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Claas has added a clutch of models to its flagship Lexion combine range and treated the whole line-up to a larger, plusher cab.

The first addition is the 8600 that becomes the smallest of the firm’s 8000-series hybrid machines.

Like its larger siblings, the 8600 comes with a 1,700mm drum, but it features a slimmed-down 12,500-litre grain tank and lower power output of 549hp.

This comes courtesy of a 12.4-litre, six-cylinder MAN D26 engine, as used in the 7000-series models with 1,420mm drums.

The 8600 can be specced with the firm’s Terra Tracs, which brings with it an additional 1,000 litres of grain tank capacity.

Two Lexion hillside models will also be introduced for the 2023 season, in the form of the 5500 straw-walker machine and 7700 hybrid.

The Montana system offers up to 18deg of lateral slope compensation, as well as up to 6deg of longitudinal adjustment, thanks to hydraulic chassis adjustment.

Additional options include all-wheel drive, an electrically selectable front-axle diff-lock and automatic adjustment of the cleaning system relative to the slope of the field.

See also: JMT’s 33-strong used Claas combine fleet in high demand

Claas Lexion 550 Montana © MAG/Matilda Bovingdon

Other updates to the Lexion range include a power hike for the 8700 and 8800 models, with the form seeing a 41hp boost to 626hp and the latter getting a 47hp rise to 700hp.

In the case of the 8800, this has been achieved by upgrading to a 16.2-litre MAN D42 power plant, as used in the range-topping, 790hp 8900.

As well as the power increase, Claas says this gives an improved torque curve that helps keep engine speed consistent, particularly under difficult harvesting conditions.

The 8700 and 8800 also now have the option of larger 15,000-litre and 18,000-litre grain tanks, respectively. Plus, there’s the opportunity to add a pivoting spout for more precise unloading, which is operated using the CMotion control lever.

For the 2023 season, Lexion combines will be fitted with an improved cab that made its debut on the firm’s simpler Trion machines in 2021.

This gives more head- and legroom than the previous workspace and comes with a rotating seat that allows up to 30deg of movement either side to help operators find their ideal seating position.

There are adjustable footrests too.

Engineers have also set about improving visibility, adding larger front and side widows, slimming the A-pillars and introducing a split mirror design.

Cleaning of the windscreen has also been improved thanks to a 360deg wiper.

As for technology, there’s a 12in terminal for setting and monitoring the machine, with the option of Cemos Dialog and Cemos Automatic setup and driving aids.

These systems have been refined, with a more precise method of measuring grain losses and the addition of automatic header adjustment.

This has been made possible thanks to a laser scanning system in the cab roof that monitors the height and condition of the crop.

Buyers can also now opt for a dynamic steering function – previously available on the firm’s tractors and forage harvesters – which reduces the number of steering wheel turns by 40% to make headland turns faster.

Several extras can be installed, such as a 30-litre cool box or a multimedia package, which includes a subwoofer.

Oilseed rape side knives with 50% more cutting force are now available throughout the Vario header range.

These feature a mechanical driveline and overload clutch so that they can deal with heavy crops and thick patches of weeds at field edges. Installation is also tool-free thanks to the addition of quick couplers.

All Vario headers now come with a beefed-up driveline featuring a gearbox rather than a chain-and-sprocket arrangement, as well as the option of automatic reel speed adjustment relative to forward speed.

Models throughout the range get automatic header detection, meaning the combine can tell the type and width of cutterbar as soon as it is connected. In turn, this makes setup of systems such as auto header control more straightforward.

From next year, all Lexion reversers will have a “slow retraction” function, which transfers crop to the threshing mechanism slowly and evenly after reversing the header, reducing the risk of overloading the system.

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