YOU can do the maths, but a 30 per cent reduction in your fuel bill should get your attention.
And that’s the claim by CLAAS Harvest Centre about its latest tractor flagship, the XERION 5000.
To be specific, the claim compares the Xerion’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) against conventional powershift transmissions.
“Depending on conditions of course, owners have averaged between 30 and 50 litres an hour of fuel usage towing a 60 foot (18.2 metre) bar,” CLAAS Harvest Centre Katanning salesman Mal Parnell said.
“We’ve also had a customer who did 1100 hours of seeding with an 80 foot (24.2m) bar using a 620hp (462kW) powershift 4WD tractor.
“The powershift model was using an average 105 litres an hour compared against the Xerion’s 72 litres an hour.”
While there always will be debate over fuel usage, the fuel efficiency of the Xerion nevertheless represents the proverbial ‘cream on the coffee’, taking into account its standard features which include CVT, a rear 1000rpm PTO, rear three-point linkage (maximum lift 13.6 tonnes) and CLAAS electronic on-board information system.
According to Mr Parnell, the model boasts a maximum power rating of 395kW (530hp) and is the only model in its class with CVT offered as standard.
“Transport speeds also are up to 50km/h,” he said.
Also boasting permanent all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, cab suspension and advanced operating systems as standard, the Xerion heads up a rapidly expanding CLAAS tractor range.
The Xerion has been tailored for broadacre applications and the Australian configuration is offered with a suspended cabin, up to 3.6 tonne front ballast, 3.4t chassis-mounted ballast, rear PTO, heavy-duty drawbar, air compressor and dual 710/75 R42 Michelin XBIB tyres – there is also an option for those wanting to manage tyre pressure on-the-go.
And a TRAC VC model (tyred) features a rotating cab to expand the range of work features.
CLAAS claims the Xerion 5000 compares more than favourably with any of its more established competitors at the top end of the market.
“Compared to 4x4 articulated tractors, it is considerably more comfortable, more fuel efficient and more manoeuvrable,” Mr Parnell said.
Unlike most 4WD high horsepower tractors, the Xerion features a full chassis frame, with the 12.5 litre six-cylinder Perkins engine (badged Caterpillar C13) linked to a ZF Eccom 5.0 CVT.
“This engine (Tier 3) produces full power on demand, even at low engine speeds, and has remarkable fuel efficiency,” Mr Parnell said.
“It incorporates an adjustable hydraulic fan that automatically adjusts the fan speed according to the engine temperature and it is also reversible to allow for on-the-go cleaning.
“The radiator can be cleaned at any time by pushing a button in the cab.”
Xerion uses the same spacious cabin and operating systems found on Lexion combine harvesters and Jaguar forage harvesters.
“Anyone who is familiar with this cabin will tell you how quiet and comfortable it is,” Mr Parnell said.
“The exhaust is deliberately positioned in front of the engine so there’s less noise and the cabin itself is mounted in the middle of the frame, so there’s less bounce.
“The cab suspension system then absorbs any remaining shocks and vibrations.”
Xerion features the intuitive CEBIS, which monitors and controls all of the tractor’s key functions via a fully adjustable 210mm colour screen, mounted on the driver’s seat armrest.
Additional GPS guidance and implement control terminals can be mounted on the integrated holder between the front and rear pillars.
The rear Cat IV linkages are fully integrated into the chassis.
Xerion is equipped with two hydraulic circuits as standard.
The primary circuit operates the rear linkage and six dual-acting spool valves with a maximum flow rate of 200 litres a minute.
An additional 224L/min min can be achieved through an auxiliary pump.
The Xerion 5000 also claims the crown at the Nebraska tests as the most fuel-efficient tractor in its class.
“There are a lot of good features that I think makes the Xerion a benchmark for what you need in a high horsepower tractor,” Mr Parnell said.
“And it’s competitively priced.”
