New for 2020

The patented APS HYBRID SYSTEM, a combination of the accelerated pre-separation (APS) threshing unit and the ROTO PLUS residual grain separation system, was a world first at the 1995 Agritechnica show. It became the global benchmark for throughput and grain quality as well as multicrop capability in the high-performance combine harvester segment. With the APS threshing unit and two smooth-running axial rotors for gentle residual grain separation, this technology enabled grain throughput rates in wheat of more than 1378 bu/hr (35 tons per hour), which increased to more than 1575 bu/hr (40 tons/hr) when longer rotors were introduced in 1996. Other trend-setting features were the active swivel-action spreaders capable of spreading straw across the entire cutting width of the front attachment and the advanced VISTA CAB with a CEBIS screen.

In 1998, the LEXION 480 again pioneered new technology by becoming the first large combine harvester to be equipped with front-axle rubber tracks. The TERRA TRAC system reduced ground compaction significantly as headers were becoming ever wider and heavier — and they did so while keeping the transport width within the 11' 6" European road restrictions. Another breakthrough came in 2011, when road travel on crawler tracks at speeds of up to 25 mph became possible — a record at the time!

In 2002, CLAAS celebrated the production of the 10,000th LEXION combine — a 480 TERRA TRAC. In 2008, the LEXION 600 set a Guinness world record: harvesting 19,547 bu (532 tons) of wheat in 8 hours with a single combine harvester. And in 2011, a LEXION 770 TERRA TRAC broke this record by threshing an incredible 24,802 bu (675 tons) of wheat in 8 hours in the UK.

Into new dimensions with a new generation

2019 saw CLAAS launch the latest generation of its successful large combine harvester lineup with the new LEXION 8000-6000 model series offering more performance, more throughput, more intelligence and even more comfort — as well as the largest grain tank in the market at 510 bushels* and an impressive unload rate of up to 5.1 bu/sec. This award-winning LEXION lineup — including two Machine of the Year 2020 awards for the APS SYNFLOW HYBRID threshing and separation system — has once again set standards for fuel efficiency with the most advanced MAN and Mercedes-Benz engines. One unique feature offered in the latest series is the CEMOS AUTOMATIC machine optimization system. Still the industry leader, this self-learning system continuously optimizes areas such as primary separation, cleaning, secondary separation and engine load.

Today, the LEXION models of the latest generation continue to set standards for performance, efficiency and automatic machine optimization, none more so than the LEXION 8900 flagship model.

"With so many positive characteristics, it is clear that CLAAS will continue to rely on the APS SYNFLOW HYBRID system in the upper performance classes," explains Jan-Hendrik Mohr, CLAAS executive board member in charge of Business Unit Grain Harvest. "The LEXION is better equipped than any other combine harvester to face the diverse needs of the global market. Satisfied, loyal customers all over the world are the best proof of this. However, the pressure of costs and time as well as expectations regarding comfort continue to increase, which drive our engineers to work every day on the further development of CLAAS combine harvesters."

Incidentally, wheat is not the only crop in which the LEXION combine excels. Just recently, a class-8 CLAAS LEXION 8600 TERRA TRAC harvested a record 57,926 dry bushels (2,041 tons) of corn in 8 hours, averaging 7,240.75 bu/hr (255 tons/hr). In addition to its impressive performance in corn by 37 Ag and Nebraska Harvest Center, the LEXION proved to be extremely capable in delivering superior grain quality in side-by-side soybean tests.

CLAAS has never rested on its laurels where records are concerned — so the development process continues...

DataConnect enables the exchange of essential machinery data among different platforms, allowing users to view all of their mixed-brand fleet information within the single data platform of their choice. Previously, viewing such information required duplicating effort by using each manufacturer’s corresponding but separate platforms or web portals.

The structure of this new direct, cloud-to-cloud solution enables a seamless and automated data flow without any effort required by the customer. The real-time data exchange allows a live overview of the whole machinery fleet. Furthermore, DataConnect works without any additional hardware or software components and ensures secure data handling.

