TRACTOR TEST: The Axion 800 family may have recently grown to include new smaller models, but this month’s tractor test focuses on the flagship of the range — the 184kW/250hp Axion 850. Time to see, then, what this Stage IV engine tractor is like to live with
When Claas unveiled the new generation Axion 800 at SIMA two years ago it was vastly different to its predecessor, as we found out in our 11/2013 driving impression. For starters, as with all new models, there was a key change under the bonnet, a Stage IV FPT motor providing the grunt in the now six-model line-up spanning 142kW/194hp up to 184kW/250hp (ECE R120). Here we focus on the flagship tractor, the 850.
The last time we brought a Claas Axion 800 to the DLG test centre it was powered by a Deere Power Systems motor. That’s now history. Donkey of choice in the current 800s is a six-cyl, 6.7-litre FPT engine with SCR and DOC for meeting the latest engine emissions.
There is no DPF or external exhaust gas recirculation, so the cylinders do not need to breath in their own flatulent gases. First result is a reasonable 168kW/228hp, not bad at all for a tractor with a 184kW/246hp engine. And there’s more; the motor delivered a max output of nearly 181kW/246hp while spinning at 1,800rpm. It’s worth adding that this extra power is also available during ploughing and cultivating and not solely as a boost function during pto or transport work.
The other stats are good, too: a 44% torque rise at a speed drop of just 35% and 120% start-off torque are all excellent results. Even better than these figures is the modest appetite — 226g/kWh of diesel plus 20.6g/kWh of AdBlue at rated speed and just 216g/kWh (plus 19.3g/kWh) at maximum output are top results. These returns are 6% lower than the ones recorded by the Axion predecessor and are also better than what’s on offer from most of the tractor’s competitors.
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