Claas announces wider tractor range and precision farming upgrades
3rd March 2025
At a recent Suffolk press event, Claas unveiled completely new additions to its lower horsepower Axos tractor line-up. David Williams tried them out.
“These versatile new tractors are part of the wider Claas strategy to support family farms, which also included Evion combines – the most recent addition to our harvesting line-up,” explained Claas senior vice president for Europe, Trevor Tyrrell, at the event.
“Axos 3 models are brand new tractors, manufactured to a new Claas design to complement our full line-up for professional farmers which includes all horsepower sectors, with wheels and tracks up to the flagship Xerion 12.”
4-cylinder, 180hp
A new flagship to the Arion 500 series was also announced at the event. The Arion 570 sits just above the current 165hp Arion 550, and with 180hp and 730Nm torque always available, it is the most powerful 4-cyl tractor so far from the German brand. Power is from the same 4.5-litre twin-turbocharged power unit, and drive is through a Claas CMatic CVT transmission.
With a small chassis, the Arion 570 has an impressive 40kg/hp power-to-weight ratio, and a new heavy-duty front axle transmits torque to the front wheels. There are two engine speed memories adding convenience for operators, and CMatic transmission provides Power zero, holding the tractor stationary after the footbrake is depressed until power is applied to pull away. Three virtual speed ranges can be set, for precise speed control over a reduced range.
Larger tyres are offered to transmit power to the ground including 710/60R38 VF and 600/60R28 VF –
the largest on this size class of tractor, and like other models in the Arion 500-series, it can be equipped with a central tyre inflation system as an option.
Powerful, compact, light
“There is a growing market for this class of tractor, and sales of 160–180hp models have increased 250%. Within that class we have also seen sales of 4-cyl models replacing similar power 6-cyl versions although with strong demand for both we continue offering buyers the choice.
The compact size and high power make the Arion 570 extremely versatile, suitable for a wide range of tasks from loader work to field operations and transport to tankering,” explained Claas tractor product manager, Michael Ives. “It’s not just a more powerful engine. Components such as the front axle are strengthened, and it has a larger cooling pack too.”
Michael announced that the new Arion 570 is available in a special ‘Night Edition’, with a grey roof, grey bonnet panels, grey wheel rims and special edition floor mats. It also comes with an upgraded media system including Apple CarPlay.
New Axos 3
There are four models in the new line-up, from 92–120hp. The engine is an FPT 3.6-litre meeting Stage 5 emissions standards, and it comes standard with two speed memories adding user convenience and increasing productivity.
Transmission options include a 12/12 with two ranges and a mechanical shuttle. A 24/12 with Twinshift powershift and a Revershift electronic clutch-less reverser enabling direction shuttling using a button on the gearstick is expected to be the most popular option. There is also a 36/18 with three ranges including creeper speeds, Twinshift powershift and Revershift clutch-less reverse shuttle.
All versions provide 40kph maximum speed at 1,750rpm. A mechanical handbrake is standard, but Twinshift versions are also available with an optional electric parking lock activated through the Revershift lever by the steering wheel. Air brakes are an option.
Smart Stop is also an option, allowing the user to stop the tractor using only the brake pedal and no clutch. The tractor then remains stationary until power is applied again, and as well as offering extra convenience and safety when pulling out of road junctions with loaded trailers, it is also an asset for loader work and tasks such as baling.
Fits in traditional sheds
Many new Axos 3 tractors will spend their time used in and around yards and farm buildings, so overall height from just 2.5m on the 380/85R30 rear tyre option will be attractive. This contrasts with the smaller Axos 200, with heights starting from 2.67m.
The Claas cab has been designed specifically for the new tractors, and features doors that open 180 degrees and can be fixed in the open position, well within the confines of the front wheels and rear mudguards to protect them from damage. The front windscreen opens, with hinges at the top.
Fully compatible
Satisfying the need for versatile tractors also capable of arable and grass field work, the new Axos 3 models can be supplied with a front linkage and PTO. Rear lift capacity is 5.3t, and 3.2t can be lifted on the front linkage. External, mudguard-mounted linkage and PTO controls allow easier attachment and removal of implements and increase safety for static PTO operations.
The rear PTO comes with 540, 540E and 1,000rpm speeds standard, and groundspeed is an option. The front PTO, when fitted, operates at 1,000rpm. Automatic engagement/disengagement of the rear PTO is available.
Wide range of loaders
Most buyers will also pair the new tractors with Claas front loaders, and a comprehensive range includes hydraulic or mechanical self-levelling versions. Standard operation is through the mechanical ProPilot joystick, although the E-Pilot S electrohydraulic joystick is available as an upgrade adding remote Fastlock and Speedlink for hydraulic locking and unlocking of the front loader and attachments, as well as automatic bucket return.
For faster loading cycle times, there is the option of 90 litres/min hydraulics, although the standard 60 litres/min system will be more than adequate for most users.
Up to four double-acting spools can be fitted, two with mechanical flow control.
Test drive
Farmers Guide took advantage of an opportunity to try out the new tractors on the Claas test track and loading gravel at the Claas Experience Centre.
For a tractor in this size class, the cab is spacious and well equipped, with easy access through large doors. The controls are clearly Claas designed, and all the engine controls are coloured orange, ensuring quick familiarity with the layout.
Large windows, the low bonnet and low, narrow rear mudguards provide a good view from the seat, including down close to the sides of the tractor. The rear window is close to the back of the seat, and with a low bottom edge there is a good view of the trailer hitch and rear linkage arms.
The driving position is comfortable. There is plenty of head and legroom for taller drivers, and the passenger seat is adequate for shorter journeys. The instrument panel behind the steering wheel is bright and easy to read. The engine speed is clearly displayed on the left of the screen, travel speed and operating system status are central and fuel level and engine temperature are on the right.
The Axos 3 is a no-nonsense general-purpose tractor, and it takes little time to get used to the gear and range changes. It slots into the Claas line-up as a cost-effective alternative to Arion 400 models, but with significant upgrades compared to its Atos 300 predecessor.
Well received at launch
Farmers Guide spoke with Claas tractor product manager, Michael Ives again, following public launch events at dealers in south and south-west England. “We have been missing this class of tractor from our line-up for a while, and livestock and mixed farm owners were keen to see it.
The low overall height is a big advantage, while the spacious and well-equipped cab came in for a lot of praise. In terms of features to increase productivity and user comfort, it’s a big step
up from our previous offering.
“These are versatile, cost-effective tractors which anyone can jump in and operate, and positive feedback from dealers and customers show they are just what the market needed.”
Claas Connect
The Saxham press event was also used to announce upgrades to the Claas precision farming system. Having evolved over the past decade, the previous Claas Telematics portal will cease operation this year, and it is replaced by Claas Connect which brings extra functionality for users.
The Machine Management section has free access, including logistics for connected machines, plus lubricant advice, operator manuals and parts lists specific to the model and type. The Farm Management section provides automatic record keeping with documentation of all activities within pre-identified field boundaries and online file transfers of data, as well as instructions for operations including variable rate maps.
Licence needed
Access to the Farm Management section is available only with a user licence. One licence is required per customer regardless of the area farmed or number of machines owned, with agreements negotiated between machine owners and dealers.
Claas digital product manager, James Walsh said that Claas wants its system to be as ‘open’ as possible for customers to obtain maximum benefit. Direct connection to Omnia farm management software is already possible, with SOYL compatibility coming in time for harvest. Field boundary and similar data can be imported conveniently in Iso XML format, as well as John Deere Shape.
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