With this new approach, customers can view five different machinery data sets for their fleet:

• current machine location
  
• historical machine location
  
• fuel tank level
  
• status of the machine in the field
  
• machine speed
  

Customers can decide which company’s digital platform they prefer to use to display all the data. As soon as they are connected, other manufacturers’ machines appear automatically. Machines are either displayed with icons in the respective brand’s color combination or are visible in the icon’s information panel. Further partners and functions will follow at a later date.

Ochsner comes to CLAAS North America with an extensive background in executive retail management. He has gained a reputation for developing effective strategic business and sales initiatives that have driven market share expansion and dealer profitability. He has spent the bulk of his career with companies such as RDO Equipment Company, Columbia Tractor Inc., Bushel Inc., and Titan Machinery Inc.

“Over the last ten years, CLAAS has augmented our North American sales channel with a select number of company-owned, locally operated retail locations where a suitable dealership couldn’t be found,” explained Magnusson. “We’re very excited to have Mr. Ochsner overseeing the development and growth of such a critical part of our business.”

Ochsner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, with a minor in economics, from Northern State University, Aberdeen, South Dakota. His extensive experience, education and background will be key assets in his new position and will serve him well as he joins the CLAAS of America Management Team.

About CLAAS of America Inc.:

CLAAS of America Inc. offers a wide variety of technologically innovative tractor, combine, forage harvester, baler and hay tool products to provide growers optimum performance in the field. These premium equipment lines are designed by a dedicated engineering staff located at numerous factories worldwide and focused on the production and design of harvesting equipment. The design, performance and reliability of this equipment have made CLAAS an international market leader. For more information, visit www.claas.com.

The 2020 award is sponsored by the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and RSM, the fifth largest accounting firm in the United States. Bryan Slone, President of the Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Partner, Michelle Luett, of RSM, presented the 2020 award alongside the Governor of Nebraska, Pete Ricketts. Matthias Ristow, President & Managing Director, and Matthew Koch, Director of Manufacturing, gratefully received the award on behalf of CLAAS Omaha.

Upon acceptance of the award, Mr. Ristow and Mr. Koch expressed their appreciation to the employees of CLAAS Omaha for their steadfast contributions and strong commitment to this season’s company targets. Ristow stated that despite the impact of the global pandemic upon production itself and on the company’s suppliers, CLAAS still successfully delivered all combines on time to our customers.

The first of October also marked the beginning of Manufacturing Month in the U.S. Governor Ricketts kicked off the national event in Nebraska with a press conference, hosted in the CLAAS North America show room. During the press conference, Governor Ricketts stressed the importance of jobs in manufacturing as the second largest economy in Nebraska and discussed various steps companies such as CLAAS have taken to continually develop its workforce. The Governor specifically highlighted the recent creation of the ICATT Apprenticeship Program and thanked CLAAS for bringing this new program to Nebraska.

Bryan Slone of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce also noted that Nebraska’s highly productive work force, affordable real estate and utility cost, the general low cost of doing business, and the high-quality transportation networks make Nebraska a natural fit for manufacturing growth.

Always looking forward, CLAAS Omaha will continue to focus toward the modernization of the local manufacturing industry for Nebraska and the U.S. as a whole.

Photo Cutline:

(Photo (L-R) Bryan Sloan, President of Nebraska State Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Michelle Luett, Partner RSM; Pete Ricketts, Governor of the State of Nebraska; Matthias Ristow, President & MD Business Administration COL; Matt Koch Director Manufacturing COL; and Tony Urban, National Tax Consulting Leader for the U.S., RSM.)

About CLAAS of America Inc.:

CLAAS of America Inc. offers a wide variety of technologically innovative tractor, combine, forage harvester, baler and hay tool products to provide growers optimum performance in the field. These premium equipment lines are designed by a dedicated engineering staff located at numerous factories worldwide and focused on the production and design of harvesting equipment. The design, performance and reliability of this equipment have made CLAAS an international market leader.