The tractors faced off in Auburn, New York. Both machines ran on the same days with full fuel capacity. Performance was measured in two areas, manure hauling and triple mowing. The comparison focused on productivity, operator comfort and fuel savings.

The Results:

• The CLAAS AXION 920 consumed 11% less fuel than the Case IH Optum 300 in manure hauling
  
• The CLAAS AXION 920 consumed 19.5% fewer gallons of fuel per acre than the Case IH Optum 300 while triple mowing
• The CLAAS AXION 920 worked 35% more acres per hour while triple mowing side-by-side with the CASE IH Optum 300
  

MANURE HAULING

For the manure hauling comparison, each tractor traveled the same route, hauling 7,300 gallons of liquid manure. They each took ten trips over the course of about 4.5 hours.

Efficiency:

The CLAAS AXION 920 used 10% less fuel than the Case IH Optum 300. Both machines have a continuously variable transmission, but the design of the CLAAS fuel system makes the AXION more efficient even at a higher RPM. The deeper torque reserve also provides significant fuel savings.

BETTER COMFORT

Comfort can be subjective, so to compare it scientifically, we placed an accelerometer under the operator’s seat to capture axis movements in the cab. We then analyzed the results with Pico Technology software.

The accelerometer in the AXION 920 shows less movement in both side-to-side and forward-to-backward movements. With four suspension points, the AXION cab is fully isolated from the chassis, preventing impacts and vibrations from reaching the operator. The cab itself is also designed so the operator is seated near the center of gravity, almost directly above the rear axle. This reduces movement within the cab.

TRIPLE MOWING

During the triple mowing test, both machines ran the CLAAS DISCO 3600 FC MOVE and 1100 C mowers for approximately 4.5 hours. Data capturing started from the same location for both tractors, and they worked the same fields.

35% More Acres Per Hour

• The AXION 920 worked a total of 126 acres during the test, while the Optum 300 got through 93 acres in the same timeframe. That means the AXION provided 35% higher productivity and profit.
  

19.5% Less Fuel

• Even as it outperformed the competition, the AXION 920 used less fuel. How is that possible? It has more power available at the PTO shaft, so it can run faster. The design of the PTO driveline combined with the efficient engine allows for increased efficiency and productivity.
  

CLAAS of America and many members of the AEM ag community gathered in Washington D.C. to showcase how innovation enables sustainability in the heart of the nation’s capital.

The two-day Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) Celebration of Modern Agriculture on the National Mall began on Monday, March 21 and concluded on Tuesday, March 22 (National Ag Day) outside USDA headquarters between the Smithsonian Museums. It featured equipment and technology that enable America’s farmers and ranchers to be innovators.

“At CLAAS, innovation and sustainability are at the core of our operation and our customers,” says Eric Raby, CLAAS Senior Vice President of the Americas. “We are excited to be here with other manufacturers to showcase not only our equipment but how growers and producers across the country are leading the charge in providing a more sustainable future.”

On display were innovations in such product categories as: seed and chemicals, aerial application, data management, in-field conservation practices, creative chemistry, tractors big and small and much more. This included our very own CLAAS JAGUAR Forage Harvester. All of the exhibits featured advancements that continue to drive American agriculture’s long history of producing more while shrinking its environmental footprint.

“AEM is pleased to provide a forum for showcasing these fascinating displays of the innovations that are enabling modern agriculture to sustainably provide for a growing world, as it will serve as an opportunity to help educate policymakers on the sustainability of today’s producers,” said AEM Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs Nick Tindall.

Bringing the agriculture community together around National Ag Day to tell this important story could not happen at a more critical time, as USDA is in the process of developing its Climate-Smart Agriculture & Forestry Partnership Program and environmental sustainability continues to be hotly debated in Congress and the media,” said Tindall. “Highlighting how innovation enables sustainability will be vital to ensuring policies allow farmers and ranchers to produce and innovators to innovate."

At the event, David Wilbert, Northeast Region Manager, was interviewed about the product innovations found on the JAGUAR forage harvester.

See Video

After relocating a family of birds, who had claimed the picnic shelter as their home, construction quickly got under way. Eight months later, when Covid-19 first hit the North American shores, the construction crew barely missed a beat, continuing their work in a more “socially distanced” manner. In October of 2020, the facility was finally ready to receive its first visitors. There was only one problem. No outside visitors were allowed in the facility per the company’s safety protocols.

There were a few internal meetings held in a couple of the classrooms. A lab was occupied by the first-ever North American CLAAS apprentices. And, a small video crew roamed the building, making training videos for CLAAS technicians who had hoped to attend training in person. Meanwhile, the gleaming concrete floors of the two massive equipment bays stayed shiny.

Nearly a year later, in August of 2021, the CLAAS Academy finally opened its doors to the public. In attendance were Nebraska State Governor, Pete Ricketts, a small group of CLAAS dealers, a few dignitaries and the employees who watched the Academy throughout its construction. Still, there was someone missing . . .

After nearly two years of Covid-19, Chairwoman of the Shareholders Committee Cathrina Claas-Muhlhauser, and CLAAS Group Executive Board Member Christian Radons, were able to make the trip to North America. In a whirlwind tour they were able to attend Commodity Classic in New Orleans, see the CLAAS Parts facility in Columbus, IN, visit several CLAAS dealers in both the US and Canada, stop at a local Nebraska farm, and spend some time at the North American headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska.

On March 14th, in short ceremony with Nebraska State Governor, Pete Ricketts, Cathrina Claas-Muhlhauser finally got to make it “official” by unveiling a new plaque that declared the CLAAS Academy open. Definitely worth the wait . . .

• AXION 800 Series (200-285 hp) Tractors: Take advantage of purchase savings on select prior-year 800 series demo machines.

See your CLAAS dealer for complete details.