TRACTOR TEST: Back in 2012 Claas announced that it was updating the Arion 500 and 600 models, giving them a new look and cab more akin to those of the larger Axion models. At the same time the DPS four- and six-cylinder motors were fettled to meet Stage IIIB. To find out if Claas has finally shaken off the stigma of its Renault heritage we get the low-down from owners of the flagship in the Arion tractor range, the 129kW/175hp Arion 650
Usually for the profi long-term tests we seek out a user who has managed to clock a sizeable number of hours in a short space of time on a variety of jobs. But this time we have opted to see two firms operating the same make and model of tractor — to obtain a better
overview of how that particular model is shaping up.
Our long-term test candidate for this month is the 129kW/175hp Claas Arion 650, a tractor that has already been through our Powermix test in the October 2014 issue. The first of these revamped middleweights went on sale in 2013, and we have tracked down a selection of examples that have clocked up some decent hours undertaking a range of different tasks.
Under the spotlight to start with is a Cebisspec
650 with a 50km/hr Hexashift six-speed powershift box, electric spools, armrest console and full colour display computer. It joins a five-strong fleet of Claas tractors employed by a mixed contracting and farming outfit. While a trio of 800-series tractors deals with the heavier work, the 650 and a 10-year-old 697 handle any jobs where a lighter footprint is required. That’s particularly important for the newer tractor’s spring work, when it’s coupled up to a six-row Accord maize drill piggy-backing on a 4.0m power harrow.
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