Press releases

First launched 15 years ago, the CLAAS LEXION set a new standard for high output harvesting. The use of innovative technology to automate routine functions has set an industry benchmark by which other combines are compared. 

The CLAAS philosophy of using modern technology to aid driver efficiency, and hence improve overall productivity, is at the core of the new CLAAS LEXION range for 2011. 

Two new model ranges have been introduced - the LEXION 600 range which features a combination of the APS primary threshing system with five- or six- straw walkers and the LEXION 700 featuring the unique Hybrid combination of the APS primary system in unison with twin rotors for the residual grains – the APS HYBRID. 

Outwardly the only main change is the addition of a new spacious, high specification cab, but under the panels the new LEXION models incorporate a host of new features including:

All these new features mean that the latest LEXION range is faster, more productive and economical compared to current models.

The new LEXION model range:

High specification cab

One of the keys to getting the most out of a combine is operator comfort and to provide an even higher level of comfort, the new LEXION features the spacious, high specification cab already used on the JAGUAR and XERION.

In addition to increased space within the cab, the wider cab means that the cleared screen area is now 20% greater, so providing enhanced visibility. Inside the cab, there is now a larger grain tank window and as standard it comes with climate control and a seat that independently adjusts to the driver’s weight and dampens vibrations by up to 40%

Options include the availability of a low frequency heated and ventilated seat and a Xenon lighting package that is fully automated using CEBIS. 

To help make operating the combine as easy as possible, the latest LEXION range features the new EASY (Efficient Agriculture Systems) concept which aims to co-ordinate all the on-board setting, steering and monitoring functions in order to help the operator gain optimum performance and benefit from all these functions. 

The CEBIS unit itself now comes with a colour 8.5 inch wide screen and incorporates a flashcard reader, plus there is space to store up to 20 different personalised crop settings. A new feature is the ‘hotkey’ function which provides quick and easy access to a wide range of operational settings and functions. 

A new feature specific to the LEXION 700 Hybrid combines is the CEMOS machine optimisation system, which won a Gold Medal at Agritechnica. Using a second removable console that can be used for a variety of applications, such as the GPS PILOT steering system, CEMOS is an interactive guide that enables the operator to actively question their machine settings and to look at alternatives they might not ordinarily consider in order to boost output without compromising quality. To achieve this, CEMOS evaluates 50 different parameters covering 11 criteria and once the operator has asked CEMOS for recommendations, they will be able to immediately see if that change will have a positive or negative impact and then either accept or reject it. 

Specific to the LEXION 770, 760, 750 and 670 is the new CRUISE PILOT II system. Once activated, CRUISE PILOT II will monitor the volume of crop entering the combine, engine load and also grain loss to ensure that the required throughput is maintained for greater overall productivity.

Constant pressure hydraulics

One of the most noticeable new features on the LEXION 700 and 600 combines will be the use of a constant pressure, load-sensing hydraulic system. The benefit to the operator is a 50% increase in hydraulic reaction time, especially to functions such as AUTO-CONTOUR and lateral levelling which is some 200% faster, so enabling work at faster operating speeds.  

To achieve this, working pressure has been increased from 180 bar to 200 bar and the pump volume is 50% greater at 120 litres/minute. Steering pressure has been increased to 175 bar making the overall operation of the combine far smoother. An additional benefit is that the oil change period is increased to 1000 hours.

Quick on the road

A combine only earns its keep when it’s harvesting crops in the field, so the less time it spends turning or on the road the better. 

As standard, the road speed on the new LEXION 770, 760, 750 and 670 has been increased to 30kph, which is a 20% increase on the current LEXION 580 and 570 models. 

The benefits that TERRA TRACs provide in terms of reduced compaction, greater traction and providing a level platform for the cutterbar are well proven. 

The new Generation III TERRA TRACs fitted to the LEXION 770 and 750 models feature independent hydro-pneumatic suspension of the drive wheel and support rollers to further reduce shock loading. As a result, both field compaction and cab vibration have been reduced by 30% and stability enhanced at higher road speeds. 

Currently, one of the most popular models for contractors and farmers faced with a lot of roadwork is the LEXION 570 TERRA TRAC on account of its narrow road width. In recognition of this, its new replacement, the 3.30m wide LEXION 750 TERRA TRAC goes one further with the option of a new 40kph transmission, making this the fastest combine on the road. 

On wheeled models, CLAAS is also now able to offer the new Michelin CerexBib tyre which has been developed exclusively for the LEXION and provides a 22% increase in contact area compared to a similar sized standard tyre, so providing the floatation benefits of a larger tyre, but without the greater transport width.

Higher capacity

To ensure that there is more than sufficient power under peak loading, the new LEXION range is fitted with the latest Caterpillar or Mercedes (LEXION 770 and 760) engines, which on some models provide an increase in power output. However this is not at the expense of fuel consumption, as the engine rated speed of these engines is up to 400 rpm lower, so reducing consumption and hence running costs. 

To keep working time to a maximum, the fuel tank capacity has also been increased, with the result that the harvesting day has been lengthened by at least two hours, and up to five hours on certain models. 

Other new features across the range include a new design of chaff spreader, higher capacity unloading systems on larger models and an enhanced lighting package for night time working. 

Added to this there is the option of the full range of CLAAS GPS PILOT automatic steering systems and the unique TELEMATICS web-based combine and output monitoring system. 

Overall, through the use of modern engine, electric and hydraulic power systems, combined with the development of enhanced operator control systems and a superb working environment, in the new LEXION combine range CLAAS has created a new range that now sets an even higher standard for high output, cost-efficient harvesting.

New positive drive VARIO 1050

Following the introduction of the 12m wide VARIO 1200 cutterbar last year, many of its features have now been incorporated into the latest version of the 10.5m wide VARIO 1050. 

Already featuring a split reel and cross auger, the new VARIO 1050 now also incorporates a divided knife bar, which provides a higher cutting frequency. The diameter of the cross auger itself has now been increased to 660mm and incorporates anti-wrap guards. 

To provide a positive drive to all the cutterbar components, the new VARIO 1050 features synchronised gearboxes at each end of the cutterbar, which transfer power through telescopic drive shafts, so avoiding the need for higher maintenance belts or chains. 

As previously, in order to enhance crop flow into the combine, the knife to auger distance on the new VARIO 1050 can be infinitely shortened by 10cm, or increased by up to 20cm for harvesting cereals or, having fitted filling plates, by a further 30cm for direct cutting oilseed rape.

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A selection of photographs are available on the press section of the CLAAS website.