From CELTIS, ARES and ATLES to ARION and AXION

The majority acquisition in 2003 signalled a reshuffling of the cards in the global agricultural machinery sector. CLAAS graduated from a harvesting equipment specialist to a full line provider – adding standard and specialty tractors to its product range to seamlessly complement the flagship XERION tractor series built in Harsewinkel, Germany.

Less than a year from its acquisition, the tractors were transformed from Renault Orange to CLAAS Seed Green and work on a new large tractor range had begun. Three years later, the new AXION 800 series tractor was added to the CLAAS sales range. This marked the first step in the gradual replacement of the Le Mans product portfolio: over time, the CELTIS, ARES and ATLES were rebranded as the ARION and AXION tractor lines – product names which ushered in a new era.

Industry Defining innovations

The new ARION and AXION tractors paved the way for numerous award-winning innovations, which came to define the industry. The large, high-contrast CEBIS terminal for the AXION -- and later for the ARION 500 and 600 series – simplified tractor operations. The PANORAMIC cab for the ARION 400 improved visibility. The AXION TERRA TRAC, which was the first half-track tractor with full suspension delivered better traction and a refined ride. TELEMATICS improved fleet management. CEMOS, the market-leading self-learning operator assistance and process optimization system for the ARION and AXION, simplified tractor operations. Meanwhile, CMATIC CVT transmissions refined power delivery.

CLAAS tractors from Le Mans received numerous recognitions over the years. In 2013, the DLG Test Centre benchmarked the 416 hp AXION 950 on behalf of the European farm machinery journal “profit” and measured a record-breaking pulling power of 242 kW – making it the world's most powerful standard tractor! In the DLG PowerMix test, the tractor beat the average of all tractors tested before by a whopping 15.6% with a fuel consumption of just 249 g/kWh.

These and other successes can be attributed to a team of CLAAS developers whose primary aim is to build the most efficient and productive tractors for farmers and contractors throughout the world. Expertise in TERRA TRAC crawler tracks and CEMOS system and process intelligence at CLAAS Industrietechnik in Paderborn combined with electronics expertise from CLAAS E-SYSTEMS in Dissen and the standard tractor development capabilities in Vélizy, France. Together, they are developing the next generation of tractors from Le Mans.

More Than 84 Million Dollars invested for High-Tech Production and State-of-the-Art Test Center

Research and development is not the only focus of investment; CLAAS is also rolling out state-of-the-art production processes and ergonomic workstations. Modernization projects with an investment of more than 84 million dollars have been completed since 2003. The largest and most important of these was the CLAAS Forth initiative, which saw production elevated to a new level when it was launched at the end of 2020. The Le Mans factory is now considered one of the most up-to-date in the world, deploying driverless transport systems (known as autonomous guided vehicles or AGVs) and artificial intelligence (AI) in logistics. A new visitor center modelled on the Technoparc in Harsewinkel, Germany recently opened there as well.

200,000 Tractors From Le Mans Within Reach

The 150,000th CLAAS standard tractor left the Le Mans factory in the spring of 2019 and the 200,000 mark is expected to be reached in the 20th anniversary year. Today, CLAAS Tractor in Le Mans produces more than 60 different models from 75 to 445 hp, from simple tractors for markets with less stringent emissions standards such as Turkmenistan or Africa to the high-volume ARION 400 mainly for the European market and the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC high-tech large tractor for the global market. Today the Le Mans factory exports tractors to 80 countries around the world, including North America as of 2019.

Twenty Years of CLAAS Tractors From Le Mans at a Glance:

• February 23, 2003: CLAAS signs agreement to purchase majority share of Renault Agriculture.
• October 1, 2003: Roll-out of the first Seed Green CLAAS standard tractors from Le Mans.
• 2006: Launch of completely redeveloped AXION 800 series with HEXASHIFT semi-powershift transmission and CEBIS terminal.
• 2007: New ARION 500 and 600 series rejuvenate the Le Mans tractor range. The AXION 800 is now available with a CMATIC continuously variable transmission option.
• 2008: Acquisition of the Renault tractor division complete.
• 2008 – 2010: Installation of new cab pre-assembly and paint shop.
• February 2011: Unveiling of the new AXION 900 large tractor series with CMOTION multifunction control lever at the SIMA in Paris.
• 2012: Launch of new ARION 500 and ARION 600 series.
• 2013: The AXION 950 sets a new pulling power record for standard tractors
• November 2013: Premiere of the ARION 500/600 CMATIC with EQ200 continuously variable transmission from CLAAS Industrietechnik.
• 2014: Launch of the new ARION 400 series with ground-breaking PANORAMIC cab.
• 2016: CLAAS joins forces with the trade journal traction to strip down a used AXION 920 to its individual parts to analyse the wearing patterns.
• November 2017: Agritechnica silver medal for two innovations: the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC and CEMOS for Tractors, the first self-learning, dialogue-based operator assistance and process optimization system.
• Spring 2019: The 150,000th tractor rolls off the production line in Le Mans.
• From 2019: Modernization of the factory focusing on the main assembly line, logistics and production management as part of the CLAAS FORTH investment program. The "factory of the future” officially opens in May 2021.
• 2021: The AXION 960 CMATIC with CEMOS designated Sustainable Tractor of the Year.
• September 2022: The new CENTRAL ACADEMY opens in Le Mans.

