 to 1200 rpm and will just keep pulling up hills. If we tried that with the old AXIONs they would just die. And whilst we don’t monitor fuel, it does certainly seem to be more economical.” With most of the 340ha farm down to cereals, one of the main jobs for the new AXION is primary cultivations using a Simba SL400 and then drilling with a 4.0m Horsh Sprinter. The other main job will be spreading poultry muck from the farm’s 70,000 broiler chickens and 76,000 laying hens in colony and free range systems. To ensure a plentiful hydraulic oil supply for the drill, the AXION 840 has been specified with the higher capacity 150 litre hydraulic system. They have added the full lighting package. Like the other two AXIONs, the AXION 840 also has RTK guided steering using the CLAAS GPS PILOT terminal. For operator Willie Still one of the biggest changes is the comfort of the four-pillar cab. “The cab is really comfortable, very quiet and easy to get into thanks to the folding steering wheel. Overall visibility is excellent, especially to the back with the curved rear screen. Compared to the CEBIS on the old AXION, the colour screen is easier to see and very logical to set-up and use. Also having the linkage buttons at the front and rear is a great help when connecting machines.” “Whilst the transmission is basically the same, it’s far smoother and the (CMOTION) control is easy to use. I also really like having the braked front axle as Operator Willie Still (centre) with Robert (left) and William Hay not only is it safer but makes stopping effortless.” Although they did consider other makes, it was the support and service that they receive from local dealer Bruce Farm Machinery that also played an important part in the Hays’ decision to stay with CLAAS tractors. “Between the three AXIONs, they can all mix and match and do everything,” states Robert. “It’s early days; the AXION arrived in March and has only done 300 hours, but so far we have been very impressed with it. It’s an extremely good tractor and a big change from the old AXION.” ➲ Video ➲ Weblink 19 “Extra power has boosted output by 20%” The first AXION 900 series tractor to be sold in Scotland has helped revolutionise drilling over the 1592ha managed by Robert Drysdale, enabling more consistent results and a 20% increase in daily output. Robert Drysdale and operator Iain Turner The undulating terrain over the three farms run by Farmcare at Monymusk in Aberdeenshire soaks up power. Of the total area, 1333ha is down to arable crops drilled using a 6.0m Horsch Pronto. So greater horsepower was high on Robert’s wish list when his previous drilling tractor, a 268hp AXION 850, came due for replacement. “The hills meant the AXION 850 was always on its limit with the drill,” states Robert. “I had an AXION 950 on demonstration and you could see just how much easier it made drilling because it could maintain an even speed up and down hills. It could also pull a full drill on the steeper ground instead of half filling it to get up the slope.” Having looked at a number of other makes, Robert eventually opted for a 380hp AXION 940 CMATIC, which has now done over 1000 hours. “The main reasons for choosing it were the overall design of the tractor, which I thought was very good, and Iain who would drive the tractor also liked it. I also knew we would get good support from Sellars, which is important as it is a key machine.” 20 Robert has also taken out MAXI CARE for the AXION 940, which will also fix his costs and also points out that the extended service interval of 600 hours is a bonus that helps to minimise downtime. The tractor has also been fitted with RTK guidance using a CLAAS GPS PILOT screen and options also included Xenon work lights. “Having the extra power has boosted daily output by around 20%, but also resulted in more even germination and a consistent depth when cultivating. It’s important we finish drilling by the first week of October and with a large area of spring barley to drill, that extra 20% makes a considerable difference and frees up time for other jobs that need doing.” Iain Turner who drives the AXION 940, has ➲ Video ➲ Weblink been particularly impressed with the cab comfort, the all-round visibility that its 4pillar design provides and the ease with which the tractor can be set-up and operated. “The old AXION 850 was a good tractor to drive, but when we had the new AXION on demo you could see there was a big difference. The visibility is superb, everything you need is at your fingertips and the vario gearbox is extremely smooth. The engine pulls well and never dies.” “The old AXION 850 would always be at maximum revs, roaring its head off and at its limit, but the AXION 940’s extra power just makes it far more relaxing to drive. For drilling, having set CRUISE PILOT it will just sit at 1300 to 1350 rpm even on the hills. As a result, although it’s a bigger, more powerful tractor it does not seem to be using as much fuel, and on something like ploughing the AdBlue only needs topping up every three to four days.” Iain adds that the intuitive design of CEBIS and the CMOTION control makes it very simple and quick to set-up and store the headland control, alter the hydraulic flow rates and to change the sensitivity of