Claas has used Axion 900 owner and operator feedback to develop a more hard-hitting heavy-weight line-up, with over 60% of the tractor being changed to create the Axion 9. We take a closer look.

KEEPING IT BRIEF

  • In the UK and Ireland, the TerraTrac version has become the sales bread winner, but that could change with the much improved cab.
  • There is still the same number of models spanning a similar power bracket.
  • The cab has grown in size, and the controls have been given a rethink.

Operator opinion is that the Axion 900’s performance was hitting the spot, though cab comfort and reliability could be better. Claas has taken this user criticism on board and changed 60% of the component parts on the new generation Axion 9, which will start landing here in the spring.

Before taking a nose under the bonnet, we just want to tip our hat to its stylish design. Whether it’s the curved moulded sides or the illuminated lettering on the nose, it quite simply looks the part. Indeed, the tractor feels right, from its proportions to the operator-friendly details to the fit and finish — even on these pre-series machines.

The numbering system, already introduced on Xerion 12, deserves a mention, too. Sitting at the top is the Axion 9.450 unit, with the number after the decimal point indicating the maximum power output.

Maximum 450hp

Operators will likely find it more important that the bonnet now opens a lot easier, and it’s possible to order a Hägele reversible fan for the new Axion as a factory option. But that is not the only difference. The 8.7-litre FPT Cursor 9 has also undergone fine-tuning. This includes modifications to the cylinder liners and injectors, as well as the piston cooling. 

The range sticks with five wheeled models, starting with the Axion 9.330 that has a maximum output of 240kW/326hp and duly climaxes with the Axion 9.450, which maxes at 330kW/448hp. Both the 9.360 and 9.450 are also available as TT versions with the TerraTrac track system. The diesel tank capacity remains at a very generous 860 litres for both models. 

The climb into the cab is as good as it gets. On the wheeled machine, the diesel tank capacity has increased to 712 litres. The TerraTrac retains the 860-litre bowser from before.

Claas has also increased the capacity of its wheeled machines: instead of 640 litres, the new 9s will carry 712 litres of diesel. They also get 11cm wider steps, making cab access that much better. Furthermore, not only is this cab area well illuminated, but lifting up the steps reveals a pull-out cantilever toolbox. There’s also a button at the side of the stairs to turn on the lights as well as battery power terminals and an air hose connector.

In addition to the toolbox drawer, there is also a handwash tank, air connectors and illuminated steps.

Before we get to the cab, just a few words on the transmission. It’s the same CVT unit as before, but Claas has worked with ZF to improve the noise insulation. Meanwhile Claas Industrietechnik has been busy on refining the software to the point that the transmission not only auto regulates the  engine power, but also the “self-learning” system is designed to automatically detect an impending load change. For instance, Claas’s Axion software now knows how to avoid that slight delay as the transmission and engine figure things out to pull away when an implement is lowered into dirt.

Huge and really well finished. The part-leather seat is from Isri.

New cabin…

Moving on to what is probably the most important part of the Axion 9 — the cab. This has been completely redesigned and has grown in length (+5.2cm) and width (+9.3cm). According to the tractor maker, this represents a 17% increase in volume, which, with 3.2m³ of interior space and 6.7m² of glass area, is pretty much on par with the John Deere 7R cab — very good!

In addition, the four-point suspension has been fully revised: the front spring-damper units are now arranged at an angle, which should improve their responsiveness and reduce unnecessary cab oscillations.

The back window is no longer as curved, but it is enormous. Up to 22 LED work light are also new.

…at only 66dB(A)

Speaking of reduction, according to Claas a large number of mechanical connections between the chassis and the cab have also been eliminated. Together with improved insulation, it now promises a sensationally low 66dB(A) at the driver’s ear. During our short drive, we actually found the noise level to be very pleasant, but we hope to learn more in a comprehensive tractor test in a future issue.

Also based in Isri

As for the driver’s seat, the electrically adjustable Ti seat from Isringhausen (this will be familiar to Fendt users) is available as a cost option — with every conceivable comfort feature. According to Claas, the driver’s seat can also be rotated 10° to the left for easy entry and exit and 40° to the right. Unfortunately, this amount of seat swivel is not available when it’s pushed all the way back.

Otherwise, it’s not just the high-quality materials and excellent workmanship that catch the eye. The powershuttle lever on the left under the steering wheel no longer locks into place which means you can mix and match with the directional buttons on the right-hand drive stick. We like this just as much as the large A-pillar display, which replaces the analogue dash. 

In addition, Axion users can now operate the auto steer system via the tractor terminal on the armrest. What’s more, if you want to go with a second terminal, you can now easily toggle between the two screens with a single button press.

The Cmotion can now be nudged sideways — the rest of the armrest is new.

Armrest with more functions

Claas has also made significant refinements to the armrest itself. This starts with the familiar Cmotion drive lever. A kick to the left or right now allows switching between the three electronic driving ranges. The rocker switch on the lever can therefore be assigned to the many other possible ISObus functions.

The A-pillar display replaces the old dash and provides a wide range of information.

The new cross lever on the armrest offers even more possibilities: up to 30 ISObus functions can be operated here across three levels. Claas has also finally done away with the fixed rotary switches, for example, for the lift settings. Quick access buttons now provide direct access to the main setting levels for the lift, hydraulics, transmission, etc.

Up to 370l/min oil

And speaking of hydraulics, the rocker switches for the hydraulic valves now have LEDs that change colour according to their function — good stuff. In addition to the standard 220l/min axial piston pump, there’s also a dual-pump option with an impressive 370l/min. This includes two larger diameter control valves with a flow rate of 170l/min (instead of the usual 140l/min). Furthermore, two control valves can then be prioritized.

A wide-angle camera will be more important to users than the backlit Claas logo.

Other details

  • The oil change intervals for the engine were extended from 600 to 750 hours and for the transmission from 600 to 1,500 hours.
  • There will also be a new pneumatic weight relief spring for the hydraulic top link.
  • According to Claas, the new lighting concept with up to 22 LEDs all around has a power output of 56,000 lumens. Operation is now integrated into the Cebis system.
  • There’s a camera at the front and one at the back. There’s also a third one next to the handle of the huge rear window.
  • The air conditioning system has new outlets and now uses two fans with 30% more power.
  • Unfortunately, the storage box behind the passenger seat is not (yet) actively cooled.
  • The cab sound system operated through the screen, has a total of four speakers plus a subwoofer, but unfortunately no Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
  • The Claas connect telemetry system is free for five years. And with the new AgXeed VCU set-up, the Axion achieves Autonomy Level 2 via ISObus TIM.
The camera at the top of the rear window can also see the hitch. Claas uses a Dromone Engineering pick-up hitch.

Summary

With the new Axion 9, Claas is taking a big step towards the premium class. The new cab and operating concept alone make a first-class impression at first glance — the Claas engineers have clearly listened to the drivers!

In terms of performance, the machines were already very good. With the operator- focused details, can Claas now appeal to users of its rivals’ wheeled tractors?

Hubert Wilmer

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