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 on public roads at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

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 growing world 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. This leads to soil compaction.

Soil compaction caused by tractors or harvesting machines reduces the pore spaces in the soil. Oxygen deficiency and the risk of waterlogging as well as reduced soil micro-organisms are the result. These effects are manifested in subsequent crops in the form of delayed development, lower yield and inferior root growth. The harm done 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 minimise 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, like them: the soil is our workplace.

The TERRA TRAC drive concept with patented geometry.

The driving force.

The advantages have consequences for the efficiency of farms/contractors and offer vast potential for cost savings. Maintaining good soil structure is the basic requirement for good yields. A good soil aggregate state can also minimise the requirement for fertiliser, as a healthy soil can make better use of the available nutrients than a compacted one.

Furthermore, use of the TERRA TRAC crawler track system can lead to fuel savings. Subsequent tillage can be performed with a lower tractive power requirement, as soil compaction is more superficial than that which results from the use of other drive systems in the same weight classes. The good traction performance of the crawler tracks increases pulling power and thus also efficiency with the same fuel consumption.

Avoids soil compaction and preserves the soil structure
Optimised 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 system has proved itself on combine harvesters in more than 20 years of use in the field and is constantly being improved to meet the exacting requirements of our customers. Today, about 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 40 km/h with a transport width that complies with road traffic licensing regulations
The crawler tracks' patented geometry and intelligent suspension ensure a high level of driving comfort
Longer operating times and greater traction with minimal slippage for 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 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 which 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 guarantees 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 travelling at high speeds of up to 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: large contact area stops the tractor from sinking into ground and prevents soil compaction
Intelligent crawler track suspension ensures high ride comfort at speeds of up to 40 km/h
More compact dimensions than the version with wide or twin tyres 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, but 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 which reduces the track contact area at the headland, thereby protecting the grass cover. This makes the JAGUAR TERRA TRAC the first forage harvester to use the advantages of a crawler track system on all surfaces throughout the whole year:

Year-round operation without modification allows a high degree of machine utilisation
Headland protection through automatic reduction of the track contact area when cornering or turning (less scrubbing)
Rapid transfers within a 3 m transport width (635 mm track) at up to 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

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CLAAS TERRA TRAC. Built on experience.