The freshening up of the Claas tractor range continues, with the five-model Axion 800 making way for a trio of Axion 8s. We climb into the cab of the range-topping 8.290.

KEEPING IT BRIEF

  • Not only does the Axion 8.290 replace the 870, it delivers more power, maxing out at 313hp.
  • The new roomier, quieter cab also benefits from modern controls including E-Pilot.
  • Hardware such as the engine, axles and hydraulics are largely the same as the outgoing Axion 800’s.

The Axion 870 has been one of the top sellers in the Claas tractor range, but now we’re treated to a fresh face in the shape of the Axion 8. This time there are just the three new models, (8.240, 8.270 and 8.290) with no direct replacements for the Axion 800 and 810.

With the new naming structure, Arion 6, Axion 8 and Axion 9, you don’t have to be an ace mathematician to notice that a ‘7’ is missing from the current line-up. Suffice to say a new generation of tractors is clearly on the horizon…but when we will see it is anyone’s guess, although the order book is now shut for current 800s with production wrapping up production towards the end of 2026.

Thanks to the large handle and all-round rail, it’s easy to climb up to clean off the side windows.

But there is plenty to talk about with the new generation of Axion 8 models. The new ‘Visor’ design, featuring a stylish, illuminated Claas logo on the front of the bonnet and ‘menacing eyes’, sets the new models apart. The top-of-the-range model now delivers up to 313hp, squeezing an extra 18hp out of the smooth-running 6.7-litre six-cylinder FPT motor. Indeed, much of the tried-and-tested Axion hardware — namely the engine, transmission and axles — are carried over from the 800.

Changes include the new air filter housing and the extended engine service interval up from 600 to 750 hours. But for users the main change has been to the electronic architecture, with driver aids that make the Axion smarter than before. For instance, with AutoDroop, there’s an automatic engine load reduction system that takes over the three selectable driving strategies (Eco, Power and Pto mode) from the driver. 

In addition, by using DynamicPower, the electronics provide a boost in power when the tractor’s transmission, hydraulics or other auxiliary consumers need some extra oomph. The fact that the engine idles at 650rpm is a welcome touch, but Claas hasn’t gone all the way and introduced a full automatic engine stop-start.

Predictive control

As with the Axion 9, the 8.290 also has ‘Auto Load Anticipation’ software. This package allows the tractor’s electronics to recognise all the various scenarios in advance, such as when the spool valve is activated to lower a cultivator, the engine speed increasing slightly to overcome the sudden loading as the tines enter the soil. This worked quite well during our test drive, but, saying that, the old model’s very good engine-transmission controls already did a lot.

The fact that the transmission now also offers a retarder for trailer combinations via the sensor system is another new and practical feature. Top speed is still 50km/hr (well actually closer to 55km/hr) but is reached at 1,400rpm. The external tyre pressure control system ‘CTIC’ remains an option. A new feature is factory-fitted RDA pre-installation, meaning the rims are already drilled and the airlines are routed under the cab. Tyres up to 2.15m high are possible, but the tractor has to be configured with these from the factory.

The new cab on the Claas Axion 8 is the main talking point when assessing the range’s revamp. Fit and finish look high-quality, the armrest is new, as is the fancy A-pillar display.

Huge cab

Another thing shared with the Axion 9 is the 8’s new cab. Four nice wide steps with substantial handholds lead up into the four-post cab. The steering column is considerably smaller/slimmer, while the old dashboard display information moves to a slicker screen on the right-hand A-pillar.

With the CEBIS-connect screen, you have the choice of one or two 12-inch touch screens. The auto-steering system, ISObus screens, etc. can be fully customised by the operator. With the lighting and visibility package, the driver gets LED lighting for excellent illumination (56,000 lumens) along with three cameras on the tractor: one at the front, one at the rear and one on the rear window so it is easier to see the hitch. As there is no B-post, snugly shutting the large door is a bit of a challenge.

The E-Pilot can be set to three different levels. For the first time, the Claas Axion has a depth wheel for the front and rear linkages — users need to be aware of this.

E-Pilot with 30 functions

For selecting the direction of travel you can now swap between the CMotion, E-Pilot and the powershuttle lever which is great. The E-Pilot fits very comfortably in the hand and can be set to three different levels. A coloured LED sited on the joystick indicates which level the driver is currently on.

The mechanical four-point cab suspension has been fitted with new dampers: the front dampers are no longer straight but are bolted on to the chassis at a slight angle beneath the cab. This stiffens the cab and is intended to reduce body roll. 

An additional advantage: Claas has reduced the number of contact points with the cab from ten down to six. With new glazing and window seals, the Axion 8.290 is really quiet. We were able to see this for ourselves not only on the road but also in the field. Claas states that it can maintain a noise level of 67dB(A) with a closed cab. The update is rounded off by seats from Isri with a total of 50° swivel movement (10° to the left, 40° to the right), footrests on the right, and attractive, sturdy storage trays in the cab. 

Linkage control

One thing that took us a while to get used to is the fact that the depth adjustment for the front and rear linkages is carried out with just one rotary knob. So, you have to preselect which linkage you are adjusting, before making a change. The Claas response is there’s now a much lower uptake of fully integrated front linkage controls, with most tractors using a simpler mid-mount double-acting control instead. Speaking of tractor operation, there are no password-protected profiles (yet). But the step towards a driver-specific terminal is not far off. 

Optional seats from Isringhausen bring features such as heating, cooling and a massage function.

In the seat

The improved noise insulation is noticeable, and controls are familiar and user-friendly. The details such as the improved visibility from a centrally positioned windscreen wiper motor in the rear window, or LED strips to illuminate the attachment area, are a pleasure to use in practice.

As on the Axion 9, the seat has more swivel range (40˚ to the right, 10˚ to the left) with a footrest alongside the accelerator pedal.

With a 4.0m wide Horsch Fortis cultivator, the Axion also cuts a fine figure in the field, and we were able to see for ourselves the benefit of the excellent engine-transmission control system.

Toolbox is on the left-hand side by the steps along with a hand wash water tank, coupler for an airline and ‘electronic bone’ — a tried-and-tested design enhanced with details. This goes down well in practice.

Other details

  • A subwoofer is fitted in the former cool box under the passenger seat.
  • Auto CSM is the Claas name given to the automatic start for a headland sequence when crossing the headland boundary lines.
  • The steering system now automatically switches between steering tracks, based on the direction of travel and position.
  • The previous Cemos driver assistance system is now called Cemos Dialog; Claas summarises the auto functions described for the engine and transmission as Cemos Auto Powertrain.
  • The firm is so confident in the tractor’s reliability that it now offers Maxi-Care warranty cover for up to 8,000 hours or eight years. Also, a component warranty covering 5,000 hours for the Axion engine, transmission and front axle is included at no extra cost.
  • An MX-supplied front loader offering will be available.
  • A Cleanfix reverse fan is now available as an option.
Stepless Cmatic transmission is the only option. A trailer overrun brake is included, as is a valve for automatically locking trailer steering axles.

Summary

It was worth the wait, as the new Axion 8.290 has the potential to become a real favourite. The tried and tested hardware, intelligent software and the new cab really do tick the boxes. 

Compared to the ‘old’ Axion 870 Cmatic, a new 8.290 costs around £306,340.

Tobias Bensing

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