Just a few days earlier, the XERION 12.650 TERRA TRAC was named Tractor of the Year 2024.

The new XERION 12 Series has been one of the undisputed highlights at the world's leading trade fair for agricultural technology in Hanover. The high horsepower tractor from Harsewinkel has now received its second international award in a row. Following the Tractor of the Year 2024 award, the powerful and efficient flagship of the CLAAS tractor range has now also been honoured with the “Farm Machine 2024” award in the large tractor category. “We are overwhelmed that after 25 years of XERION on the market, Helmut Claas’ vision has also received this prestigious award,” explains Dr. Martin von Hoyningen-Huene, Chief Technology Officer CLAAS Group and responsible for the Tractors and Implements division. “This award and the Tractor of the Year 2024 belong to the entire product team around development, marketing and sales. After many extremely positive customer comments on the market launch, both awards impressively confirm the innovative approach of the tractor and are further evidence of its numerous undoubted technical and economic arguments.”

With the XERION, CLAAS has been one of the technological drivers in international large tractor construction for 25 years. With its low-engine speed concept 2.0, the XERION 12 Series is unique in this tractor class due to its CMATIC continuously variable transmission with a maximum speed of up to 50 km/h (TERRA TRAC: up to 40 km/h), the low-engine speed working hydraulics with delivery rates of up to 537 l/min, and the newly developed and shock-absorbed TERRA TRAC Triangular crawler tracks in addition to the unrivaled all-round visibility from the four-point suspension cab, which is the largest of any tractor in this class. The extreme load capacity and precise steering thanks to the continuous frame with two steering axles, the uncompromising all-wheel drive concept with balanced 50:50 weight distribution and the CEMOS driver assistance and process optimization system are also unrivaled. “Traction efficiency has always been firmly anchored in the DNA of our tractors,” adds Dr. Johannes Weisbrodt, Senior Vice President Product Unit System Tractors responsible for the XERION. “With the XERION 12 Series, we have taken the well-known strengths valued by XERION customers all over the world, developed them further and combined them with more than 25 years of TERRA TRAC development and production experience into a strong, convincing overall concept.”

3A wins in the “Smart Farming & Robotics” category

CLAAS was pleased to receive another award with its 3A founding partners AgXeed and Amazone. In the “Smart Farming & Robotics” category, the world's first consortium for high automation and autonomy prevailed against two competing submissions and thus received the second award at Agritechnica after the silver Innovation Award. “Advanced process automation and autonomy are one of the future megatrends in global agriculture,” said the 3A founding partners. “Thanks to 3A – ADVANCED AUTOMATION & AUTONOMY as an open network, it is intended that even smaller companies with fewer development resources can participate in the advancing automation in field management. In the future, farmers and contractors will have access to a wide variety of manufacturer solutions and will be able to choose the optimal technology for their operations and needs. Above all, technologies and solutions will be developed more quickly to market maturity by bundling competencies and standardization will be accelerated.”

The manufacturer-independent, open approach of 3A – ADVANCED AUTOMATION & AUTONOMY is generating widespread interest among national and international agricultural technology manufacturers.

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With the XERION, CLAAS has been one of the technological drivers in large tractor construction for 25 years. The XERION12 Series, a newly developed series with engine outputs of up to 653 hp, was launched in the summer of 2023. Its low-engine speed concept 2.0 developing a maximum torque of up to 3,100 Nm at 1,300 engine revolutions, CMATIC continuously variable transmission with a maximum speed of 40 km/h, low-engine speed working hydraulics with flow rates of up to 537 l/min, newly developed TERRA TRAC triangular crawler tracks and an unrivaled all-round view from the four-point suspension cab, which has the largest amount of space of any premium tractor, is also one of the machine's unique features, as is its extreme load capacity and precise steering thanks to the continuous frame with two steering axles.