the transmission for different operations. “But it’s the small details like the ease with which the radiators can be swung up for servicing and the toolbox store under the steps. I particularly like the rails in the cab for mounting control boxes and the fact that there are plenty of sockets. It’s a very simple idea but far better than having to weld-up something.” CLAAS TractorTimes / Summer 2014 A hard act to follow ➲ Video ➲ Weblink When it came to replacing his faithful old FW 60 Automatic, having looked at various options, Ben Whittles felt that the XERION 4500 best met his needs and has been very pleased with its performance. One of the great strengths of the FW60 was the fact that whilst its 14 litre engine developed over 400hp, the tractor only weighed 13 tonnes, making it ideal for use on Ben’s easily compacted soils. However, having decided at 12,000 hours that it was time to retire the tractor, finding a suitable replacement proved a challenge. “Our soils are what are referred to locally as ‘minute land’,” explains Ben, who farms 526ha at Upton Magna near Shrewsbury. “One minute they are fine, the next they are not. In some fields I have up to seven different recognised soil types and typically the soil is low in organic matter, difficult to handle and easily compacted.” “Its man’s land and autumn cultivations have to be quick because once you get beyond September you will have problems. So for cultivations I am looking for a tractor with plenty of power to quickly cover the ground whilst minimising compaction. the front or rear axle to ensure the optimum balance is achieved for the task being undertaken. I have also had it fitted with 900/62R42 tyres so it is as light as possible on the ground whilst optimising traction.” With its 12,500 cc Caterpillar engine developing 483hp, Ben adds that the XERION has more than enough power to ensure that he can cover the ground quickly, to aerate the soil at depth and allow it to breath to ensure good root establishment. “With minimal labour on the farm, the aim is that the XERION can crack on and cover at least 20-30 ha a day so that we can then get the crops drilled in about 12 to 15 days in optimum conditions, finishing wheat drilling by the end of September.” “Timeliness is everything, so, with no spare capacity, reliability and back up service is vital. With the XERION, it is the complete package in terms of buying into the service and support that both Morris Corfield and CLAAS offer that is crucial.” In operation, Ben has been extremely impressed both by how comfortable the XERION is but also how easy it is to operate. “Morris Corfield set the XERION up beautifully. The CVT transmission is fantastic and so easy to use. It’s also great on the road. Even with the big tyres it is only 3.3m wide and despite its size it’s very versatile, I have been surprised by how handy it is when corn carting with an 18 tonne trailer.” “However, the biggest benefit has to be its fuel economy. Whilst most high horsepower tractors tend to use a lot of fuel, when set-up correctly the XERION, even when working at full depth, was running at just 1500rpm with 10 to 15 percent wheel slip and using up to 12 litres per hectare less than other tractors we tried.” Rubber tracked crawler tractors were immediately ruled out due to their lack of versatility, poor traction on greasy soils and the fact that when lifting heavy implements, too much weight is transferred to the rear of the tractor, causing smearing and compaction on the headlands. Having ruled out tracks, whilst there is a good selection of wheeled tractors developing over 360hp, the main problem with virtually all of them was that they tipped the scales at circa 20 tonnes. “The XERION 4500 was the only tractor that came close to the FW60 in terms of weight. I like the fact that you can easily add weight if you need it. The XERION is designed so that weight can be added to Ben Whittles “Of all the tractors I looked at, the XERION was the only one that felt ‘right’ and best met my needs. It was the only one to come close to the old FW60.” 21 ➲ Video ➲ Weblink The SCORPION 6030 at work in the sandpit. “Improving on the unbeatable” A key part in the development of any CLAAS machine is to get final pre-series machines out on farm, so that the design and production teams can get valuable feedback from users prior to final production. Over the past year a number of pre-series SCORPION telescopic handlers have been at work in the UK, including a SCORPION 7044 and 6030 with Stewart Innes in Scotland and a SCORPION 7035 with Noel Marsh in Dorset. Running five telescopic handlers, including four CLAAS SCORPIONs, each of which clock-up around 2,500 hours a year, Stewart Innes was a natural choice to run a new pre-series SCORPION 7044 VP which has a 122hp Tier 4 engine,. Stewart expects his telescopic handlers to work hard. With a total of 1500 dairy cows, split between two herds yielding 10,500 litres and housed all year round on the 1173ha farm, their working day starts a 4.00am and the SCORPIONs will be in use in all weathers seven days a week. “It’s fair to say that the handlers are out more or less 24/7 and I will look to keep them until they are around four years old and have done 10,000 hours,” he