USED MACHINERY: Claas Ares 500-/600-/800-series tractors: Minimal delving is required to appreciate that the Claas Ares ‘06′ and ‘07′ tractor series are closely related to the Ares ‘II’ models launched by Renault in 2002. And it is fair to say that Ares ‘II’ is only a lightly refreshed variant of the original Ares introduced in 1997 and…. The point is made: Claas tractors are based on a proven and long heritage. But do they make a sound used buy?
Our April ‘09 used machinery profile takes a look at all three members of the Claas Ares tractor series – the 500, 600 and 800. With a nominal power span of 90 to 195hp, these models obviously have a number of important spec differences, but then a common thread still allows them to be considered as part of the one close-knit family.
In broad outline, the 500 and 600 models incorporate four- and six-cylinder power units respectively, but they are otherwise based around the same main design components. The Ares 800 models are more powerful versions of the 600, albeit with a ‘beefed’ rear end and different tin work. Detailed specification differences aside, it’s the above items that stand out as key range dividers.
We will look solely at Claas tractors within this article, as we’ve previously covered buying used Renault Ares 640RZ/696RZ models (profi 2/04). Yet there’s still no denying the French connection: The Ares history table starts with the Renault units launched in 1997, and is included here to help iron out any spec confusion between early and later offerings. And France, of course, is still home to Claas Tractor. On the subject of construction location, when the Claas tractor line-up was intoduced in 2004, the Renault Agriculture factory in Le Mans carried on pumping out Renault-badged models. But these tractors were mainly destined for other markets. As far as the UK was concerned, Renault tractors were no longer offered new when Renault Agriculture ceased to trade in the UK by the end of 2004.
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