We get behind the wheel of the latest Claas Axion 810 tractor
Recently at a privately owned farm just outside of Finley New South Wales, Landpower’s Claas Harvest Centre launched the latest Axion 800 tractor series.
The Axion 810 is an impressive tractor and I was instantly drawn to its new CIS+ cabin, which Claas Harvest Centre labels “backpacker ready” due to its simplistic and easy-to-use design.
The CIS+ cabin is spacious, convenient and quiet despite the Axion 810 packing a 6.7-litre FPT 6-cylinder engine under the bonnet. That FPT engine is no wimp, capable of pushing out 215hp and a top speed of 50 km/h.
Speed and the 810’s Cmatic transmission are simply controlled by pushing up or down on the Claas Drivestick located on the multi-function armrest – purists don’t stress, you can still use the foot pedals.
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The multi-function armrest was extremely easy to use
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The multi-function armrest also plays host to the Electropilot four-way control lever which controls a front-end loader option as well as conveniently positioned buttons for GPS, hydraulic activation, PTO engagement and rear linkage functions.
A seven-inch CIS colour display built into the A-pillar shows setting options for the transmission, electronic spool valves, F buttons and CSM headland management.
Transmission wise, the Axion 810 and CIS+ provides two options, the continuously variable Cmatic (which was what we tested); or the Hexashift powershift transmission.
When the Drivestick is used in conjunction with the Cmatic transmission, a cruise control button is available, which worked a treat when cruising through the paddocks.
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After hitching a chaser bin behind the Axion 810 and following a Claas Jaguar 950 harvesting maize, it really hit me what Claas Harvest Centre meant by being “backpacker ready”.
The Drivestick, the Cmatic transmission, the uncluttered cabin and multi-functional armrest all make for an incredibly easy-to-drive experience, regardless of the experience, making it perfect for that sunburnt working backpacker.
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The Axion 810 was a pleasure to drive
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Photography: Andrew Britten | Video: Andrew Britten