If you home in on a Claas Lexion hybrid as your next used combine choice, take a deep breath. When we last looked at buying a Lexion 700 back in 2017, matters were relatively straightforward. Fast forward to 2026, and the narrow body Lexion 7000 (and wide body 8000) are rather different to their predecessors. Add a broader range of header types, the wide adoption of tracks plus numerous other options and the points to consider may be more involved than you might think.

Sit down and look at the number of new Claas Lexion combine models available on the current UK and Irish market. By the time you consider output, header size and type, tank capacity, tracks versus tyres, guidance, yield monitoring systems and the potential choices can appear mind numbing. Factor in a near decade of Lexion combine development into the mix and selecting the right used Lexion 7000 or 8000 for your business can take time. Which is why it pays to look ahead. What is more, the more popular Lexion models are likely to have a customer lined up before they reach the used retail market.  

The Lexion range moved from the hybrid 700 series to the ‘second generation’ 7000/8000 APS Synflow Hybrid models from 2019 for the 2020 season. Although on paper it would seem the narrow body Lexion 740, 750 and 760 models were replaced by the Lexion 7400, 7500, 7600 and 7700, the newer models are not like for like in terms of capacity. Around 66% of the ‘hardware’ of a 7000/8000 series is different to the previous 700 combine generation. If you are after a more ‘direct’ Lexion 700 model replacement, particularly at the lower capacity end, a combine from the Trion range may a better fit. An example?  A Lexion 750 can readily be replaced with a Trion 750 whereas a Lexion 7500 is likely to deliver in the order 10% greater capacity than either of those. The first Trions hit the market in 2021, so used models are starting to dribble onto the used market.

Lexion 7000/8000 series models feature a 450mm accelerator drum, a 755mm threshing drum with ten bars and 600mm feed drum. A key design tweak over the previous Lexion generation is a reduced angle of crop flow through the drums, with Claas claiming this more linear crop passage increases overall efficiency.

Long way of saying just adding a zero to the Lexion model number will not be a useful guide to past and current model capacities. At the other end of the performance scale, a wide body 770 and higher capacity 780 are most likely to have been replaced by a model from the wide body 8000 series. Of the latter, the 585hp Lexion 8700 has proven a key seller in the UK. The range topping 790hp Lexion 8900 will be a rare used find. Back in 2019 it was claimed to be the world’s most powerful production combine.

The heart of the Lexion hybrid 700 combines was APS ‘Accelerated Pre-Separation’ threshing. Lexion 7000 and 8000 models use a development on this system, the APS Synflow {See separate panel}. When combined with other changes that includes more powerful engines, bigger grain tanks, larger concaves, greater separation control, a revised drive system and faster unloading, pro-rata outputs of these second generation Lexion models are, as previously mentioned, increased. 

Larger cabs, advanced automation

Operators jumping from a Lexion 700 combine and into the cab of a 7000 or 8000 series will notice cab of the newer models does feel more spacious, the seat moving back just that much more to boost legroom. Fire up the engine, and in-cab noise levels and general refinement benefit from improved sound proofing, with a better view into the grain tank. 

Claas Cebis touchscreen provides access to a whole host of data to include area worked, distance travelled on the road, total fuel use and so much more (right). When looking over a used buy, do not let this info get in the way of taking a proper look at the machine.

All key functions are controlled using the familiar Cmotion control, with updates to include a favourites management system linked to a revised Cebis touchscreen terminal. The latter can be adjusted independent of the armrest or swung aside completely. The main machine settings can be set in three different ways: 

  • Using the Cebis Touchscreen
  • Via a rotary push switch on the Cebis Control panel
  • Using switches on the armrest 

A popular option to look out for is Cemos Automatic. This essentially sets up the combine to suit specific crops and conditions automatically, with the selected settings showing on the Cebis Terminal. These core ‘base’ settings can be tweaked to match specific conditions, but most will just let the combine look after itself.

As a used buyer, it is well worth going through the way in which these later Lexion generations can be set up and operated. There is a lot to get to grips with. Automation took a noticeable step up from the previous Lexion 700. 

More power less fuel?

MAN or Mercedes-Benz power unit outputs range from 408hp on the Lexion 7400 to a 790hp for Lexion 8900 (2020 model year), a power span of nigh on 400hp.  As a used buyer the more likely used finds will be between these extremes. The ‘headline’ power of a particular model is more a guide to its potential output than how much of that energy is actually used in work.

This is due to all models featuring intelligent engine management that automatically adjusts engine power output relative to load. This is not new but it is fair to say this element of Lexion design has advanced considerably over the past decade and is a key to optimising fuel use. 

The drive system is also completely revised when compared to the 700 series, with a different clutch system to engage and tension the belts to improve belt life and the drive line has been straightened to reduce power loss. Pro-rata fuel consumption to per tonne of crop should be improved. 

Transport speed, wheels and tracks

Lexion 8000/7000 models on wheels or now more popular Terra Tracs can reach transport speeds of up to 40km/hr. A point to note is that wheeled models in the UK are likely to be fitted with a front axle differential lock. 

