Latest Arion sets new mid-range standard

First launched at the 2007 Agritechnica Show, the ARION 600 and 500 tractor range has proven to be a major seller for CLAAS on account of its versatile power to weight ratio, comfort and economy.

CLAAS has introduced a new range of the popular ARION 500 and 600 range, which covers 7 models ranging in maximum power output from 145hp up to 184.

Since its launch, over 10,000 ARION tractors have been sold around the world, and in the UK, where the ARION range straddles the current average horsepower, and the Irish market, the ARION 640 has consistently been the top selling CLAAS tractor.

As part of its ongoing product development and investment in its product range, CLAAS has introduced a completely new generation of ARION 600 and 500 range tractors, which will be available from this autumn.

Under the bonnet the new ARION range features the latest engine technology in order to fully comply with the TIER 4i emissions regulations whilst also offering enhanced performance. However, of particular benefit to operators will be the new ARION cab, which incorporates many features first introduced last autumn on the high horsepower AXION 900 range and will set a new standard for this size of tractor.

Greater engine performance

The new ARION range comprises seven models, which are available in either CIS (CLAAS Information System) or CEBIS versions, with maximum power outputs ranging from 145hp for the new ARION 530 up to 184hp for the ARION 650.

Power for the new ARION range comes from the latest DPS Powertech PVX engines which use DOC and DPF emissions treatment technology in order to meet TIER 4i standards. As part of the CLAAS POWER SYSTEMS (CPS) philosophy of using the optimum technology and components, this engine has been chosen both for its performance and compatibility with the tractor’s transmission and other components.

The engines also feature 4-valve technology, a variable geometry turbocharger, intercooling and a new common rail injection system that operates at a higher pressure of 2000 bar, compared to 1320 bar previously.

The ARION also features the new VISCTRONIC electronic fan control system first introduced on the AXION 900. This provides precise control of the cooling fan, ensuring that noise level and power requirement is kept as low as possible, so helping reduce power requirement. The layout of the cooling pack has also been designed for optimum efficiency, but the components can be quickly swung open for easy access and cleaning.

A particular feature of these new DPS engines are the high power output and torque levels they offer, especially when used in conjunction with the CLAAS HEXASHIFT transmission.

	Rated power output at 2200rpm (ECE R120)	Maximum rated power output at 2000rpm (ECE R120)	Maximum torque (Nm)
ARION 650 ARION 640 ARION 630 ARION 620	175 169 159 150	184 177 165 158	754 714 689 659
ARION 550 ARION 540 ARION 530	158 150 140	163 155 145	636 618 581

With its combination of a short wheelbase and low operating weight, the 4-cylinder ARION 500 has proven to be an exceptionally versatile tractor, and especially ideal for use with a front-end loader. Thanks to the latest technology used on the 4-cylinder, 4.5 litre engine fitted to these models, the most powerful model in this range now has a maximum power output of 163hp, making this one of the most powerful 4-cylinder tractors on the market.

The larger ARION 600 range has proven to be extremely versatile, being light enough for top work, yet powerful enough for heavy cultivations when weighted up properly. The new ARION 600 is no exception with maximum power outputs from the new 6-cylinder 6.8 litre engine ranging from 158hp up to 184hp on the ARION 650.

Optimum power transfer

All the new ARION models retain the well proven and reliable CLAAS HEXASHIFT transmission which DLG tests have shown offers extremely high levels of power transfer to the driving wheels and PTO, resulting in increased output and a corresponding reduction in fuel consumption.

The HEXASHIFT transmission features 6 power shifts within 4 ranges which can be used in either manual or automatic HEXACTIV mode, allowing both clutchless powershift and range changes automatically under load, and is available in both 40kph or 50kph versions.

The REVERSHIFT electrohydraulic clutchless reverser has also been retained, as has the Skipshift function that allows changing up through the gears two at a time, and the Speedmatching function that ensures smooth range changes.

Operator comfort

CLAAS Arion – inside the cab

One of the most striking features of the new generation ARION 600/500 range is the cab, which sets a new standard for this size of tractor on account of its space and comfort.

The new cab is an adapted version of that used on the new AXION 900, which was named ‘Machine of the Year’ at last year’s Agritechnica Show.

