Compact powerhouse: CLAAS unveils new AXOS 3 tractors for diverse farming applications

CLAAS has extended its range of agricultural tractors with the addition of the AXOS 3 series. With their powerful, efficient engines, large wheels, high payload and generously proportioned cab from a maximum height to the upper edge of the roof of 2.50 m, these compact tractors are positioned between the ARION 400 and the AXOS 200.

Compact tractors in the under-120-hp performance class spend a good 40 per cent of their operating hours handling materials and working around the yard. But they must also be capable of mastering field and grassland work. So not surprisingly, customer requirements are wide-ranging: compact dimensions, low height to pass through shed and barn doorways, uncompromising manoeuvrability, high payload, agile handling and excellent operator comfort, to name just some of the attributes tractors in this class are expected to provide.

The new AXOS 3 from CLAAS can do all this, and more. With four models, it is positioned between the ARION 400 and AXOS 200; as well as bearing the same DNA as the earlier AXOS 300 and CELTIS 300, it boasts outstanding performance data combined with a host of impressive features and unique equipment.

Convenient shifting vastly reduces operator's workload
The AXOS 3 is powered by the fuel-efficient yet lively 3.6 l four-cylinder Fiat Powertrain (FPT) engine with modern Stage V exhaust gas aftertreatment. The four AXOS 3 models have outputs of 92, 103, 112 and 120 hp with maximum torques from 366 to 466 Nm at a low 1,500 rpm. The engine block and radiator panels – highly rated for their performance and reliability – are familiar from the NEXOS 200 and AXOS 200. Their widespread use in the CLAAS tractor programme means that spare parts availability and service capabilities are a given.

The fuel tank holds 160 litres – enough for long, hard working days. Furthermore, these tractors are approved to run on hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVOs), enabling their carbon footprint to be significantly reduced. Two engine speeds can be saved by the operator and applied at the press of a button as required.

To transfer power to the ground effectively while protecting the soil, the AXOS 3 can be fitted with large rear tyres with an external diameter of up to 1.6 m (420/85 R38 or 540/65 R 38). Large front wheels guarantee maximum efficiency in four-wheel drive mode and precise manoeuvrability even on difficult terrain and when using heavy implements.

Convenient shifting vastly reduces operator's workload
Engine speed reduction is provided by a modern, well-stepped six-speed transmission available in three versions to suit customer requirements and conditions:

• 12/12 (2 ranges) with mechanical reverser.
• 24/12 (2 ranges) with TWINSHIFT powershift transmission and REVERSHIFT clutchless reverser.
• 36/18 (3 ranges) with TWINSHIFT powershift transmission and REVERSHIFT clutchless reverser.

Top speeds of 40 km/h are achieved at a fuel-efficient 1,750 rpm, and in models fitted with REVERSHIFT, you can shift using the clutch button on the gear lever instead of the foot clutch – shifting has never been so easy! Eleven gears are available between 5 and 15 km/h and overlapping gears ensure smooth shifting between the two or three ranges.

In addition to the mechanical hand brake, versions with 24/12 and 36/18 gears can be fitted with an optional electric parking lock which is activated via the REVERSHIFT lever to the left of the steering wheel. Customers can also opt for SMART STOP, which enables the operator to stop and start without using the clutch pedal – a huge advantage during front loader and transport operations, and when baling round bales..

Distinctive cab
Designed exclusively for the AXOS 3, the cab has several distinguishing features that make the working day easier:

• With 30-inch rear wheels (380/85 R 30), the overall height of the AXOS 3 remains below 2.50 m, enabling low entrances to be negotiated with ease.
• The doors open up to 180 degrees to the front – enabling the operator to get in and out of the cab easily using the full door width of 88 cm; especially useful in confined spaces such as the feed passage. Furthermore, the doors latch open in the forward position, a feature shared with the earlier AXOS 300 and CELTIS 300. The latch can be released from both the inside and the outside.
• The generously proportioned cab has ample leg room, numerous storage compartments and a full-size passenger seat.
• Large windows and a low bonnet ensure an excellent all-round view. An optional FOPS-certified transparent sunroof provides an optimum view up through the roof for front loader work. The front and rear windows swing open.
• The LED lighting package with up to 10 LED headlights turns night into day and facilitates work in poorly lit sheds and barns.

