CLAAS has introduced a new 2nd generation of LEXION HYBRID combine harvesters. Ten years in development, 1 million hours of development time and with over 6,000 hours of endurance testing, the new LEXION APS SYNFLOW HYBRID 8000 and 7000 range has been completely redesigned from the ground up.
The LEXION 8000 is a wide body machine that comprises three models, including a new flagship 790hp LEXION 8900 model, making this the world’s most powerful production combine, plus there are a further five models in the narrow body LEXION 7000 range.
Worldwide trials involving 220 pre-series LEXIONs have seen increases in output of around 10% compared to current models. Key to this is the new APS SYNFLOW primary threshing system with its 755mm diameter threshing drum, which is 26% larger than the current 600mm drum, and a new 600mm diameter feed drum, which is 57% larger.
Due to the threshing drum’s greater diameter and higher centrifugal speed of the rasp bars, to maintain the same rasp bar velocity the drum can now typically be run at 550rpm compared to 750rpm. Separation area is also considerably increased. LEXION 8000 models have a massive concave area of 1.55m2 and at 1.30m2 the concave area on the LEXION 7000 is even more than that on the current top-of-the-range LEXION 780 at 1.26m2.
From the cab, the operator can hydraulically engage the main concave flaps and there is a new hydraulic pivoting concave bar between the pre-separation concave and main concave that can be engaged via CEBIS in harder to thresh crops. Due to the wider drum, concave wrap is shallower and designed so that 40% of the main concave segments can be easily pulled out sideways and changed for different crops.
The flow of material into the ROTO PLUS secondary separation system is more positive and the nose separating crop flow into the two rotors has been extended. The angle of the ROTO PLUS rotors has been flattened for higher throughput and reduced straw damage. The rotor concaves have been redesigned and use an open finger rotor concave design. The number of rotor cover plates (bomb doors) has been increased with a fourth added to provide improved grain separation and reduced losses.
The new, larger cab incorporates improved sound proofing and a new grain tank window. The CMOTION control incorporates a new favourites management system. The operator has the flexibility of adjusting the main machine settings by using either the CEBIS touchscreen terminal, the rotary push switch on the CEBIS control panel, or via direct switches on the new LEXION armrest which open a dialogue box in CEBIS to show the level of adjustment.
Power outputs range from 408hpto a new high of 790hp for the flagship LEXION 8900. All models are fitted with the DYNAMIC POWER intelligent engine management and DYNAMIC COOLING. A completely new drive system, based on that used in the JAGUAR forage harvester, ensures a more positive, smooth engagement of the threshing and auger systems.
The new QUANTIMETER yield measuring system takes its information from a pressure cell
Unlike the volumetric yield measuring system used in the current LEXION, the new QUANTIMETER yield measuring system fitted to the LEXION HYBRID 8000/7000 takes its information from a pressure cell which is more accurate and only needs calibrating once a year for each crop type.
Also new is the FIELD SCANNER automatic steering system. This uses a radar scanner mounted on the top of the cab that scans over an arc of 145 degrees to both the left and the right, and is capable of recognising both standing crops and tramlines. It requires no calibration, is easy to set-up and because it can follow tramlines is suitable for use within a reduced traffic system.
Read about the thoughts and experiences of users of the pre-series LEXION 8000/7000 combines operating in the UK this season
Neil Armstrong, J E Armstrong & Sons, Berwick-upon-Tweed: LEXION 8700
Melton Harrold, G W Harrold & Partners, Fakenham: LEXION 7700
