CLAAS ARION tractors now even easier to operate

CLAAS has announced a number of improvements to its popular ARION 600/500 series of tractors to coincide with the introduction of Stage V engines.

CLAAS Harvest Centre General Manager of Product, Tim Needham , says the ARION 600/500 series comprises seven models from 125 hp up to 205 hp. Maximum output ranges from 125 hp to 165 hp in the four-cylinder DPS engines found in the ARION 500 series and 145 to 205 hp in the six-cylinder DPS found in the ARION 600 series. “Power outputs remain unchanged, but they now benefit from a six to 14 percent improvement in the torque curve at lower revs,” Tim says. “In addition, the engine idling speed in ARION 600 models has been reduced to 650 rpm, delivering additional fuel savings.”

All engines meet the Stage V emissions standard thanks to a combination of a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalytic converter. “In the ARION 600 models, the components of the exhaust gas aftertreatment system have been further refined to reduce the amount of space it requires,” Tim says. “The 600 series now shares the same smaller SCR catalyst mounted on the front right hand ‘A’ pillar as the 500 series, improving visibility.”

ARION 600/500 tractors can be configured with a choice of three operating systems: the basic CLAAS Information System (CIS), the intermediate CLAAS Information System Plus (CIS+) or the advanced CLAAS Electronic on-Board Information System (CEBIS). “CIS offers mechanical spool valves and while CIS+ has electronic spool valves,” Tim says. “Both systems incorporate the easy-to-use CIS terminal and a multi-function armrest with a four-way control lever. “The CIS+ is aimed at customers who want greater convenience and efficiency but do not need all the functionality of the CEBIS system. “It provides the option of using the CMATIC continuously variable transmission without the CEBIS system.”

Operators of CEBIS specification tractors also now benefit from a number of new features that provide them with greater functionality. “With ISOBUS now a standard feature on many implements and machines, the new CEBIS touchscreen terminal incorporates the new ISOBUS UT interface that enables all tractor and implement functions to be managed using one terminal in most situations,” Tim says.

“Another new feature is the ability to link up to two cameras, such as reversing or implement cameras, to the CEBIS screen, again avoiding the need for an additional screen in the cab.” ISOBUS sockets can be fitted to the front and rear of the tractor.

CEBIS specification tractors also have the ability to link an engine speed memo button to an external PTO button. “This new feature means that an external PTO button can be used to increase the engine speed without having to continuously get in and out of the cab,” Tim says.

With its four-point cabin suspension and optional front axle suspension, ARION tractors set the benchmark for driver comfort. “The addition of a new ‘dual motion’ driving seat, tinted rear windscreen, roof hatch and hands-free phone takes driver comfort to another level,” he says.

“Other improvements include a compressed air connection on the right side of the machine, new LED work lights and redesigned battery poles so that it’s easier to connect jump leads or power leads for fuel pumps. “Cab access steps now have a flexible bottom step, similar to that found on combines, so as to avoid damage when operating on rough ground.”

The CLAAS Harvest Centre network, which distributes CLAAS technology in Australia and New Zealand, expects the new models will become available locally within the next six months.