Changes out the way, what should you look for?

An obvious starting point is size and performance. As previously outlined, a ‘narrow body’ Lexion 7000 series combine will have a noticeable performance hike over a Lexion 750, with the wide body Lexion 8000 series seeing a further ramp up in performance. As outlined in our previous used buying article on the Lexion 700 (profi 02/2017) there is a lot to consider before you even start looking for a used buy. This has not changed, nor has the advice to start looking as soon as you can for a combine for the coming season. 

A Claas dealer will invest a great deal of time and money into bringing a used buy up to full retail standards. A clean used buy is also a lot easier to inspect. If you get a chance to view a combine before it heads to the workshop you may be able to discuss how it is prepared. A dealer will renew certain items as a matter of course but may service the machine to suit your needs and so save some costs. This may have an impact upon the warranty offered.

Next up is sourcing a used buy. To suggest you should only consider buying from a Claas franchised dealer is a bit of a cop out, it is still fair to suggest you are more likely to find a model you are after and with its all-important service history from a franchised outlet. This is not to suggest other sources, such as an auction buy, are to be avoided but more that you really do need to know what you are up to if you go down that buying route. 

A Claas dealer will prepare a used buy to a high standard, replacing certain bearings, belts and other service items as a matter of course. This will enable them to offer some form of warranty with a much-reduced risk to them of there being a problem in the field. The downside is you will pay a premium for a fully dealer prepared buy. Do check, incidentally, if the dealer can offer alternatives to full preparation. You may not cover an area that would demand certain items are renewed as ‘insurance’ against failure in service. Talk your needs through with a dealer before a combine is prepared and you may be able to save some money (but you may lose out on a harvest service warranty).

Another point is combine set up. If you are moving from an earlier Lexion model to a more recent 7000 or 8000 you will benefit from some cab time in ensuring developments to guidance and automated set up systems are explained. A Claas dealer will help with set up.

The cab of Lexion 7000 and 8000 series combines offers a good working environment and includes a good view not just of the header but also into the grain tank.

When new, the bulk of Lexion models will have been purchased on a finance scheme typically with a service package and possibly extended warranty as paid for extras. This should mean a used buy coming in from a fully financed package will have been looked after but still check. The service packs on offer can vary, with most tailored to suit customer demands. 

It is also worth noting many a used buy will now have in excess seven harvests behind it, with a high tonnage of crop pass through the machine. The past couple of harvests have been kind to combines in some regions, with ‘easy’ harvest conditions reducing wear and tear. Remember, however, that previous harvests may have been more challenging. Take your time to really look the combine over and ask questions if you spot something you think needs attention.  

Start with the basics

Normal used combine basics still apply, but it is easy to forget them when presented with what looks to be the ideal machine. Here are some reminders.

  • The amount of material that has passed through the machine that will give an idea of how much work it has done. A combine that has over 40,000 tonnes of grain through it will obviously be more worn than one with similar engine hours but less crop handling.
  • Despite the above, a lower tonnage figure may be misleading. The nature of the harvested crop will have a bearing upon how hard it has worked. Has the combine harvested just cereals or a mix to include peas and beans?
  • Service and usage history. This is easier to check on a used buy by running through the combines menus
Engine outputs between model years have increased. In a difficult harvest this will have an impact upon performance, a point to consider when comparing pre- and post-2023 model years.

As to closer inspection, a dealer prepared machine should present in good order. If you look the machine over in much the same way you would when setting it up for work, then that is a good start. Start from the header and work back; don’t forget to look over its trailer too. Damage repairs can cost a lot more than you think. Wear in the cutterbar, reel and auger are of course to be expected so be realistic. If you are concerned that the header is more worn than you expect, ask questions or look at another machine. Do not forget to look at the spare knife. 

Moving to the front elevator, chain (or belt) and slats can suffer physical wear and damage, with the same applying to the drums at the start of the threshing system. The longitudinal rotors will need the odd panel removed to take a closer look. 

You can also check all belts and pulley surfaces and spend time inspecting the sieves and straw chopper. 

In the cab, take time to work through all key functions and scroll though the screen menu. A dealer prepared combine should be clean, serviced and ready to go. It is down to you to look for wear and tear and ask questions (see photo captions for a few more key checks on pages 32-33).

What should you pay?

Used combine prices have hardened in line with new prices having seen steep increases. To some extent, a sticker price is a guide to what you may have to pay if buying on finance. The bottom line is to think ahead and to the cost to change from your used buy some three to five seasons down the line. 

Summary

Buying a used combine is harder than specifying a new machine for a whole host of reasons to include matching the machine to your needs and investing in a machine that has the right balance of saving over new to future residual values. Further, dealers may have access to new machine finance packages. These make it important to compare new and used offers side by side. Buying used may offer the savings up front but what about actual running costs to include servicing and maintenance? 

Back to the more obvious. The best time to investigate buying a used combine is well ahead of the coming season. Buying a combine takes lot of thought and represents a big investment. The job is eased if you allow time to really think through your options and tap into the advice a good dealer can offer.

