Claas has decided to update its 8000 series combines. In November, the brand announced 2023 model year machines will see a number of improvements to ramp up both operator comfort and machine efficiency.
“The Lexion has built a reputation for delivering a mix of efficiency, precision and convenience,” says Greg Frenzel, Claas combine product manager. “These new updates give growers even more tools to achieve the best results while harvesting and make the most out of each hour in the field.”
Starting at the front, for the first time a new 50-foot Convio flex draper header will be available, which the brand says is the perfect fit for small grains and soybean crops. It is the widest header yet offered by the brand.
Read Also
Swather-sprayer retrofit a clever solution to winter wheat’s tight planting window
A system to spray pre-seed herbicide at the same time as swathing isn’t just a clever labour-saver, but could help overcome one of the biggest obstacles keeping Prairie farmers out of winter wheat: the timing.
To clear potential slugs collecting in the header, a new “slow feed” feature will be available. It lets the operator engage the feeder house gently and feed material clumps in slowly, reducing stress on belts and driveline components while helping to avoid plugging the machine.
[RELATED] Sask. farmer improves combine safety
The cabs get some tweaking as well. Now, exterior features will include a brighter lighting package, maintenance steps for easier cleaning and improved rear-view mirrors. Inside, a fully adjustable, pivoting operator seat and extra-wide trainer seat ramp up the comfort level. There’s also a new steering wheel, foot pegs, dual-zone HVAC controls, a high-quality sound system, more integrated storage and thinner A-pillars to improve forward visibility.
“The same new cab first offered in the Trion 740 combine is now featured in the 2023 Lexion 8000 series,” says Frenzel. “It provides greater visibility and added headroom and legroom for the operator.”
Behind the cab, Lexion 8000s get an improved 510-bushel grain tank. A one-piece folding design reduces its complexity and hydraulic demand compared with the design of previous 510-bushel tanks. Also, a built-in, walk-through door makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
To empty the tank, a high-capacity auger with a new pivoting spout helps control distribution in the grain cart. The operator can control the spout position with a finger trigger on the C-Motion handle inside the cab.
And under their engine hoods, the three 8000 series models all get a boost in horsepower. The 8600 is now rated at 482 horsepower, the 8700 at 543 and 8800 hits 610.
Manoeuvring the combines gets easier as well with the new dynamic steering feature. Once it’s engaged, the steering wheel requires only a bit more than one full rotation, instead of five, to drive the combine around the tightest turn it can make.