But thanks to its balanced 50:50 weight distribution the XERION 12 Series, with the top model XERION 12.650 TERRA TRAC, is an absolute specialist for heavy duty pulling work in all speed ranges - whether in front of a cultivator, disc harrow, plough, airseeder or trailer. “Despite the immense power at its disposal and its massive dimensions, the XERION is very easy to handle, thanks to the latest generation of the CMATIC continuously variable transmission (…) with four mechanical ranges and assisted by the CEMOS learning-based assistance system and information input to optimize transmission, traction, and ballasting - with clear benefits in terms of performance and fuel consumption”, says the jury.

Highest recognition in its 25th anniversary year

“Traction efficiency has always been firmly anchored in the DNA of our tractors,” explains Dr. Martin von Hoyningen-Huene, Chief Technology Officer CLAAS Group and responsible for the Tractors and Implements division. “The XERION in particular stands out with its all-wheel drive concept with uncompromisingly efficient and ground-friendly multipass traction transmission. With the XERION 12 Series, we have taken the well-known strengths valued by XERION customers from all over the world, further developed them and combined them with more than 25 years of TERRA TRAC development and production experience into a strong, convincing overall concept. The fact that the XERION, whose existence we owe personally to Helmut Claas, is now receiving the TOTY Award for the first time in its 25th year of market presence, is a great success for the entire development team.”

The XERION 12 Series includes two models, the 12.590 and the 12.650, which are produced for the global market in both TERRA TRAC and wheeled TRAC versions at the main CLAAS plant in Harsewinkel. The 15.6 l Mercedes-Benz six-cylinder engines are approved for operation with hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVO) - all new machines are also initially filled in the factory with the sustainable fuel produced from waste and residual materials.

State-of-the-art onboard and offboard features for digital agriculture not only allow automated steering, section control, variable rate and automatic documentation, but also the optimization of machine and process performance with CEMOS. From the end of 2024, the XERION 12 Series will also be even more connected thanks to the new CLAAS connect, which will provide the basis for further development towards high automation of work processes and even autonomy.

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The ‘Next step in farming’ focusses on even greater connectivity and user-friendliness and a closer relationship between customer, dealer, manufacturer and partners based on more effective communication.

One for all: seamless connectivity for hassle-free machine and farm management on one platform

From purchasing advice to purchase agreement and delivery of machine; digital operating instructions, lubricant adviser and connection to the CLAAS Parts Shop to precision farming; fleet optimisation with tools such as CEMOS Adviser to documentation, licence management and maintenance planning: the new CLAAS connect with Machine connect, Farm connect, Field connect and Fleet connect licences seamlessly connects all digital solutions in the CLAAS product world, simplifies and speeds up many planning and documentation tasks and strengthens the bond between farmer, dealer and manufacturer. While sharing many proven elements and functions of the current generation CLAAS connect, the new, enhanced version features new tools and additional functions. Machine connect (TELEMATICS) now supplied as standard already ensures seamless digital connection between platform and machine.

Experience gained from over 25 years of digital farming: ready for the next step

CLAAS has a track record spanning more than 25 years in digital information technology for agriculture with a special focus on precision farming, online documentation and connectivity. Industry-defining milestones include the foundation of AGROCOM in 1994 (with farm management software from 1997), yield mapping on the LEXION from 1995, the establishment of CLAAS E-Systems in Dissen, and ten years ago, in 2013, the foundation of 365FarmNet. Now CLAAS is bringing its experience and expertise in these areas to bear in the next generation CLAAS connect. All solutions will be gradually combined in a single, cloud-based platform with the emphasis on simplicity and ease of use:

• All information on one platform with one CLAAS ID: multi-manufacturer machine and fleet management, licence management, documentation and precision farming applications combined under one roof – with a standardised user interface.
• Seamless connectivity in all areas of digital machine management, from the quotation and purchase process to machine data management and service planning, lubricant adviser, spare parts ordering and other supporting service functions such as digital operator's manuals.
• Complete overview of all licences for the first time: correction signals for automated steering by GPS PILOT, telemetry, ISOBUS activations and much more.
• Broad integration of agronomic functions such as yield mapping, task management, potential and application maps, and documentation.
• Access to all current data, anytime, anywhere – on smart phone, tablet and PC.

