| Machinery
Advanced automation for new LEXION 600
Over the 20 years since the LEXION combine range was first introduced, it has led the way in the development and use
of advanced technology to help users consistently maintain high outputs and optimum cost efficiency.
s part of the
ongoing
development of
the LEXION 600
straw-walker
combine range,
2017 models will benefit not only
from new cost-efficient engines, a
new straw chopper and other
advanced features previously only
available on the higher capacity
LEXION 700 HYBRID range.
As before, the LEXION 600
range comprises of three 6-walker
models (LEXION 670/660/650)
with a drum width of 1700mm and
two 5-walker models (LEXION
A
www.farmingmonthly.co.uk
630/620) with a 1420mm-wide
drum. MONTANA hillside versions
of the LEXION 670 and 630 are
also available and in addition to
the TERRA TRAC LEXION 670TT, a
new tracked version of the LEXION
660 has also been added to the
range.
Instead of the Caterpillar
engines previously used, all 2017
LEXION 600 range models are
now powered by Mercedes-Benz
T4F compliant engines. On the
largest LEXION 670 and 660, the
engines have a cubic capacity of
10.7 litres with power outputs of
435hp and 408hp respectively.
LEXION 650/630/620 models
come with 7.7 litre engines with
power outputs of 354, 354 and
313hp respectively.
To provide adequate cooling for
the new 10.7 litre engines on the
LEXION 670/660, these now
feature the unique CLAAS
DYNAMIC COOLING system
originally developed for the
LEXION 700 range.
DYNAMIC COOLING
incorporates a variable fan drive
that automatically adjusts the
cooling capacity as required by
the engine, which helps save up to
20hp and so reduce fuel
consumption. Located horizontally
behind the engine, the radiator
draws in clean air from above the
combine through a 1.6m wide
rotating sieve filter. The air is then
directed downwards through the
radiator and engine bay, before
exiting through louvers that direct
the air down the side of the
combine, creating a curtain of air
that prevents dust rising. As a
result, the engine bay is kept far
cleaner and maintenance time is
reduced.
Automated control
CLAAS leads the way in the
development of automated
systems for combines, which has
helped LEXION 700 operators
achieve higher outputs from their
combine and some of which is
now optionally available on the
LEXION 600.
Combine output is often
restricted by an operator’s natural
fear of pushing the combine too
hard, resulting in a timeconsuming blockage. To avoid
this, the CLAAS AUTO CROP
FLOW CONTROL developed for
the LEXION 700 range last year is
now available on all LEXION 600
models. Using sensors monitoring
engine speed, the APS drum, the
impellor drum and the straw
chopper, the CROP FLOW
CONTROL system automatically
reacts and alerts the operator to a
potential blockage, so they can
confidently push the combine to
its maximum capacity.
Another new feature is AUTO
SLOPE control, which guarantees
the cleanest possible sample and
minimal losses on uneven terrain.
AUTO SLOPE automatically
controls the fan speed and
continually adjusts this relative to
the angle of the combine. When
working uphill, the fan speed will
be automatically reduced to avoid
losses and then increased again
as it goes downhill to ensure grain
is cleaned sufficiently.
Featuring added improvements
to residue management and more,
details of the LEXION 600 range
can be found on the Claas
website.
October 2016 | Farming Monthly | 27