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Xerion celebrates 25 years with top win at TOTY

Noel Dunne was one member of an international panel of judges to review the contenders for the coveted title of the Tractor of the Year 2024. It was a hotly contested race but the Claas Xerion 12.650 Terra Trac was the one deemed to be outstanding in the field. ‘Pulling efficiency, comfort, connectivity and sustainability’ are some of the features that secured the win for Claas

For context, the Claas Xerion 12.650 Terra Trac was launched in summer 2023 as part of the newly developed Xerion 12 Series with engine outputs of up to 653hp. Its low-engine speed concept 2.0 develops a maximum torque of up to 3,100Nm at 1,300 engine revolutions, while CMATIC continuously variable transmission obtains a maximum speed of 40km/h. The series’ low-engine speed working hydraulics have flow rates of up to 537L/min, it has newly developed Terra Trac triangular crawler tracks, and an unrivalled all-round view from the four-point suspension cab, which has the largest amount of space of any premium tractor. Its extreme load capacity is a unique feature, says Claas, as is its precise steering due to the continuous frame with two steering axles.

Top Claas model

The top model Xerion 12.650 Terra Trac, is an absolute specialist for heavy-duty pulling work in all speed ranges, whether in front of a cultivator, disc harrow, plough, airseeder or trailer. “Despite the immense power at its disposal and its massive dimensions, the Xerion is very easy to handle, thanks to the latest generation of the CMATIC continuously variable transmission […] with four mechanical ranges and assisted by the CEMOS learning-based assistance system and information input to optimise transmission, traction, and ballasting, with clear benefits in terms of performance and fuel consumption,” the jury said.

Jan-Hendrik Mohr, Jan-Willem Verhorst, Johannes Weisbrodt, Ingo Kirchbeck, Dr Martin von Hoyningen-Huene and Matthias Mumme celebrate the Tractor of the Year 2024 win.

25th anniversary

“Traction efficiency has always been firmly anchored in the DNA of our tractors,” explained Dr Martin von Hoyningen-Huene, chief technology officer Claas Group, and responsible for the tractors and implements division. “The Xerion, in particular, stands out with its all-wheel drive concept with uncompromisingly efficient and ground-friendly multipass traction transmission. With the Xerion 12 Series, we have taken the well-known strengths valued by Xerion customers from all over the world, further developed them and combined them with more than 25 years of Terra Trac development and production experience into a strong, convincing overall concept.”
He continued: “The fact that the Xerion, whose existence we owe personally to Helmut Claas, is now receiving the TOTY Award for the first time in its 25th year of market presence, is a great success for the entire development team.”

The series

The Xerion 12 Series includes two models, the 12.590 and the 12.650, which are produced for the global market in both Terra Trac and wheeled Trac versions at the main Claas plant in Harsewinkel. The 15.6L Mercedes-Benz six-cylinder engines are approved for operation with hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVO); all-new machines are also initially filled in the factory with the sustainable fuel produced from waste and residual materials.

State-of-the-art onboard and offboard features for digital agriculture not only allow automated steering, section control, variable rate and automatic documentation, but also the optimisation of machine and process performance with CEMOS. From the end of 2024, the Xerion 12 Series will also be even more connected thanks to the new Claas connect, which will provide the basis for further development towards high automation of work processes and even autonomy.