Inside the cab, the retractable and adjustable steering console incorporating the instrument panel immediately stands out. Dynamic steering with adjustable steering ratio (optional extra) reduces the number of turns of the steering wheel between the steering locks from 3.8 to 1.9 when operating at speeds of up to 10 km/h.

The right-hand side console houses the key control elements along with a bottle holder and a storage compartment. Additional generous storage areas and two USB ports are situated to the left of the operator. The electrohydraulic E-PILOT S can be installed in the right-hand side console for fingertip control of all front loader functions.

ISOBUS terminals such as the CLAAS CEMIS 700 can be installed in the cab for controlling ISOBUS implements.

Handles even the heaviest implements
With a payload of up to 3,600 kg and a maximum lift capacity of 5,300 kg at the rear (continuous lift capacity 4,000 kg), the AXOS 3 is not fazed by heavy implements. The optional integrated front linkage provides an impressive additional lift capacity of 3,240 kg. Up to four double-acting mechanical spool valves with a flow rate of 60 or 90 l/min are available for implements and front loaders, up to two of which have mechanical flow control.

The rear PTO can be optionally supplied with either two or three speeds and automatic PTO engagement/disengagement, while a 1,000-rpm front PTO is available to drive front-mounted implements.

In addition to the classic clevis drawbar, the AXOS 3 can be fitted with a K80 ball with a drawbar load of 3,000 kg for use with trailers.

Various models in the three CLAAS front loader series up to FL 100, FL 100 E and FL 100 C are suitable for the AXOS 3. They can be operated either by the mechanical PROPILOT four-way control lever or the electrohydraulic E-PILOT S. The latter actuates FASTLOCK and SPEEDLINK for hydraulic locking and unlocking of the front loader and its attachments, as well as automatic bucket return

Key features of the new AXOS 3 at a glance:

• Four hp classes: AXOS 3.95, AXOS 3.105, AXOS 3.110 and AXOS 3.120.
• Positioned between the ARION 400 and the AXOS 200 in the CLAAS tractor programme.
• Powerful and efficient four-cylinder Fiat Powertrain (FPT) engines.
• 160 l tank capacity for long working days.
• Approved for operation with hydrotreated vegetable oils (HVOs).
• Large tyres (up to 38-inch rear wheels) for soil-friendly, low-loss transfer of tractive power.
• 6-speed gear box in three configurations with 12/12, 24/12 or 36/18 gears and 40 km/h at a fuel-efficient 1,750 rpm.
• Optional electric parking lock (Germany: standard) for 24/12 and 36/18 gears.
• TWINSHIFT powershift transmission and REVERSHIFT clutchless reverser for 24/12 and 36/18 transmission variants.
• Optional SMART STOP function – greatly reduces operator's workload during front loader work, transport operations and when baling round bales.
• Generous cab with full-size passenger seat and excellent all-round view.
• Front-hinged doors that latch open at 180 degrees without extending beyond the tractor's maximum external width.
• Optional FOPS-certified transparent sunroof for front loader work.
• Optional dynamic steering halves the number of turns of the steering wheel.
• ISOBUS universal terminals such as CLAAS CEMIS 700 can be installed for various ISOBUS applications.
• 3,600 kg payload and max. 5,300 kg lift capacity at the rear ensure ample reserves when working with heavy implements.
• K80 ball attachment with 3,000 kg drawbar load available.
• Wide range of CLAAS front loaders; operation by PROPILOT or electrohydraulic E-PILOT S.