Introducing the 700 Series Lexions

If last weeks topic—Gleaner's new transverse rotaries, in case you didn't read it—wasn't enough to satisfy your desire to see new combines. Here are some more for you to look at it. Claas has just unveiled its new, 700 Series Lexions.

Claas has five models available for 2011 in its new 700 Series Lexion combine line up.

Along with the introduction of these new machines, Claas is also working to make its name more familiar to U.S. and Canadian farmers. The partnership it had with Caterpillar that launched the Lexion line on this continent has officially been dissolved, and Claas has assumed sole responsibility for servicing the North American market.

But Caterpillar dealers will still be the primary retailers of these combines. And Caterpillar, itself, will continue to maintain a working relationship with Claas; it will still supply some of the parts that get bolted onto every Lexion chassis in the Omaha , Nebraska, assembly plant. That includes the Accert C9 and C13 Accert engines.

Farm journalists were given a preview of the new machines at a ceremony at the Lewis and Clark Landing on the banks of the Missouri River in Omaha a few weeks ago. That choice of locations was symbolic. Just like those two infamous explorers who opened up the American midwest, Claas has been gradually opening up a new market for its equipment on this continent.

And the new 700 Series machines seem to represent, in part, another step in that exploration and development. Gone are the large Cat decals that once dominated the side panels of these machines, replaced by the Claas name. The Lexions will, however, continue to wear Caterpillar yellow paint, rather than Claas' standard green and white. One step at a time, it seems.

Aside from the Lexions, the company only offers North American farmers a limited line of forage equipment and its specialty Xerion tractors. Will we soon see the company's full line of equipment available here? “It would be nice to offer our dealers a full line of equipment,” commented one marketing rep when asked. But no one from the company was willing to speculate on if or when that will happen. Getting a support network in place for such a move would be a very large undertaking.

For now, at least, the company is busy proving itself to farmers with that selected offering of machines, including the Lexions. Becoming a household name takes time.

But the real story here is the combines, themselves. They represent a significant redesign over the previous 500 Series. The 700s use a hybrid design: a conventional threshing cylinder matched with dual rotors. Another model, the 670, is available with straw walkers instead of rotors for those who want to leave straw in good condition for baling.

The five machines that make up the 700 Series line range from the 730, a class 6, to a giant Class 10, 770 model. But, strictly speaking, class 10 doesn't exist yet. The current rating system only goes to class 9. However when class 10 is added, that is where the 770 will fit in.

The new combines have an updated cab, which offers more room. Enough, in fact, for a full-sized buddy seat, not the child-sized versions most passengers had to squeeze into before. Also inside them is a new version of Claas' CEBIS electronic system. And the 700s use a pre-separation cylinder that threshes about 30 percent of the grain before it even enters the main cylinder.

If you'd rather run on tracks than tires, the new TERRA TRAC system is capable of a record-breaking 40 k.p.h. transport speed. And they offer an adjustable suspension system.

The brand new TERRA TRAC system offers adjustable suspension.

The 700s can be matched with new header options; and at the rear, the PRO CHOP spreader can distribute straw and chaff across a full 40-foot cut.

For more on the new Lexions, keep an eye out for a full report in an upcoming issue of Grainews.

Scott