Soil protection increases yields.

The large contact areas of the crawler track systems for combine harvesters, forage harvesters, and tractors help protect the soil. Their narrow transport width means the machines can travel at speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h) on the road.

16.04.2023

Soil is the very basis of agricultural production. But it's a finite resource, so the increased yields required to feed the world's growing population have to be produced on the available land. The greatest challenge is to reconcile efficiency and sustainability. Farms are increasing in size, and the windows for cultivation and harvesting are becoming ever shorter. At the same time, machines are getting bigger, more powerful, and heavier, leading to soil compaction.

Soil compaction caused by tractors or harvesting machinery reduces the pore spaces in the soil. Oxygen deficiency and the risk of waterlogging, as well as reduced soil micro-organisms, are the results. The subsequent crops show this through delayed development, lower yields and poorer root growth. The damage caused in just one harvest lasts for years. Of course, the damage is not irreparable. Deep tillage, catch crops or liming will restore arable land to its original level of productivity in the long term. But all these measures cost money. Wouldn't it be easier to avoid the damage in the first place? At CLAAS, we make a point of addressing the need to minimize adverse effects on the soil right from the start of our machine development process. We have set ourselves the goal of preserving and protecting the most precious resource of all farmers. Because for us, too, the soil is our workplace.

The TERRA TRAC drive concept with patented geometry.

The driving force.

The benefits impact the efficiency of farms and contractors and offer vast potential for cost savings. Maintaining good soil structure is the basic requirement for good yields. Soil that is in good condition can also minimize the requirement for fertilizer, as healthy soil can make better use of the available nutrients than a compacted one.

Furthermore, using the TERRA TRAC crawler track system can lead to fuel savings. Subsequent tillage can be carried out with less tractive power, as the compaction is more superficial, in contrast to other drive systems of the same weight class. The crawler tracks' good traction performance increases pulling power and, therefore, efficiency with the same fuel consumption.

Avoids soil compaction and preserves the soil structure
Optimized traction reduces drive resistance, slippage, and fuel consumption while increasing slope stability

TERRA TRAC on LEXION

TERRA TRAC on LEXION

The TERRA TRAC crawler track unit has proven itself on combine harvesters in more than 20 years of use in the field and is constantly being improved to meet the highest requirements of our customers. Today, around one-third of all LEXION combines and half of LEXION HYBRID machines are equipped with TERRA TRAC.

Above all, our customers appreciate:

66% less ground pressure than wheeled machines to protect the soil (Cranfield University, 2006)
Rapid transfers between fields at up to 25 mph (40 km/h) with a transport width that complies with the rules of the road
High ride comfort thanks to the patented geometry and intelligent suspension design of the crawler tracks
Longer operating times and greater traction with minimal slippage lead to higher seasonal performance
Smooth handling for accurate front attachment guidance and good directional stability
Large contact area for high stability on side slopes
Protection of the soil structure and reduced power required for subsequent tillage offer potential cost savings

TERRA TRAC on AXION

TERRA TRAC on AXION

The AXION 900 TERRA TRAC from CLAAS is the first half-track tractor with full suspension. Its key innovation is the inclusion of the suspended TERRA TRAC crawler track system. This is based on the technology currently used in combine harvesters that has been specially adapted to meet the requirements of tractors. The AXION 900 TERRA TRAC combines the advantages of a tracklaying tractor in terms of traction and soil protection with the more convenient drive characteristics of a conventional standard tractor. Thanks to its individually suspended rollers, the crawler track system ensures optimum ground contact and a maximum contact area at all times, making the AXION 900 TERRA TRAC comfortable and efficient on the road and in the field—even when traveling at high speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h).

High traction and minimal slippage, even during heavy tillage at low speed, ensures very high tractive performance and fuel efficiency
Soil protection: A large contact area stops the tractor from sinking into the ground and prevents soil compaction
Intelligent crawler track suspension ensures high ride comfort at speeds of up to 25 mph (40 km/h)
More compact dimensions than the version with wide or twin tires for greater flexibility

TERRA TRAC on JAGUAR

TERRA TRAC on JAGUAR

The benefits of TERRA TRAC crawler track systems in terms of soil protection and traction are well known. Still, CLAAS is also the first forage harvester manufacturer to come up with a factory-integrated optimum solution for protecting soil and sward from driving damage: the JAGUAR TERRA TRAC with headland protection. A notable innovation of this machine is the headland protection feature that reduces the track contact area at the headland, thereby protecting the grass cover. This makes the JAGUAR TERRA TRAC the first forage harvester to utilize the benefits of a crawler track system on all surfaces throughout the whole year:

Year-round operation without modification allows a high degree of machine utilization
Headland protection through automatic reduction of the track contact area when cornering or turning (less scrubbing)
Rapid transfers within a 9' 10.1" (3 m) transport width (25" or 635 mm track) at up to 25 mph (40 km/h)
Operating reliability under difficult conditions with high traction and low rut formation
Long service life of new track belt with large number of ribs

TERRA TRAC videos

CLAAS TERRA TRAC. Built on experience.