4 things you need to know about the world’s first half-track tractor
CLAAS has announced the commercial release of the world’s first half-tracked tractors with full suspension, the AXION 960 TERRA TRAC. Half-Track tractors are not very common in the agricultural segment however they do seem to have some benefits according to CLAAS. This article explores some of these benefits.
1. What is a half-track tractor?
A half-track is vehicle with regular wheels on the front for steering and caterpillar tracks on the back for drive. These vehicles were first used in military applications and then adapted for farming. The purpose of this combination is to produce a vehicle with the cross-country capabilities of a tank and the handling of a wheeled vehicle. The tracks provide great traction on any surface, even allowing the vehicle to climb the steep hills. Due to technological advancements in tyre construction the agricultural tractor moved away from the tracks, with only a few extra-large and purpose built machines still utilising full tracks.
2. CLAAS Release First Half-Track Tractor Models
Unveiled as a concept at Agritechnica two years ago, the new model incorporates the proven tracked assemblies utilised in the company’s industry-leading LEXION and JAGUAR grain and forage harvesters. According to CLAAS the TERRA TRAC improves traction and reduces soil compaction, whilst still retaining the driving characteristics of a wheeled tractor. The rear axle of the AXION has been substantially modified to accommodate the TERRA TRAC units, which in turn, have been modified to improve traction.
One way in which this was done was by increasing the size of the drive wheel to meet the specific power transfer needs of a tractor and to handle the high levels of torque. Likewise, the transmission inside the crawler tracks has been strengthened to transmit higher torques. Each assembly can pivot up to 23 degrees longitudinally. Combined with its individually-suspended rollers, this allows each unit to maintain optimum ground contact in all soil conditions, terrain and operating speed.
Related: 5 Reasons why the CLAAS Axion 960 Cemos won Sustainable tractor of the year
3. Why use tracks?
Soil compaction reduces yields and takes a great deal of work to eliminate again. This is why CLAAS attaches great importance to soil protection, starting with measures taken during the machine development process. It was 30 years ago that the company presented the first series-production combine harvester with full rubber tracks. This was followed by the TERRA TRAC concept a few years later.
The AXION 900 TERRA TRAC is the first half-track tractor with full suspension. The AXION 900 TERRA TRAC combines the advantages of a tracklaying tractor in terms of traction and soil protection with the driving comfort of a standard tractor. The independent suspension of the drive wheel, land wheel and support rollers allows the crawler track unit to adapt optimally to the ground. Despite its large contact area, the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC is significantly narrower than a tractor with wide or twin tyres.
4. What are some key benefits?
- 66% lower soil pressure compared with wheeled machines
- 40 km/h on-road travel with a transport width that complies with road traffic licensing regulations
- high level of driving comfort through hydropneumatic suspension
- smooth front attachment guidance and excellent directional stability
- high stability on side slopes
- potential for cost savings through protection of soil structure and reduced effort required for subsequent tillage
As the next logical step, CLAAS is now equipping AXION large tractors and JAGUAR forage harvesters with this concept which has been optimised specifically to meet customers' requirements.
Recommended next:
Top 5 technologies changing the face of the agricultural sector