Latest Claas Lexion straw walker 5000/6000 Series combines revealed

Main concaves are infinitely adjusted hydraulically. This provides both parallel and synchronised adjustment of the pre-concave, threshing concave and separator concaves. Where it is necessary to change the concaves, this can be achieved with the ability to change 40 per cent of the main concave which can be pulled out sideways. In addition, the secondary separator’s concave can also be pulled out sideways, while the segmented accelerator concave sections can be removed through the stone trap.

Where greater threshing intensity is needed, for instance in difficult to thresh crops or for de-awning barley, the system incorporates an additional pivoting concave bar located between the pre-separation concave and the main concave, which can be ‘rolled’ in and out of position.

Adopted from the Lexion Hybrid models, a new feature on 5000/6000 walker models is the firm’s Jet Stream cleaning system. Depending on model, the six or eight turbine fan unit provides greater pre-cleaning. Sieve areas equate to 5.1sq.m on the 5000 and 6.2sq.m on the 6000.

To handle the increased throughput from the new walker models, grain tank capacities have been increased, ranging from 9,000 litres to 13,500 litres, as have the grain elevators with greater capacity to cope with field undulations. Access into the tank for cleaning and maintenance has also been improved.

Seven different unloading augers with lengths up to 12m are available, which have a greater forward pivot angle of 105 degrees for improved visibility. Control over the auger has also been improved, with a new valve providing a smoother movement.

Depending on model and auger diameter, the maximum emptying speed is 180 litres/second on the 6900, enabling its 13,800 litre tank to be emptied in 75 seconds. If necessary, the unloading speed can be halved to 90 litres/second for topping off trailers, with the augers turned off gradually to make sure the unloading auger is fully emptied.

The new range also incorporates the firm’s latest Quantimeter yield measuring system, which uses a pressure cell in the grain elevator delivery point to record yield via mass-flow sensing, without needing the thousand grain weight. According to the manufacturer, this is more accurate (from 1 to 2 per cent) and robust and only needs calibrating once a year for each crop type. It is also fully compatible with the manufacturer’s Telematics system for yield mapping and record keeping.

The new pivoting concave bar, synchronised drum speed and concave adjustment systems are fully integrated into the manufacturer’s Cemos Auto Threshing system, which uses information from the grain quality camera and yield monitor to automatically adjust the concave settings and drum speed.

Where Cemos Auto Cleaning is fitted this will automatically adjust the fan speed and the upper and lower sieve settings.

Sensors in the threshing and secondary separation system are also used by the combine’s Auto Crop Flow system to monitor flow and load, automatically restricting crop entering the combine should it detect a potential blockage. In theory, this allows the operator to push the combine without the risk of overloading it.

As before, Cruise Pilot and the Auto Slope grain cleaning systems are also available on the new walker Lexions.

For guidance, the 5000/6000 Series models are available with Claas’ new Field Scanner sensor as an option (pictured). Positioned at the front of the cab roof, in the middle, it has the capability to follow either the left or right had edges of a crop, or tramlines.

Following on from the Tucano and Lexion Hybrid combines, and the Jaguar foragers, the new Lexion walkers get a revised cab and control layout.

All the main functions are controlled using the combine’s Cmotion control lever, which incorporates a new favourites management system, and the latest Cebis touchscreen terminal, which can be adjusted independent of the armrest or swung out of the way for improved visibility.

The operator has the flexibility of having three different ways of adjusting the main machine settings. This can be done using either the touchscreen terminal, the rotary push switch on the control panel, or via direct switches on the new armrest.

The armrest is fully adjustable for reach and height and also includes radio and phone controls and a USB charger socket.

Whether fitted with tracks or wheels, 5000/6000 models are capable of 40kph. All wheeled machines are now available with a differential lock and larger tyre sizes can be specified for both the front and back axle; up to 42 inches and a diameter of 2.15m on the front axle and 30 inches with a diameter up to 1.75m on the rear. Tracks can be specified on the three largest 6000 Series models and on the 5500 model.

Power for the new Lexion walkers comes from MAN and Mercedes-Benz, with power outputs ranging from 313hp on the smallest 5300 to 507hp for the 6900.

As used on the Jaguar foragers, new for these models is the firm’s Dynamic Power system, designed to save fuel. With the ability to detect engine load, it automatically alters the power curve of the engine to reduce or increase power levels. For instance, on flat, easy going conditions, power levels can be reduced. Conversely, as the combine starts to climb a hill, and perhaps starts to unload at the same time, power levels automatically increase to maintain throughput.

Also from the Jags is a new driveline, offering a more positive and smoother engagement of the threshing and auger systems. With it comes a new clutch system to engage and tension the belts, resulting in improved belt life. Drivelines are also ‘straighter’, with a reduced number of belts used.