“The great potential for future agriculture lies in the use of all technical possibilities relating to the agricultural production process. The added value often no longer lies in the individual system, but in the networking of the systems with each other. With the new connect, CLAAS is therefore ensuring the continuity of all solutions offered by the company in the interests of the customer,” explains Wolf-Christian von Wendorff, Senior Vice President Global Digital Solutions. “The focus of further development was therefore a common platform linking all relevant portals, shops and functions with a simple, user-friendly interface that is very easy to navigate, and one ID to access all areas and information. The new CLAAS connect delivers on these requirements, while at the same time retaining the well-established and well-used functions of the existing digital platform.”

The new CLAAS connect will be introduced in all sales regions where CLAAS connect is currently available. It will be marketed in over 30 countries initially, including ones outside the EU such as Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. Further regions, including North America and Asia, are in the pipeline. “So CLAAS connect will have a global reach. The underlying technology enables additional external suppliers and platforms to connect to CLAAS connect via the CLAAS Partner Program,” Georg Larscheid, Vice President Global Digital Business, adds. “This means that CLAAS customers will be able to take full advantage of digital machine management in CLAAS connect – either exclusively through our seamlessly connected platform with corresponding licences or via other suppliers’ connected systems, which can be conveniently activated via the Connection Manager.”

Delivered fully connected: machine and cloud platform in one ecosystem

Rather than treating machine and digital fleet management as separate entities, the new CLAAS connect for the first time considers them as a whole. Starting with advice and a quotation for a new CLAAS machine: if the customer is already registered with CLAAS connect, they can access the CLAAS configurator directly via their CLAAS ID, configure their desired machine and request a quotation or demonstration. The appropriate dealership then prepares the quotation or provides a demonstration machine. If the customer makes a purchase, the machine data is uploaded to the customer’s CLAAS connect portal on delivery. This gives the customer direct access to the digital operator’s manual for their machine. They can also find out which lubricants their machine needs, as this information is automatically provided as well. With the 5-year Machine connect licence supplied with the machine, the relevant maintenance intervals are automatically entered in the portal – giving farmers and contractors a clear overview of upcoming maintenance work and enabling CLAAS dealerships to plan schedules and capacities in advance.  “CLAAS connect also enables us to enhance communication between the local CLAAS dealership and the customer using the latest communication technology,” explains Georg Larscheid.

Machine performance data can be prepared, analysed and documented in CLAAS connect – just as before in TELEMATICS. With a Fleet connect licence, third-party machines in mixed fleets can easily be connected to CLAAS connect via the DataConnect interface, enabling data such as location, machine status or current fuel and AdBlue levels to be displayed there.  In addition, machine data can be transferred to partner companies via the point data interface.

CEMOS Advisor, the platform extension of CEMOS – the leading assistance and process optimisation system for numerous CLAAS tractors, combine harvesters and forage harvesters – is an integral component. Performance data and settings for all CLAAS machines stored on the platform can be viewed and compared with one another, enabling adjustments to be made to maximise the performance of the overall fleet.

Furthermore, with licence management, customers can get a complete overview of licence coverage and runtime at any time.

Precision farming and documentation: easy integration via licence

The add-on licences for Farm connect with Field connect and Fleet connect provides farmers and contractors with numerous options for precision farming applications. In Field connect farmers can access functions needed to prepare potential and application maps from geodata such as satellite images or soil analyses. Field boundaries and other master data can easily be imported as SHAPE or ISO-XML files. Yield maps from different machines and manufacturers can also be incorporated with ease.

Fleet connect automatically documents field-specific task data relating to yield, constituents or application rate, enabling the status and progress of preplanned tasks to be tracked virtually in real-time on smartphone, tablet or PC. It is also possible to create reference lines and plan tracks based on field boundaries in Fleet connect – alternatively, this can be done on the machine’s CEMIS 1200 terminal, if it has one.

