CLAAS pumps up its tyres – automatically!

CLAAS has announced it will introduce a new automatic tyre inflation system across its AXION and ARION series of advanced technology tractors.

With an air delivery rate of up to 2800 L/min, an auxiliary compressor rapidly adjusts the tyre pressure of the tractor – and optionally, trailed implements – ready for work or transport. CLAAS claims the system can adjust the tyre pressure in 600/70 R28 and 710/70 R38 tyres from 0.8 bar (12 psi) to 1.8 bar (26 psi) in less than 80 seconds.

CLAAS Harvest Centre General Manager – Product, Tim Needham, says all AXION 900 Stage V tractors can be factory-fitted with CTIC or CTIC 2800 tyre inflation systems. In addition, both systems can be retrofitted to existing ARION 900/800 and ARION 600/500 series machines, regardless of their year of manufacture.

The system can be controlled via any ISOBUS terminal, such as the CLAAS S10 or the new CLAAS CEMIS 700. “The operator can switch between field and road pressure at the touch of a button using one of the function keys in the operating armrest or on the CMOTION control lever,” Tim says.

“Control can also be integrated into the CEMOS, an award-winning operator assistance system that optimises machine and implement settings to maximise throughput or fuel efficiency. This system is based on ‘dialogue’ with the driver.”

At the start of a job, the driver enters a range of information about operating conditions, such as soil humidity, soil type and working depth; machine data, such as tractor tyres and front, rear or wheel ballast; and implement data into the CEBIS touchscreen terminal. The system then recommends the best pressure for the front and rear tyres to reduce wheel slip, ground damage and diesel consumption. “This makes it possible to achieve intelligent dynamic internal tyre pressure adjustment in interaction with other parameters, such as ballast, and real-time performance data,” Tim says.