With grateful thanks to William Helliwell of Claas dealers Oliver Agriculture Ltd, Luton and Claas UK 

KEY CHECKS IN PICTURES

As with any machine, keeping on top of daily maintenance and cleanliness is key to keeping a combine in good working order. Claas 7000 and 8000 series combines are generally considered reliable but that is not the same as suggesting they can deliver without the same TLC that will benefit any make or model. The following pictures and captions are some of the key areas to check. 

Checking the drum and concave condition can be done through the side panel, stone trap and the top drum door.
If the header elevator is lowered when the stone trap door is open it can lead to bends in the linkage and the flap itself.
A combine run with a Convio header will have a hydraulic ram fitted to the HP feeder house. This enables the header angle to be adjusted so the cutterbar can be pitched forward to pick up laid or low crops. This is an option on combines with a Vario header and is well worth looking out for.
The 7000 and 8000 series have a revised clutch engagement system taken from Jaguar forage harvesters. This does away with the fan pulley on the end of the transfer box and it has proven trouble free. One area to check is the idler belt pulley bearings. These work hard and are subject to wear.
Access to the APS rotor teeth is good. If they are damaged, they can easily be straightened or cut off and replacements welded on. Look over the rubber flaps and look for damage to top drum door. If it has not been fitted correctly it can get caught.
Elevator belts, in place of chain, are a popular option in the UK on later 100 series machines and some customer like them on the 1000 series too. Belts run quieter and can absorb more shock loads in stoney conditions. A downside is that they can be costly to change, Claas dealers Olivers tending to revert back to chains when they need replacing.
Take a close look at the electrical wiring on the front axle and see if there is any evidence of heat damage. Lexion 7000 and 8000 are less liable to park brake problems than the older 100 series but it still pays to ensure this area is kept clean to avoid potential problems.
Elevator chains are clearly wearing items. It is easy to detect any play in the chain links but the trick is knowing the difference between acceptable and extreme wear.
The revised dust extractor on the 7000 and 8000 series has a huge capacity but will still require a regular blowing out as did the design offered on the 100 series. The blower’s centre bearings can fail but a greaser kit can reduce problems. Whilst checking the elevator, look for oil leaks on header multi coupling. Fix a weep in the winter will avoid a bigger job during harvest.
Claas Terra Trac units are typically reliable but check the mid wheels for kerb damage. A modification was made to the tension ram on some combines under warranty, so this is unlikely to be a problem. Clear view hub caps are a worthwhile addition as they make viewing levels and oil quality a lot easier.
UK spec machines will have Linseed rotors as standard, but Claas dealer’s Olivers suggest those planning to harvest a significant amount of linseed or hemp fit a linseed knife between the rotors. This will aid crop flow. It is worth noting the rotor bearings are of a revised design that give little trouble. Unlike the 100 series, where these bearing needed a daily shot of grease, the revised design needs attention at 50-hour intervals.
The final stage drive belt for the sieves is probably the most awkward one to change. If the belt shows any defects or looks worn it is advised to have it changed in winter rather than struggle to replace it during harvest.
Although the sieve bushes tend to remain in sound condition even on a combine that has covered high hours, still give them a check. 
Wear and tension of the unloader drive chains is critical. If the right-hand chain is allowed to run slack, it can wear the gearbox housing.
Make sure the bubble up auger folds up correctly and look for damage on the grain tank lids. If the auger does not fold up fully it can cause problems with the mass weigher at the top of the clean grain elevator. Rare, but worth a look. The mass weigher on these Lexion models is more accurate and easier to calibrate than the old volumetric Quantimeter. The grain quality camera and the complete CEMOS Automation system is a worthwhile option as it can really help ensure consistent maximum output.
On the clean grain elevator, check the divider plate hasn’t been damaged due to slack chains or damaged elevator paddles. It is held in by bolts.
A plastic brake is fitted to the chopper pulley to prevent the chopper rotor causing drag when swathing. This brake can break up and stall the chopper when switching back into chopping mode.
The mechanically driven power spreader works well and should distribute residue evenly across the width of the widest cutterbars. On the more powerful models fitted with a wide header, check for cracks on power spreader distribution arms. This can arise on combines that have covered in excess of 2,500 hours.
It is not unusual to spot a modified breather fitted to the AdBlue tank. This can help keep muck out of the AdBlue tank and reduce problems. Whilst here, check the top of the fuel tank, an area some operators forget to clean. As an aside, an increasing number of operators may have opted to delete AdBlue system. Claas do not endorse this.
The radiator needs to be kept clean, with attention paid to ensuring there are no blockages in the fins.
“Most of the used combines we retail of up to 6 years old tend to be priced in fully prepared, serviced and with any preventative maintenance carried out”, says William Helliwell of Claas dealers Oliver Agriculture. “Clearly the aim is to ensure a trouble-free harvest. We add a harvest warranty to a fully prepared combine that is supplied within our feasible service area. However, we will also sell on a combine in an ex-farm condition or with just a basic service if required”.

James de Havilland

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