DRIVING IMPRESSION: It’s no surprise that Claas’s new mid-range middleweights come with the option of a stepless CVT, but few could have predicted that the German firm would opt to build the gearbox in-house. We hop on board the tractor to find out how it performs
At first glance the Arion Cmatic looks identical to its powershift equipped Hexashift stablemates (profi 10/2012). But dig a little deeper and you’ll start to pick up on a few subtle differences. Up in the cab the new gearbox gives away its presence, with an additional shuttle control on the ‘Cmotion’ joystick and a few extra menu pages on the Cebis computer display to show speed ranges, cruise control settings and load limits — all very reminiscent of the set-up that features in larger Axion 800 and 900 models.
So with few external changes to speak of, let’s delve into the detail of this new gearbox. Until now Claas has stuck with ZF transmissions when customers have ticked the CVT option box. But, in a move to bring more manufacturing back in-house, the German firm has decided to develop its own unit for its new 140hp to 184hp Arion range
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save
