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A compact heavy-handler

Claas has extended its range of agricultural tractors with the addition of the Axos 3 series, which is our ‘From the Cab’ focus this month

The Axos 3 series is positioned between the Arion 400 and the Axos 200, and with the DNA of the earlier Axos 300 and Celtis 300. While compact tractors in the under-120hp performance class spend a good 40 per cent of their operating hours handling materials and working around the yard, they must also be capable of mastering field and grassland work. So, 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. According to Claas, the new Axos 3 can do all this. 

Powerful and efficient

It is powered by the fuel-efficient yet lively 3.6L four-cylinder Fiat Powertrain (FPT) engine with modern Stage V exhaust gas after-treatment. The four models have outputs of 92hp, 103hp, 112hp and 120hp with maximum torques from 366Nm to 466Nm at a low 1,500rpm. 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 160L – enough for long, hard-working days. Furthermore, these tractors are approved to run on hydro-treated vegetable oils, thus, reducing their carbon footprint. And 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 1.6m (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

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 (two ranges) with mechanical reverser;
  • 24/12 (2 ranges) with Twinshift powershift transmission and Revershift clutch-less reverser; and
  • 36/18 (3 ranges) with Twinshift powershift transmission and Revershift clutch-less reverser.

Top speeds of 40km/h are achieved at a fuel-efficient 1,750rpm, 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 5-15km/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 2.5m, 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 Celyis 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; and
  • The LED lighting package with up to 10 LED headlights turns night into day and facilitates work in poorly lit sheds and barns.

Handles even the heaviest implements

With a payload of up to 3,600kg and a maximum lift capacity of 5,300kg at the rear (continuous lift capacity 4,000kg), the Axos 3 is not fazed by heavy implements. The optional integrated front linkage provides an impressive additional lift capacity of 3,240kg. Up to four double-acting mechanical spool valves with a flow rate of 60L/min or 90L/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 1,000rpm front PTO is available to drive front-mounted implements.
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.

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