Claas has debuted its award-winning Xerion 12 tractor to the Australian market, which boasts high power and has already been proven in local conditions
More than 2,000 hours of work has been completed by Claas’ Xerion 12 tractor in Australian conditions prior to its local launch.
Boasting up to 653hp, the Xerion 12 comes to Australia much-anticipated having been named 2024 Tractor of the Year following its global launch at Agritechnica last year.
Landpower and Claas Harvest Centre unveiled the tractor in Melbourne last month, where Landpower founder and director Herby Whyte described it as “the only tractor manufactured today in the world that started from a clean sheet of paper”.
The result is a broadacre beast designed to impress with not only its size but also three areas which the manufacturer describes as crucial – productivity, efficiency and comfort.
The Xerion 12’s release comes after six years of research and development plus 10,000 hours of global testing – with the tractor also being put through its paces locally as part of this.
“We know that we are bringing in a superior product that is right for the farming conditions of our Australian customers because we have been running five evaluation units in Australia this seeding season, and they have completed over 2,000 hours of work,” Landpower CEO Richard Wilson says.
“We have had considerable interest in the Xerion 2 since its launch and have pre-sold two units into Western Australia and one in eastern Australia.”
The Xerion 12 is available locally in three models – the 12.650, 12.590 and 12.540 – with 653hp, 585hp and 544hp respectively.
It is powered by the same 15.6L six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM473 engines already found in Claas’ combines and forage harvesters.
In addition to the 653hp capability, the engine produces 3,100Nm of torque at just 1,300rpm.
Variations are available to offer Claas’ Terra Trac triangular crawler units and 914mm or 762mm tracks, while the wheeled variants can be fitted with either 800/70 R42 dual tyres or 900/60 R42 single tyres.
Three hydraulic pumps and eight spool valves provide an impressive 537L/minute hydraulic flow, enabling the Xerion 12’s use with even the most demanding implements.
A dynamic steering function halves the number of turns required with the steering wheel, Claas says, while a 50-50 weight distribution balance is maintained throughout all operating conditions, even when the fuel level drops during a day’s use.
A 1,400L fuel tank means this tractor is equipped for heavy usage, while 1,000 hour service intervals mean it can stay in the field for longer.
“[This tractor is] a specialist for heavy-duty pulling work in all speed ranges – whether in front of a cultivator, disc harrow, plough, airseeder or trailer,” Landpower tractor product business manager Kevin Walker says.
“Despite its immense power and size, it is extremely nimble thanks to its precise twin-axle steering.”
Inside the spacious 4 cubic metre cabin, which will also be familiar to existing Claas users thanks to its similarity to Lexion harvester cabins, there is four-point suspension and excellent visibility.
This is complemented by a range of footrest options, powerful 360-degree lighting package and a fully-adjustable seat.
Technology is also at the forefront, with the Lexion 12 featuring the manufacturer’s touchscreen CEBIS terminal in the armrest to control key functions, a CEMIS 1200 terminal for automatic steering, ISOBUS control and task management, plus the CEMOS system for tractor and implement optimisation.