Other compatible farm management information systems can be connected to CLAAS connect via Connection Manager. Furthermore, with CLAAS connect it will be possible to exchange data between different CLAAS IDs using Data Sharing in future. This will simplify task planning, implementation and documentation, including invoicing for farmers and contractors.

Many CLAAS customers already benefit from using the existing CLAAS connect platform on their PC and as an app on their smartphone or tablet. The first customers will be using the new, significantly enhanced CLAAS connect from spring 2024 with a wider roll-out planned for autumn 2024, initially in Central, Western and Eastern Europe, North America and Australasia.

The new CLAAS connect at a glance:

• CLAAS connect is a cloud-based platform providing access to various functions from machine management to precision farming.
• Only one CLAAS ID to access all functions and licences.
• New CLAAS machines are automatically created on delivery, and linked to the relevant digital operating instructions, Parts Doc and CLAAS Parts Shop, as well as the lubricant adviser and specific maintenance intervals. The relevant CLAAS dealership provides advice and is responsible for parts delivery and servicing.
• Machine connect basic licence for every CLAAS machine: new CLAAS machines come with activated 5-year telemetry licence and remote maintenance.
• Farm connect basic licence for precision farming and entry-level digital farm management: online task management with status reports, map view, machine positions and machine status with easy online data transfer. Add-on licences Fleet connect and Farm connect:
  • Fleet connect: automatic, field-specific, fleet-wide documentation of machine and process data, plus machine-specific alert messages.
  • Field connect: digital library and workbench for high-resolution, interpolated yield maps, geodata with satellite images and soil maps as well as the option to generate potential and yield maps based on vegetation monitoring for variable rate application planning. Includes route planning and creation of reference lines.

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New products will be presented in Innovation Alley at the stand's centre, while the new Innovation Lab will showcase highly automated and autonomous sustainable future farming.

With an innovative stand concept and a modernised, even more customer-friendly tradeshow presence, CLAAS is breaking new ground at this year’s Agritechnica – the world’s leading agricultural machinery show. Visitors to the 5800 m² stand will not only be greeted by familiar CLAAS products and innovations such as the EVION, the DISCO 9700 series and the XERION 12 Series. For the first time, they will also get a comprehensive behind-the-scenes glimpse of development projects in the fields of cab/HMI, autonomy and alternative drives. At the Innovation Lab on the CLAAS stand in Hall 13, interested farmers, contractors, students and apprentices will be able to experience different future technologies at close hand and discuss them with CLAAS staff – here, innovation meets interaction, discussion and feedback. Some of the studies and projects on display will be ready for series production in the short- to medium-term and have already secured a silver Agritechnica Innovation Award. Others are geared towards a more long-term perspective.

Autonomous XERION demonstrator: large tractor for highly automated and autonomous fieldwork

CLAAS will be unveiling a prototype autonomous large tractor at Agritechnica 2023. A XERION 12.590 TERRA TRAC has been equipped with relevant sensors such as LIDAR and camera systems, as well as other technology for track planning and process monitoring. Other vehicles are already undergoing further research and component testing in the field.

High-level automation and autonomy are key globally relevant themes for numerous agricultural applications. CLAAS is developing technologies for autonomous field cultivation independently and in partnerships such as 3A – ADVANCED AUTOMATION & AUTONOMY. Practical fieldwork such as tillage with large tractors is just one of the applications scenarios being prioritised. “Large tractors equipped for highly automated and autonomous work are mainly of interest to farms that cannot make full use of a conventional AgBot or whose machine and implement fleet does not match the AgBot’s performance characteristics", explains Christoph Molitor, Head of Technology Management at CLAAS. "In addition to the general shortage of skilled workers in agriculture, we see weather-related harvest delays and mechanical crop care as factors that lead to a concentrated need for labor or a high demand for work capacity. High automation and autonomy can help to equalize such work peaks and labor-intensive agricultural processes."