As on the AXION 900, the cab on the new ARION is positioned slightly further forwards and to provide greater all-round visibility has only five pillars, compared to six on the previous ARION range. The cab features a curved rear window which has allowed the two rear ‘B’ pillars to be moved forward, so providing the operator with greater rearward visibility over wide implements whilst on the offside there is a single piece door providing superb visibility.

Compared to the previous ARION cab, the new cab is 7.0cm wider and 3.0cm longer, resulting in a 4% increase in internal volume giving the ARION the same internal space as the high-powered AXION 900.

The cab on the new ARION is also fitted with the unique four-point adjustable cab suspension system, which is still recognised as being one of the best cab suspension systems on the market on account of the ride comfort it offers, especially when used in conjunction with the PROACTIV independent front axle suspension and the transport shock absorber within the linkage.

Internally, the ARION features a new slimline dashboard that is mounted on the adjustable steering column, which can be fully folded up out of the way, allowing for easy entry and exit from the cab, and precise adjustment for ease of use. The operator also now has the choice of five different seat options from either Grammer or Sears.

As previously, the new ARION 600/500 is available in either CEBIS or CIS (CLAAS Information System) variants. In line with the new design of cab, the ergonomic layout of the controls ensures that all the main controls are located either on or within easy reach of the adjustable armrest.

On CEBIS models, the screen has now been incorporated into the armrest which also follows the design of that introduced on the AXION 900. All the main transmission, linkage, hydraulic and GPS steering functions are controlled using the new CMOTION multifunction control lever, which fits comfortably into the right hand and can be operated using just three fingers. The armrest console can also incorporate an ELECTROPILOT joystick control for the hydraulic functions.

The new design of armrest on CIS specification models retains the simple DRIVESTICK fingertip control of the transmission when working in manual HEXASHIFT mode, with powershift and range changes made by simply moving the DRIVESTICK forward or back. Behind the DRIVESTICK is the throttle control and engine speed memory buttons, whilst to the side of the armrest console are the mechanical controls of the three-point linkage and spool valves, plus the depth control dial and PTO engagement control.

Compact, high capacity design

In common with all other CLAAS tractors, the new generation ARION features a long overall wheelbase, but within compact overall dimensions, with an almost equal weight distribution between the front and rear axle providing excellent comfort, stability and traction.

Aside for ensuring optimum traction for greater output and reduced fuel consumption, this provides the ARION with the versatility of being light enough for top work such as fertiliser spreading, but when weighted up to have the traction to utilise the power and torque for heavy cultivations.

Base weights range from just 5.7 tonnes up to 7.8 tonnes, but the design gives the ARION a maximum permitted total weight of 12 tonnes on both 40kph and 50kph models. To enable this, the ARION has been fitted with a new heavy duty rear axle that is capable of taking tyre sizes up to 710/60 R38 ex factory. For heavy cultivations, in addition to current front-end weight options, the rear axle can now also be fitted with 250kg, 350kg, 450kg or 550kg wheel weights.

Three-point linkage capacity has also been increased with the ARION 640 and 650 both having 8.0 tonne capacity rear linkages, whilst the smaller ARION 530 and 630 have 6.9 tonnes capacity linkages. Factory fitted front linkage systems and front loaders are also available, carried on a half-frame mounted between the front-axle carrier and the transmission.

All new ARION models are fitted with a 110 litre/minute load-sensing hydraulic system and the standard specification also includes PROACTIV independent front axle suspension, and there is also now front axle braking on 50kph models.

EASY and TELEMATICS

To provide greater accuracy and output, the new generation ARION 600/500 range tractors are ready for use and fully compatible with the complete range of CLAAS GPS steering systems. These range from the simplest EGNOS GPS COPILOT steering guidance up to the highly accurate automatic steering using an RTK signal from either the CLAAS network or BASELINE.

The new ARION can also be specified with the unique CLAAS TELEMATICS performance monitoring system. All aspects of the tractor’s performance, settings and position can be remotely monitored and saved for future reference and analysis, and if need be the tractor can also be accessed by the dealer for remote diagnosis, so saving downtime and repair costs.