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Manufacturers often focus their attention on their flagship horsepower ranges but a strong market still exists for lower-power, smaller tractors designed for mixed and livestock farmers. Aligning to this, Claas' new 100hp offering is not trying to reinvent the wheel but create a practical, and adaptable machine for a variety of customers. 

Comprising of two models, the Axos sits at the lower end of the manufactures range filling the 90-100hp bracket.  With a height of 2,620mm and turning radius of 3.79m, the Axos could be well suited to loader applications at livestock enterprises and field work with more specialist crop growers. 

Claas Axos 200 series

• Rated output: 92/103hp
• Cylinders: Four
• Transmission: 5-speed Twinshift
• Gears: 30 Forward 15 Reverse
• Maximum Speed: 40kph
• Hydraulic options: 87 or 114 litre/min 
• Max lift capacity at ball ends: 3,350kg

Lifting the bonnet reveals an FPT 3.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The Stage V power plant has a 105-litre fuel tank and the exhaust system which incorporates AdBlue, with a 10-litre urea tank.  Daily maintenance tasks around the engine bay have been made easier with clear access points to the essential areas. The addition of an airline extension tool for cleaning out the tight areas around the radiator.

Working speeds from 0.5kph to 40kph are achieved with the Axos' five-speed transmission. This transmission uses 30 forward gears and 15 reverse gears with an electro-hydraulic forward and reverses clutch-less selection as standard. The gear lever is also fitted with a de-clutch button eliminating the need to press the clutch peddle, with the manufacturer claiming a reduction in operator fatigue when changing gears on the road. An optional smart stop function can also be specified, the system automatically disengages the transmission bringing the tractor to a standstill when the foot brake is applied and re-engaging it when the foot brake is released.

A 3,350kg rear lift capacity comes as standard on both Axos 200 models, along with a 87 litre/min hydraulic pump. Prospective buyers wanting more hydraulic flow may look to specify the optional 114 litre/min pump.  The larger pump option can also be specified with electric spool valve controls and a fourth hydraulic service compared to the three manual double-acting spool valves on a standard 87 litre variant.  The Axos has a 1000/540 pto as standard with the option to specify 540E. Pto drive is engaged though an electrohydraulic switch which the manufacturer says reduces pto fatigue on start-up.  Front linkage and pto can also be optionally specified in this range. 

Both Axos models can be fitted with Claas loaders, up to a 3,200kg lift capacity. There are five available variants in the Claas range suitable for Axos 200 range, with varying levels of specification and capacity.  Claas use a quick coupling system called Fitlock and Mach lock for quick attachment and removal hydraulics and loader system. Loader attachments can be locked into position hydraulically with the optional specification of the Speedlink system, alternatively, the standard manual Fastlock system is also available.  Hydraulic loader dampening can also be specified across the range. Two control levers can be specified for the front loader the E-pilot S or the Electropilot.  The standard E-pilot system provides control of front loader functions only, with the Electropilot capable of operating loader functions and rear hydraulic services when the loader is out of use. The  Electropilot system is also capable of forward and reverse control which the manufacturer says improves productivity during loading applications. 

Loader options

• FL80 series (hydraulic self-levelling linkage)
• FL 80 C series (mechanical self-levelling linkage)
• FL 60 front loader (hydraulic self-levelling linkage)
• FL C 40 / 60 (mechanical self-levelling linkage)
• FL E 40 / 60 (mechanical self-levelling linkage)

Inside the cab, Claas has delivered all the functional refinements that are expected from a tractor of this size and price point. Both air conditioning and air-suspended seat can be optionally specified to add improved operator comfort. Curved rear corner windows allow for greater rear visibility, both the front and rear windscreens can be opened for greater airflow and visibility.  The operator environment is also equipped as standard with a folding passenger seat and 4.2inch colour dash display providing information on diesel consumption per hour, transmission oil temperature or fuel level.

Overall the Axos meets the requirements of its power bracket well, it delivers functionality with an un-fussy ergonomic design in the cab with some clever little additions such as the air line extension tool allowing for improved ease of daily maintenance.  Depending on the farm requirements and duties the Axos tractor could be a standard specification functional feeder tractor. Alternatively specified with improved hydraulic capacity, front linkage, and loader the Axos would comfortably operate as a versatile allrounder, infield and nimble enough to carry out a number of yard duties in and around traditional farm buildings.