Weather update Harvesters
Claas combine sprinkles with superlatives
Claas worked for 10 years on a thorough update of their Lexion combine harvester series. Both the machines with tedders and rotors have been updated. Most striking is a new top model: the Lexion 8900. Claas sprinkles with superlatives and takes the title of the world's largest combine.
The Lexion series saw the light of day in 1996. The harvesting machine specialist from Harsewinkel then put a large machine with 2 threshing rotors, which could cope well with the European conditions, on the market. This 'new revolution' that Claas speaks of is perhaps the biggest innovation since its introduction. The machines were shown to the trade press in mid-July, but the details were subject to an embargo until August 1.
Renewed threshing system
As of 2020, there are 4 different versions of the Lexion, which provide clarity for users. The 5000 and 6000 have 5 or 6 tedders. The 7000 and 8000 have 2 threshing rotors. The narrower 7000 has a threshing drum that is 142 centimeters wide. With the 8000, the width is 170 centimeters. There are also more impact strips and the rotors have been adjusted. APS is a well-known technique at Claas. This system will soon be known as 'APS Synflow'. The drum diameter has been considerably increased with the tedder as a rotor (hybrid). Claas implemented more changes that allow the product to pass through the machine even more efficiently and faster.
For the technology enthusiast, the most spectacular is the top model 8900 on Terra Trac tracks. With 790 hp engine power from a 6-cylinder MAN and 18.000 liters of grain tank capacity, Claas takes back the title of largest combine harvester worldwide. To keep the machine fed, there is a wider 13,8 meter header. The 2 smaller machines in the 8000 series continue to use a Mercedes engine. In the 7000 series there is also a split between MAN and Mercedes. Only the largest tedder model has a MAN engine.
more rubber
Claas made many more minor technical changes, such as larger tires (2,15 meters at the front and 1,75 meters at the rear), tracks up to 40 kilometers per hour road speed, dust extraction at the header, a discharge pipe that swings out further for better visibility and the well-known cooling package. In addition, the dynamic engine management must save fuel and there are fewer drive belts (which means less maintenance).
All that technical force is worthless without good control. Given the complexity is a huge challenge. Claas has already taken major steps in the field of automation in the past. Thanks to a new armrest with touchscreen, driving lever and control panel, operation is especially simplified for the driver.
Scanner on the roof
In the eaves you will find the Field Scanner, which replaces the Laser Pilot on the header. The sensor scans the edge of the crop and directs the combine harvester past it if no GPS control is fitted. The scanner also automatically detects spray trails. There is a good chance that Claas will use this scanner more intensively in the future to control the machine. Mapping, machine support and linking with the office. Claas had already done that well and this too has been tinkered with.
Just when you think it can't get any bigger or wider, there's a manufacturer that makes it happen. Claas has won the game of pissing at the moment. At least, until Agco comes on the market with the Ideal 10. In addition to increasing intelligence, the physical capacity is also increasing in terms of engine power, grain tank capacity and working width. Quite special, since the rules of road transport do not change.
Company grows, combine grows with it
You will not easily find the large Claas combine harvesters in the Netherlands. Due to the ever-increasing pressure on staff and economies of scale, there is continued demand for top-class combines and the price tag plays a minor role. The manufacturer has not yet announced what is on that card.
Niels van der Boom
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