They both pulled a 26-foot cultivator at a 6.3-inch working depth. The runs were performed in damp corn stubble. The comparison focused on pulling performance, fuel efficiency and the capacity to work more acres in less time.

Key Outcomes

• The CLAAS AXION 920 consumed 8% less fuel than the Fendt 933 Vario
• The CLAAS AXION 920 worked 12% more acres per hour than the Fendt 933 Vario
• Pulling power executed from the CLAAS AXION 920 was 3% higher than the Fendt 933 Vario

Better fuel economy.

The CLAAS AXION 920 used an average of 8.8% less fuel than the Fendt 933 Vario.

Even though each machine was equipped with a continuously variable transmission, the AXION 920 used more than 8% less fuel than the Fendt 933 Vario. In this scenario (left), the AXION 920 can save up to $176.00 across a total of 500 acres. Why? The design of the fuel system allows CLAAS tractors to be even more efficient at higher RPM. Plus, they are engineered with a deeper torque reserve, resulting in significant fuel-savings in a variety of applications.

Better productivity.

The CLAAS AXION 920 worked over 9% more acres per hour than the Fendt 933 Vario.

While both tractors have virtually the same horsepower, the AXION 920 was able to average 9.7% more acres per hour than the Fendt 933.  Why? By having a balanced and heavier frame design, the AXION is able to transfer more power to the ground, producing less slippage and greater overall productivity.

Better performance.

The CLAAS AXION 920 saw better engine performance, pull power and slippage results.

The AXION used 2.1% more fuel (gal/hr) than the Fendt, but got more work done with significantly less slippage. The ability to convert fuel to work is measured in gal/hp.hr. The lower the gal/hp.hr, the more efficient the tractor is. Why? By having a unique tractor design, including an evenly balanced frame, precisely tuned fuel mapping, and a more efficient continuously variable CMATIC transmission, the AXION 920 gives you more productivity, better efficiency and the ability to get more work done for less.

Learn more about the AXION 900 Series here. 

Host Mark Oppold interviewed these industry leaders regarding the challenges:

• Eric Raby, Senior Vice President for CLAAS Americas Region
• Curt Blades, Senior Vice President of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, an organization that provides support to the manufacturers that support agriculture
• Corey Claussen, President of Custom Roto-Mold LLC (CRM), a family business that supplies ag manufacturers, including CLAAS, with fuel tanks and other components

As Eric Raby puts it, “We boil it down to three things: Availability, deliverability and the cost.” There are multiple factors causing all of this. Of course, some of this is due to the pandemic.

“Our biggest concern was lack of labor with an increase in demand,” says Cory Claussen. “We soon realized that the components coming from overseas were also a big challenge.” While microchips are the most well-known equipment shortage, Curt Blades says steel, plastic and rubber are all in short supply, too. “Whatever makes up a combine or a tractor is having supply chain issues. It’s not just one thing – it’s a number of things.”

Managing Labor Shortages

While working remotely has gained in popularity, on-site equipment manufacturing has suffered. At CLAAS, people need to be on-site to build machines, so the company made an effort to promote employee safety and well-being. Raby says CLAAS also started an apprentice program in the factory, and recruiting efforts now begin much earlier.

“By that I mean not just looking at vocational education programs but high schools, and even the upper grades of elementary school. We’re talking about careers in agriculture and what can we do to really get them interested in the business. That’s what keeps our economy going.”

Increasing Efficiencies

Technology in agriculture helps reduce labor and other costs on the farm. By using less fuel and more efficient machines, operators can get more done in less time.

Technology can save time and headaches with service as well. CLAAS can provide remote service for many issues, including diagnostics and repairs before the operator realizes there’s a problem.

The On Your Farm Parts program can also help farmers stay ahead of mechanical issues. CLAAS has a vast inventory of spare parts, but nothing compares to having those parts on hand. On Your Farm Parts can save time and money, especially with the special discounts and payment terms CLAAS offers.

Tips From the Panel

“Plan as far ahead as you can and let as many people as possible know what your plans are,” says Raby.

“Communication is important,” says Blades. “The right opportunity will present itself, but we can’t do that if we don’t know.”

“The old way of doing business is out the window right now,” says Claussen. “For that grower, I’d get to that dealer early and often to let them know what you need. The more we know, the sooner we know, we can meet those demands.”

Blades adds, “The thing I’d ask is for a little bit of grace. We’re all working toward supplying on time.”

Raby wraps it all up with, “In addition to planning, have some trust. Even though we’re in the business to sell things, if we don’t do things correctly, those sales don’t last. It’s incumbent upon us to make sure we are earning the trust of growers and keeping it.”

To watch the full episode of Rural America Live click this link.

Win free fuel. 

How far can $10,000 in farm diesel fuel take you? Even farther with a chance to win it from CLAAS! Enter now to fuel your farm fleet for free like, Chris Weigel, last year's lucky winner!

Register to Win

Buy better efficiency. 

$10,000 of free diesel fuel can go a long way on your farm. So can the efficiency of CLAAS equipment. Make a decision that will save your farming operation even more for years down the road. CLAAS machines provide greater fuel savings in head-to-head comparisons than other brands, giving you top fuel efficiency and a better bottom line. Still skeptical? Get to know the advantages of all our top product lines:

• LEXION Combines
• JAGUAR Forage Harvesters
• AXION Tractors
• XERION Tractors

Through a combined global effort in technical logistics between North America, Germany, and CLAAS Parts operational facilities, the first generation of FAST is fully integrated into SAP – a centralized system that enables departments to access and share common data for greater efficiency.

The CLAAS Parts facilities in Indiana (US) and Saskatchewan (CA) will serve as the test bed for developing and rolling out this standardized global solution for CLAAS parts locations worldwide.

The FAST system will provide better management of delivery times to growers, more precise tracking of parcel shipments, cost control measures, and all support is offered through the CLAAS technology team using standardized processes. FAST is yet another way CLAAS continues to innovate. Through a modern, more efficient stream of information to our growers, the CLAAS experience keeps getting better!

Pictured Left to Right: Christian Lohne, Derek Johnson, Jan Bernd Holboeke, Zach Armstrong, Kira Wimmelbuecker, Nicole Hercamp, Scott Wyke