“CLAAS FARMPOINT represents a dynamic shift in the typical implement dealership organizational structure and facilities. Instead of being a traditional bricks and mortar destination for farmers, it’s a physical and virtual launching point for parts, service, and equipment destined for the farm,” explained Patricio Frangella, Head of Commercial Development – NA, who oversees operations for CLAAS FARMPOINT. “The focus of CLAAS FARMPOINT is to meet you where you do business – on your farm. With that in mind, CLAAS FARMPOINT locations will be highly streamlined and focused on delivering best-in-class parts availability, a select number of service bays but a high degree of focus on remote service. The vast majority of the action will take place with a team of mobile service technicians, active parts dispatch direct to the farm or technician, and account managers right where the equipment lives, for maximum up time and greater support.” 

According to Frangella, the first CLAAS FARMPOINT location will be in Madisonville, KY. A temporary location has been secured and will be open for business no later than June 2023, with work beginning on the permanent location shortly. The new location will serve the needs of CLAAS customers in both Kentucky and neighboring parts of southern Indiana in addition to today’s service and parts provided by Ag Revolution. 

Those with questions about the new dealership and its locations can visit claasfarmpoint.com for more information or email farmpoint@claas.com.

Since the North American launch, the XERION line of high-horsepower tractors has been known for its refined ride, high transport speeds, excellent fuel economy and a whisper-quiet cab. The high-horsepower (435-530 hp) tractor offers confidence-inspiring technology with a higher level of capability, ultimately helping customers work more productively and efficiently.
“We designed the XERION to be our customers’ favored choice for true tractor capability,” said Frans Reijmers, CLAAS tractor product manager. “The enhancements to 2023 models build on its core strengths and provide the power, a better balance in the design and operator confidence that makes tackling those all-day, tough jobs more convenient than ever.”

New Transmission, Proven Features

Tackle steep terrain and experience a smoother ride with the all-new Eccom 5.5 continuously variable transmission (CVT). Like previous transmission technology (Eccom 4.5 and ZF Eccom 5.0), the Eccom 5.5 is also a 4-range CVT that better transfers the engine’s torque and power for superior efficiency and higher productivity. A maximum forward speed of 31 mph can be achieved at a low, fuel-saving rpm.

Industry’s Highest Hydraulic Power

The switch to the new Eccom 5.5 enables higher hydraulic flow than not only just its predecessor, but also competitive brands. With up to six double-acting rear spool valves, a brand new pump transfer gearbox and optional tandem pumps allow an oil flow of up to 111 gallons per minute – more than sufficient hydraulic volume for implements with a particularly high oil flow requirement, such as wide air seeders. Up to two spool valves can be supplied with a high flow rate of 37 gallons per minute with standard load-sensing working hydraulics.

In addition, two spool valves (standard equipment) and three spool valves when equipped with the optional tandem pump can be prioritized in CEBIS. A separate and optimized 120 hp hydraulic system with 66 gallons per minute at 3,770 psi is available for attachments such as manure tanks and front-mounted implements requiring high-horsepower hydraulics. A hydraulic dual-circuit trailer brake can also be supplied for North American customers.

Intelligent Ballasting and Conveniences

Also available in model year 2023 units is a new base weight plate for the multi-purpose carrier space behind the cab. Using the intelligent ballast concept with additional 882 Ib. weight plates and ballastable front weight, up to 15,432 Ibs. of additional ballast can be loaded. Depending on the application, the XERION can be optimally balanced for a 50:50 weight distribution under load for maximum multi-pass effect.

The lineup enhancements in the new model year includes XERION 5000 and 4500 models in TRAC or TRAC VC configurations. In celebration of its 25th year in production, all model year 2023 XERION tractors will come with a limited-edition anniversary sticker at time of delivery.

CLAAS immediately addressed the first of those needs – service – by contracting with a different dealership: Ag Revolution. However, that was not intended to be the long-term solution. 

After careful examination, CLAAS has decided to take a more hands-on approach by investing in its own retail operation, with a new facility slated for western Kentucky. An aggressive timeline calls for a service team and parts facility to be in place before the 2023 fall harvest, while permanent full-service facilities are constructed. Ag Revolution will continue to provide service during the transition as well.

“We have locations identified for our new operation, as well as a temporary facility to meet the immediate demands of our valued customers,” explained Eric Raby, CLAAS Senior Vice President – Americas. “We will be ready to offer sales, service and parts in the area for the wheat harvest in late Spring.”

“Ultimately, our new retail operations will serve those customers once covered by Boyd CAT, however, our new operations will include not just combines, but the entire CLAAS product portfolio” said Raby. “Having grown up on a farm myself in western Kentucky, I am especially excited to see the complete CLAAS brand finally be represented in a manner customers deserve and have come to expect.”