Claas plans new Lexion debut

The new Claas Lexion 8000/7000 combine range is set for a Henty 2019 debut

With a new threshing system and about 10 per cent more capacity, the redesigned Claas Lexion 8000/7000 series of combine harvesters will make its Australian debut next month.

For Steve Reeves, the Lexion product manager at the Claas Harvest Centre, the harvester is more productive, more efficient and easier to operate than before.

“This is not a new series – it’s effectively a new machine,” he says.

“Every aspect has been re-engineered to meet the needs of today’s grain producers – increased efficiency and ease of operation and reduced downtime and operating costs.”

Key changes in the new model include an update to its accelerated pre-separation Synflow Hybrid threshing system, an update to the Hybrid threshing system Claas first launched in 1995.

“At the time, the Hybrid system was rightly recognised as a breakthrough in harvesting technology, but the new APS Synflow Hybrid system takes the technology to a whole new level,” Reeves says.

The accelerated pre-separation system smoothly accelerates crop flow to 20 metres per second across all concave areas, meaning that 70 per cent of separation occurs before the crop even reaches the twin longitudinal rotors of the harvester.

To improve on this, CLAAS has increased the diameter of the threshing drum by 26 per cent to 755 mm and the feed drum by 57 per cent to 600 mm.

“Likewise, the capacity of the residual grain separation has increased by 20 per cent,” Reeves says.

The combine’s grain holding and unloading capacity have also been significantly increased to a maximum of 18 tonnes and 180 L/second, respectively.

“Combined, these improvements optimise crop flow and separation efficiency whilst reducing power requirements.”

The new system has undergone more than 6000 hours of field testing in 10 countries, including Australia, over the past eight years.

The first three models in the series – the 7600, 7700 and 8700 – are fitted with the reliable and super-efficient 12.5 L six cylinder Perkins 2206D engine, which delivers a maximum power of 461, 524 and 571 hp, respectively.

The 8800 model is equipped with a 15.6 L six cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 473 LA engine delivering 653 hp.

Efficient systems

All new Lexion models will be equipped with two new systems that Claas says will make the combines more efficient.

The Dynamic Cooling on-demand variable drive cooling system will help reduce power requirements by 26hp, Reeves says.

“The horizontal cooling system creates a ‘curtain’ that prevents dust from rising,” he says.

By comparison, the Dynamic Power engine management system automatically adjusts power output to field conditions for maximum fuel efficiency, with Reeves adding that fuel savings of up to 10 per cent have been recorded.

All harvesters in the Lexion 8000/7000 range can be equipped with the 635, 735 and 890 mm Terra Trac tracked assemblies or wide diameter tyres (2.15 m front and 1.75 m rear) for maximum traction and comfort.

Both variants are capable of 40 km/h ground speed for speedy on-road transport.

On-board technology includes Claas’s Cemos Auto machine optimisation system, which continuously reviews and automatically adjusts the threshing, cleaning and separation settings for maximum throughput, grain quality and fuel efficiency.

“These systems are not technology for technology’s sake – they are designed to make the operator’s job as easy and as comfortable as possible,” Reeves says.

“Cemos Auto can improve output by up to 20 per cent compared to the manual operation.

Precision offer

All the combines have telematics systems as standard, Reeves says, including GPS tracking and data transmission systems that will suit a range of applications including machine optimisation, harvesting logistics, fleet management, remote diagnostics and documentation.

“For example, your service team can access your machine’s data to enable remote diagnosis and service scheduling,” he says.

All models are fitted with the Jetstream eight or six-stage turbine system that delivers a strong and consistent air blast over dual-ventilated steps for pre-cleaning and the full length of the sieve box.

Optional 3D or 4D cleaning systems automatically adjusts the blower speed according to the lateral and longitudinal angle of the machine.

All Claas Lexion 8000/7000 models can be equipped with either the new Claas Convio draper front or the tried-and-proven Vario variable cutterbar, which are both available in 13.8, 12.3 and 10.8 metre operating widths.

“Convio fronts ensure smooth, reliable crop flow with minimal grain loss, even in lighter conditions or direct-cut canola,” Reeves says.

“The optional Flex configuration enables the cutterbar to flex up to 90 mm upwards or 135 mm downwards, making it ideal for harvesting pulse crops or lodged cereals.”

“The knife position can be adjusted from -10 cm to +60 cm ‘on the go’ for optimum throughput, flexibility and ease of operation,” he says.