The XERION 12.590 TERRA TRAC with Autonomy connect on display in the Innovation Lab is technically set up for high automation (Autonomy connect Co-Pilot) and autonomy (Autonomy connect Auto-Pilot). Co-Pilot provides the highest level of process automation, including planning with Autonomy connect – which can be fully integrated into the CLAAS connect platform. With Co-Pilot, the operator mainly performs a supervisory role, while preplanned tractor and implement functions and settings are performed fully automatically by the tractor-implement combination. As before, the operator can intervene directly in the process and further optimise it from the cab. With Auto-Pilot, the tractor operates fully autonomously with no one in the cab. Tasks are planned exactly as with Co-Pilot, but the tractor is equipped with enhanced environment recognition technology in addition to LIDAR, including special camera systems, further safety technology and automated braking. Once on the market, the Autonomy connect planning tool can be fully integrated into the CLAAS connect Internet portal, making it easy to use for day-to-day operations without needing an additional portal.

The Amazone Cenius cultivator also on display in the Innovation Lab is equipped with Amazone AutoTill technology for highly automated and autonomous work. This technology monitors the working position, working depth and roller speed as well as detecting share loss and clogging in the tine area. Data recorded by the cultivator are compared with tractor data, enabling the operating speed to be reduced when blockages are detected or the cultivator raised when roller slip is too high.

AgXeed, thermalDRONES and CLAAS Saulgau combine highly automated and autonomous mowing with wildlife rescue 

Drones with thermal imaging cameras are now a practical, reliable and effective means of detecting wildlife such as roe deer fawns and ground-nesting birds shortly before mowing grassland or whole-crop silage. The system generally scans the live image for a heat source. When one is detected, the search is interrupted to allow helpers to move animals to safety or mark their location or nest site. 

CLAAS, thermal DRONES and AgXeed have pooled their expertise to develop a common drone interface for autonomous mowing. Data on heat sources identified during the drone flight are initially saved then processed with KI software and transferred to the process planning tool, along with relevant GPS positioning data. This tool integrates the data into the route planning system, enabling the autonomous mowing equipment to be safely steered around the wildlife locations. This rerouting is particularly useful in cases where ground-nesting birds are protected and therefore cannot be removed. Farmers and contractors can track the machine’s route live on their smartphone, tablet or PC via the AgXeed portal. The use of autonomous mower combinations thus meets the combined needs for high area outputs and wildlife-friendly grassland management. Furthermore, it enables farmers to comply with reporting requirements by providing documentary evidence of measures taken before mowing. 

But it's not just autonomous field robots that can benefit from this technology. It can also be used with autonomous tractors and highly automated tractors and harvesting machines steered along pre-planned routes by the operator – making it an attractive solution for customers today. The system ensures that POI data on wildlife locations is collected only within known, previously specified field boundaries. Farmers can transfer field boundaries from their farm management system. Alternatively, if these data are not available, the drone pilot can mark the field boundaries themselves on their screen. 

Battery-electric SCORPION 732e: Telehandler prototype for locally emission-free and quiet materials handling

When it comes to developing alternative drives, CLAAS takes an open-minded approach with a strong customer focus. In the medium term, combustion engines running on sustainable fuels such as HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oils) are superior to other concepts in the upper performance range in terms of energy density and tank infrastructure. However, battery-electric, locally emission-free drives offer significant potential in the lower performance range and for applications such as materials handling, yard work and municipal use.

Telehandlers are versatile machines for precision-lifting heavy loads, loading trailers or anaerobic digesters and stacking bales. A battery-electric telehandler like the CLAAS SCORPION 732e – a joint development with Liebherr – offers many advantages: the machine is very quiet and locally emission-free, which is particularly beneficial for people and livestock during indoor work. Two independent 90 kW electric drives, a modular 64 kWh battery concept for up to 4 hours' use and a 22 kW on-board battery charger ensure ample performance and flexibility. It offers maximum tractive power of 53 kN and a top speed of 30 km/h. Furthermore, farmers can charge the battery using electricity generated from their on-farm PV system or biogas plant.

