Claas has announced the Australian release of the Arion 400, part of its redesigned range of advanced technology tractors.
Like others in the new series, which includes six new models ranging from 90hp to 140hp, the Arion 400 has features previously offered only in the company’s larger-horsepower tractors.
These include optional front suspension, front linkages, automatic differential locking, automatic four-wheel drive and power take-off activation-deactivation.
Claas Tractors group product manager Dave Knowles says the latest Arion series has had a total redesign.
“Over the past few years, Claas has concentrated on modernising its offering in the medium and large horsepower tractors,” Knowles says. “Now, Claas is proving it is an innovative force in the lower horsepower segment by completely redesigning the Arion 400 series.”
The most notable change to the Arion 400 is its high-visibility, sunroof-like Panoramic cab, with a 2.4-cubic-metre one-piece windscreen, which won the SIMA Gold Innovation Award and the iF Design Award.
A low roof and single-door cabin option is also available.
Under the bonnet, the new Arion 400 has a 4.5-litre four cylinder FPT engine with modern common rail injection (1600 bar), charge air cooling and a turbocharger.
It is fully compliant with Tier 4 emissions standards, Knowles says, adding: “They use a two-stage catalytic converter system that does not require an external exhaust gas recirculation system or a diesel particulate filter.”
The Arion 400 comes in two transmission options, the Hexashift (24/24) or the Quadrishift (16/16), which allows for more convenient gear changing due to its ability to shift between gears using a multifunctional lever, without the need to use the clutch pedal.
Claas also gives the option to fit its Sequence Management headland management system, which allows engine and PTO rpm, powerlift and the electronic controls to be saved as operating sequences, which reduces driver workload, Knowles says.
Another feature is the three-button-mode dynamic steering system, which can execute 90 percent of all work while in the steering angle dependent mode.
All models feature an agronomical -designed, multifunction lever that controls the front-end loader, rear linkage and optional electro-hydraulic or hydraulic controls.
“You use your left hand to steer and your right arm to operate all the tractor’s key functions,” Knowles says.
Due to arrive in Australia in September, the Arion 400 is the latest Claas tractor to be released here over the past five years, joining the Xerion 5000, the Axion 900 and 800 and the Arion 600/500.