Farms and Farm Machinery – September 2019

THE TRACTOR YOU WANT IS NOW EASIER TO FIND TradeFarmMachinery.com.au 21

TRANSMISSION

The CMatic CVT transmission that the Xerion is equipped with

is the ZF Eccom 4.5, giving both hydrostatic and mechanical

drive. In the crux of it, four multidisc clutches ensure a high

mechanical component, with the flexibility of the Hydrostat

giving the best of both worlds.

The Xerion has two virtual ranges, which can be changed on

the move via the CMotion in-cab controller. This differs from the

three-range set-up in the smaller CVT machines in the Claas

stable. Other noticeable absences are the more traditional

steering column and left-hand shuttle of the smaller models. This

machine is driven like the Jaguar or Lexion, with the steering

wheel floor mounted for increased visibility. Best of all, the

Xerion does 50km/h both forward and reverse so regardless

of the application, top road speed can be achieved.

AXLES AND TYRES

Our Claas Axion 4500 was equipped with 710/85 R38 rubber

(various size options are available, including duals, etc.), which

is monstrous at 2.15 metres tall and allowed the tractor to

squeeze in just under three metres for transport.

The RaBa axles are rated to 20 tonnes and because of

the clever steering and driveline configuration, make this a

manoeuvrable heavyweight.

The driveline has one axial diff and two transverse diffs,

allowing the driveline to be completely locked to get the

staggering 490hp (365kW) to the ground. If getting power to the

ground and treading lightly on the soil are requirements, then

the different steering modes the Xerion is equipped with are just

the ticket for the job:

• Standard steering: four-wheel and front axle steering
  combined. Front axle only until five-degree steering lock,

then rear axle follows electrohydraulically. At speeds greater

than 12km/h sensitivity and steering lock reduce up until

40km/h when it’s front steering only, rear axle fully locked.

• All-wheel steering: same as a telehandler – front and rear

axle steer at the same time but in opposite directions

• Crab steering: three variations – full, single axle and reduced
  crab steer. All have different benefits but in a nutshell are

perfect for spreading effluent, reducing ground compaction

and managing drifting along sidelings.

The rear axle also has a four-degree delay to stop any minor

steering movement in order to control any accidental

fishtailing on the road. Cab suspension is standard and

the long 3.6-metre wheelbase and large sidewalls on the

tyres does offer a smooth ride.

HYDRAULICS AND LINKAGE

This is where the Xerion is not only big in appearance but also

delivers some serious lifting and pumping capabilities. The 195L/

min swash plate pump is standard attire along with the option of

an 80L/min additional circuit.

You can have all the

power in the world but

if you can’t get it to the

ground, then the whole

exercise is useless.

TEST REVIEW

1. The cab is bright with excellent visibility


2. Multiple camera inputs


3. The CMOTION controller


4. Claas forager operators will be familiar
   with this roofline


5. The unique rotating cab

2013 CaseIGSteiger 400 Rowtrac.5100hrs,
Ultimatespec,18”tracks. • NSW 0282797084

$234,000 TA955752

2012 ClaasArion640 FL & PT. Frontendloader,

Dromonehitch,155hp. • VIC 03 83737003

$104,500 TA945884

Fendt 936 Vario.400hp, Vario trans,2300hrs,

suppressioncab.•VIC 03 9998 4665

$214,500 TA879041

CaseIH 400 Rowtrac Steiger. 18”tracks,

3,300hrs,400hp.•QLD 07 3171 1750

$302,500 TA875535

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