Semi-electric combine harvester: a concept for homogenous engine loading and reduced fuel consumption

Combine harvesters often face a mix of operating conditions during harvesting. Inconsistent grain and straw yields, volunteers or uneven terrain mean that drives and power units are constantly having to adjust to achieve the best possible overall performance – high productivity, high harvest quality and high efficiency. Continuously high drive utilisation without major speed fluctuations and ultra-homogenous crop flow is desirable not only in terms of efficiency but also to ensure optimal separation and cleaning performance. But this is very difficult to achieve in heterogeneous crop stands.

A semi-electric drive on the combine harvester – developed by CLAAS and tested in the field – can help flatten load peaks and significantly increase efficiency. When harvesting conditions are straightforward, engine power not needed for the combine harvester drive is converted to electrical energy via a generator and stored in the battery. When harvesting conditions become difficult, for instance in high-yield areas or when discharging on the move, the electric motor steps in to support the mechanical drive using stored electrical energy from the battery, replacing a conventional ‘boost’ produced by the engine performance characteristics. This enables load peaks to be bridged for several seconds, and with automatic load distribution, the combine harvester can consistently operate in the optimum performance range.

This concept enables a smaller, less powerful combustion engine with an output of around 400 kW to be operated in the low-speed range at 1600 instead of 1800 rpm thanks to the additional 40 kW electric motor and 3 kWh battery with 48 V inverter. In field trials, this semi-electric hybrid concept reduced fuel consumption by up to 10 per cent. 

Since the electric drive operates in the low-voltage range (< 60V touch voltage), it does not require the complex safety precautions associated with higher-voltage drives. Maintenance can be carried out without further safety measures or special training.

Cab 4.0 and Cab10Future: a window into the future operator environment on harvesting machines and tractors

Operators are already supported by numerous automatic assistance systems designed to maximise the potential of complex harvesting machines, and the degree of automation is set to increase in the next few years. As a result, there will be periods when operators have so little to do – even in terms of supervision – that they will feel underworked and tire quickly. So in future, harvesting machine cabs must enable operators to perform other activities in addition to those relating specifically to the machine.

The ‘Cab 4.0 – OnField’ research project uses the latest technology such as joystick steering, operator fitness detection and eye tracking to show what the future workplace might look like. This concept features innovative cab equipment with Internet connection and different human-machine interfaces such as cameras, head-up displays, monitors, keypads and much more. With this equipment it is possible to continuously monitor the operator's occupation level and thus establish two-way communication. When operators are underworked, the system suggests alternative tasks and activities for them to do.

The core element is a virtual assistant supported by an eye tracker in the roof, which speaks to the operator when signs of fatigue are detected and recommends appropriate action. At the press of the button, the operator can adjust the seat to three positions to carry out these actions. The seat faces forward in ‘work mode’ but can be swivelled to the left for ‘relaxation mode’. In this position, the operator can perform light gymnastic exercises to re-energise their bodies. Alternatively, on the head-up display they can find information about relaxation and stress relief, watch tutorials or do personal work.

In ‘office mode’ the seat is swivelled to the right so the operator can see the head-up display on the right-hand window. In this position, they can place a portable keypad tablet with trackpad between the armrests to do office work such as emails, Internet research, or planning, documentation and controlling work in the farm management system. Farm managers currently have to spend additional time in the office on these tasks, restricting their free time.

The harvesting machine must be equipped with automatic front-area monitoring for the new Cab 4.0 functions to work effectively in the field. The operator is notified in good time of any obstacle detected by the front-area monitoring system so that they can return to work mode and supervise the steering of the machine.

Five companies and institutions are involved in developing the Cab 4.0:  Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Institute of Human and Industrial Engineering and Institute of Mobile Machines), Institute of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Hohenheim, InMach Intelligente Maschinen GmbH, Budde Industrie Design GmbH and Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH. The Cab 4.0 project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in line with ‘Agricultural systems of the future’ funding guidelines. Focus group workshops with operators and farm managers indicate a high level of user acceptance for the project, which was launched in 2019.

