Lined up for an Agritechnica ‘Silver Medal’ this year, the Claas Axion 900 Terra Trac has been dubbed the “first half-track tractor with full suspension”.
While not officially available yet, pictures and details of this machine are starting to emerge.
It is believed that the Terra Trac (rubber tracked) configuration will be available, in time, as an option on all Axion models. While some of the technology and hardware is shared with the company’s combine harvesters, some modifications were needed for this tractor-spec version.
For example, there’s a slightly larger drive wheel at the rear – to boost traction. The width of the standard tracks is reportedly 635mm. It is believed that 735mm and 890mm variants will also be offered, though this has not yet been confirmed by Claas.
To accommodate the Terra Trac system, the tractor’s fuel tank has been moved to a location beneath the tractor’s rear mudguards.
More information will be released at Agritechnica, which will take place in Hanover, Germany, from November 12 to November 18, 2017.
Claas-badged artic-steer loading shovel?
In other Claas-related news, an eagle-eyed AgriLand reader recently spotted this picture (below) on Twitter; it depicts a Claas-badged Liebherr loading shovel.
Back in 2015 – two years ago – Claas and Liebherr both announced their intention to partner together, in a deal which would see Liebherr supply telescopic handlers to Claas.
At that time, Claas also announced that it was winding down its existing agreement with Kramer; Kramer had been supplying telescopic handlers to Claas (for subsequent sale as Claas-branded machines) since 2005. It is expected that the supply of Kramer telehandlers to Claas will be phased out by next year.
In tandem with this, Liebherr-built telescopic handlers (for sale as Claas-badged units) are expected to come on stream early in 2018.
The new deal between Claas and Liebherr includes not only the supply of machines, but also developmental work. It is believed that Claas-badged versions will incorporate a “modified design”.
The “Scorpion” product name – as used on existing Claas telehandlers – will be retained for future models.
Meanwhile, Liebherr will also continue to market and sell its machines in its own brand livery and colours – primarily for the construction and municipal sectors.
The picture shows a Liebherr-built loading shovel wearing a Claas livery. Is this a sign of things to come? Will we see products other than telehandlers as part of this supply agreement? If loading shovels are to figure in this, could it mean that we will see Claas-badged loaders on silage pits in the years to come?