says. “The old SCORPION 7040 is an extremely good machine; I would go so far as to say that the last two 7040s are probably the best two machines we have ever run on the farm. Also the support and service from Sellars has been fantastic.” Whilst he says the SCORPION 7040 will be a hard act to follow, having now clocked up 2,000 hours with the new SCORPION 7044 VP Stewart has been so impressed with the new machine, that he has now also taken delivery of a smaller frame pre-series 122hp SCORPION 6030 VP. The SCORPION 7044 loads 90 tonnes of feed a day 22 Stewart Innes “The engine on the SCORPION 7044 is very responsive, it’s better on the road and the power to weight ratio seems exceptionally good. There is a lot of power and grip, it has a plenty of pushing power and fuel wise it seems very good for the work it is doing.” “However, what I am really impressed by is the little things they have done. Having the new storage boxes cast into the rear weight block is such a simple idea and very clever. You wonder why no-one has thought of that before as they are ideal for chains and straps which otherwise clutter up the cab. Also the operating modes in SMART HANDLING make loading very simple.” “The curvey glass in the cab has always been a strong selling point, but the new cab is a far better space. The new joystick control is very comfortable and easy to use, and the overall layout of the buttons is far neater. Having 360 degree lighting is excellent for the winter.” CLAAS TractorTimes / Summer 2014 Whilst it has only done 600 hours, Stewart has been no less impressed with the new SCORPION 6030 which, he says, is a little power house. “Compared to the old version, the new SCORPION 6030 is twice the machine. It’s fantastic. It’s quick on the road, very responsive and seems to have far more power. It’s great to drive.” The new 7.0 metre SCORPION 7044 and an older 7040 are based on the main farm near Nairn. Here, their main job is loading the 90 tonnes of feed into the mixer wagon each day for the 900-cow herd. The narrower 6.0m SCORPION 6030 and a second 6030 are based on the second 600-cow unit that uses sand for bedding, with 50 tonnes a week being dug out from the farm’s own sandpit. “I am impressed. The few things that needed changing on the old SCORPIONs have been done and to pick-out the very few bits I would change on either of the new SCORPIONs really would be nitpicking,” concludes Stewart. Impressive SCORPION 7035 Noel Marsh, who has a 300-cow organic dairy herd and is also Chairman of the Dairy Crest Organic Group, has been putting a pre-series SCORPION 7035VP through its paces on his 320ha farm near Dorchester. The SCORPION 7035 replaces a ‘10 plate SCORPION 7044 which, over its 5,500 hours, Noel says, was faultless. Everryone who drove it just loved it and it made a welcome change after a problematic pivot steer machine. The new SCORPION 7035 has only been on the farm a couple of months, so whilst it is early days, Noel and his team have so far been very impressed with the power and comfort that the small frame, 7.0m reach SCORPION provides. “It’s a job to improve on what is already a very good machine, but they have. The old SCORPION 7044 was pretty well unbeatable,” says Noel. “One of the original reasons for changing to CLAAS was Vaughan Agri and the service and support that they provide for what is a key machine on the farm. With CLAAS you know they will listen. We have already had a couple of visits from the factory and I am sure they will take on board the suggestions we have made.” For Neil Dennis, who mainly operates the SCORPION 7035, one of the biggest improvements is the cab. “It’s bigger and wider so there is plenty of space and the ventilation is good. I like the new layout for the controls, which is a lot better and the colour coding makes the SCORPION very easy to use,” comments Neil. “Also little things like having the greasers all in one bank make servicing very easy.” Tom and Noel Marsh “I like having the option of three driving ranges. Tortoise is ideal for getting around the yard and general work, but for rolling the clamp I used it in Snail mode, so it had plenty of power for climbing.” it’s not only more precise, but because you know the grab will stay dead level and go back to the same position, means you can concentrate more on manoeuvring,” he states. Even when turned out, the 300-cow herd, which averages around 7,700 litres, is still buffer fed, so one of the main jobs for the new SCORPION is loading the mixer wagon, which does up to four mixes a day. One of the most useful new features for Neil is therefore the bucket mode within SMART HANDLING. “This means “For a 7.0m reach machine, the 7035 is really compact. It’s a size that suits us and having changed our feeding system, the new SCORPION will be doing at least around 1800 hours a year. Overall it’s a very good machine and definitely an improvement on the old SCORPION,” concludes Noel. ➲ Video ➲ Weblink Powered by a 122hp TIER 4i engine, Neil is impressed by how much power this gives the SCORPION 7035 VP, especially for jobs such as pushing up and loading dung, or when using it to roll the clamp. 23 TractorTimes is published for CLAAS UK Ltd by Four Seasons Publicity Ltd.
© Copyright 2026 Paperzz