CLAAS unveils its own vision of the future cab with CAB10Future: more comfortable workspace with a seat that rotates by up to 60 degrees in both directions for close-up work; intelligent lighting for a more relaxed working environment; large screens in the front focus area for full-on digitisation; and sustainable construction with easily replaceable wear-prone modules and use of recycled materials.         ‘Transparent’ A-pillars with cameras and displays reflecting the environment and the absence of a steering column (autonomous operation) create an impressive spatial experience for the operator. 360° exterior lighting simplifies external machine communication.

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CLAAS has a long tradition of Agritechnica Awards – thanks to innovative developers and practice-driven solutions designed to boost productivity and efficiency and enhance user-friendliness. This year's awards demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to this strategy.

CEMOS and 3A: highly automated and autonomous work become reality

The 3-point linkage has been around for almost 100 years – and in this time its basic operating principles have scarcely changed. Now CLAAS had developed the next generation of this key tractor-implement interface with the launch of the multi-dimensional linkage control system, which is a future expansion of CEMOS for Tractors that has earned a silver Agritechnica Innovation Award.

This is the third Innovation Award for CEMOS for Tractors technology. The system received its first silver award at Agritechnica 2017 as the first dialogue-based, self-learning operator assistance and process optimisation system for tractors. The second silver Innovation Award came at the end of 2021 for integrating the large Terranimo® database into CEMOS for Tractors. This made it possible for the first time to incorporate soil protection into CEMOS and use it with a CLAAS CTIC tyre pressure control system. Since 2022, automatic indication of the risk of soil compaction has been included as standard with CEMOS for Tractors.

Now for the first time, the award-winning multi-dimensional rear linkage integrates the hydraulic top link and implement into the linkage control system via a hydraulic spool valve. Together with implement-side sensors and ISOBUS, this allows implements from ploughs to fertiliser spreaders to be precision-guided. For example, the control system can transfer weight from a mounted cultivator to the tractor's rear axle or optimise the spread pattern of a fertiliser spreader by ensuring that it is always aligned horizontally with the ground. Quality of work improves in all application scenarios while at the same time fuel consumption is reduced by 5 to 14% during tillage work. The innovative linkage control system will extend the scope of CEMOS functions for CLAAS tractors in the medium term, supporting the resource-friendly control of tillage implements.

The 3A – ADVANCED AUTOMATION & AUTONOMY Group received a further silver medal for its open approach to advancing and developing highly automated and autonomous tractor-implement combinations for field cultivation. 3A was established in late summer 2023 by CLAAS, AgXeed and Amazone. It has now been joined by a fourth partner, Müthing, and discussions are currently underway with other agricultural machinery manufacturers.

"We are delighted to join the ranks of award winners in the run-up to the world's leading trade show for agricultural machinery", say 3A founding members CLAAS; AgXeed and Amazone. "The Group's open, multi-manufacturer approach enables smaller manufacturers with fewer development resources to share in the progressive automation of fieldwork. The advantages are obvious: the Group's combined expertise will enable technologies to reach market maturity more rapidly, speeding up standardisation in the process. Furthermore, with access to a wide range of manufacturer solutions, farmers and contractors will be able to select the technology best suited to the needs of their business."

The Group aims to accelerate and consolidate technical developments in the fields of automation and autonomy by working together to standardise interfaces and provide practical solutions to the diverse challenges of tillage automation. 3A’s first technical solutions are CLAAS Autonomy connect, AgXeed Box and Amazone AutoTill. Other machine manufacturers will be joining the Group to play an active role in expanding the range of applications for outdoor work processes.

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The six new models from FL 40 C to FL 140 cover lift capacities from 940 to 2,490 kg (measured 80 cm in front of the bucket pivot point) and a breakaway force from 1,820 to 3,120 kg. Maximum lift heights at the bucket pivot point range from 3.50 to 4.50 m.

The first thing you notice is the new, innovative three-section design, which perfectly complements the design of the CLAAS tractors. The double-angled boom shifts the pivot point mechanism of the parallelogram downwards by more than 20 cm. This gives the operator an even better view of the frame and attachment, especially as the front crossbeam has been lowered by 10 cm.

The new design features the customary robustness and manufacturing quality that is a hallmark of CLAAS front loaders. The boom is also designed for the most demanding tasks. All hydraulic hoses are integrated into the frame for protection.

Proven comfort features retained

The familiar FITLOCK coupling system from the FL and FL C front loaders has been retained: the locking mechanism is fully automatic and entirely mechanical. To unlock, simply release a small lever on the boom. With the MACH multi-coupling system, all hydraulic and electrical lines can be connected to the tractor in an instant – without the need for any additional plug connections. This system makes the job of attaching the front loader fast and safe.

With the optional hydraulic FASTLOCK system, attachments can be locked at the press of a button from the comfort of the cab, in addition to automatic mechanical locking. Third and fourth functions can be connected via the MACH 2 multi-coupler, which features leak-free, flat-seal couplings. A pressure relief function for the third function is available on request.

The automatic bucket return function automatically returns the bucket to the horizontal loading position – increasing operator comfort and productivity to boot. 

Optional LED work lights illuminate the loading area perfectly in the dark. The new design and features transform the ELIOS, AXOS and ARION into even more productive loading machines.

Benefits of the new CLAAS FL C front loaders at a glance:

• New innovative design with three sections

• Improved view of attachments and the area in front of the tractor

• Choice of six models with lift capacities ranging from 940 to 2,490 kg for the ELIOS, AXOS and ARION

• Extremely robust, durable boom for the most demanding applications

• Integrated mechanical self-levelling linkage

• FITLOCK attachment: automatic, mechanical, safe and fast

• FASTLOCK multi-couplers for hydraulics and electrics

• MACH 2 couplers with flat-seal connections for 3rd and 4th function

• Pressure release lever for 3rd function

• Optional automatic bucket return

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Working with large-scale swathers with individual rotor lift at the headland or tapered field edges often requires a great deal of concentration on the part of the operator. To make their job easier, from the 2024 season all LINER 4700/4800/4900 BUSINESS can be equipped with Section Control. The rotors are automatically raised and then lowered again at the headland and tapered field edges, depending on the position of the tractor-swather combination. In other words, the Section Control function controls the lifting and lowering of the rotors both in and at right angles to the direction of travel. To use this function, the Task Controller TC-SC must be activated on the LINER 4700/4800/4900 BUSINESS as well as on the tractor steering system.

Without this automatic feature, in extreme cases this requires operators to have to raise and lower all four rotors individually, which calls for a high degree of concentration and often a reduction in ground speed. Furthermore, operating errors or inaccuracies can adversely affect the area output and quality of work. Automating the process with Section Control reduces complexity when working with large-scale swathers, enabling even less experienced operators to give your fields a clean sweep. On long working days, practised operators will find their workload noticeably reduced, while the risk of operator errors – especially during night shifts – falls considerably.

A further step towards a fully automated process chain

“A working width of 12.70 m, an average field length of 250 m and a work rate of 100 ha per day all  adds up to more than 300 headland manoeuvres a day, which can now be performed using the automatic lift function”, explains Marco Neiss, Head of Product Marketing Greenline CLAAS Saulgau GmbH. “As you can see, in terms of operator comfort, it’s clearly transformational. Using the function in conjunction with the GPS PILOT CEMIS 1200 steering system and CLAAS track planning – the maximum level of automation – eases the workload and brings further benefits throughout the entire process chain, right up to the forage harvester."

The Section Control function can be ordered now for new LINER 4700/4800/4900 for the 2024 harvesting season. A retrofit option is available for existing LINER BUSINESS machines.

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CLAAS Group, Corporate Communications
Please adress further enquiries to pr@claas.com