A day in the tractor Factory of the Future

Conveyor to the future. The CLAAS tractor factory in Le Mans – we can build your CLAAS tractor here too.

Step into the world of tractors with a virtual tour of the CLAAS tractor factory.

13.03.2023

The right power at the right moment.

Ready for use:

A CLAAS CMATIC continuously variable transmission is rigorously tested under full load at CLAAS Industrietechnik in Paderborn. A few more checks to do, then it's off to the tractor Factory of the Future in Le Mans – just-in-time. An assembly that runs in a way that is emblematic of the factory as a whole.Maximum efficiency. Smooth acceleration. Efficient power transfer. Versatile across all applications. Zero error tolerance.

Also supplied just-in-time.

A 6-cylinder Stage V 205-hp engine. In this step it is connected to the transmission that will efficiently transfer its power. This bringing together of the powertrain is this first stage of assembly. The process of supplying assemblies and positioning assembly stations and tools is fully automated.

A conveyor system transports the powertrain to a state-of-the-art paint shop, where a team of robots performs all the various stages – complete degreasing, multi-stage cleaning, flawless painting. Digital control and monitoring makes the entire process safe and cost-effective. The paint shop operates to the highest environmental standards and produces immaculate results with millimetre precision.

Each painted powertrain, now with linkage attached, is conveyed to the main assembly line, where a dedicated 'taxi' awaits: an Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV).

Automation sets industry benchmark.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are considered state-of-the-art in manufacturing. They transport tractors fully automatically from the first to the last assembly station, and ensure that each tractor is optimally positioned for each stage. This speeds up routine operations and makes the fitter's job easier. Like the radiator assembly that is being installed here. The simple folding mechanism means that it is not only easy to fit, but also easy to clean during use.

Every stage of assembly is controlled and monitored automatically to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently.

Workplace fit for the future.

The teams fits out the cab of an AXION 800. One of the most advanced workplaces for farmers and contractors is being assembled at one of the most advanced workplaces in the agricultural machinery industry.

World-class working conditions – for our employees and our customers. Installed before the tractor arrives at the main assembly line: the CLAAS 4-point cab suspension system. It sets the benchmark for comfortable suspension in tractor construction.

Digital strength

One of the strongest parts of the machine is not made of iron and steel; it is digital. The on-board electronics incorporating the unique CEMOS for Tractors assistance system. The self-learning system optimises ballast, tyre pressure and all drive elements by making recommendations for over 250 soil conditions and plough settings. The DLG demonstrated under objective test conditions that operators who adopt the CEMOS recommendations can not only reduce fuel consumption, but also increase their work rate.

The factory of infinite possibilities.

The cab is mounted on the powertrain. The machine is starting to take shape. Almost no two tractors built here are completely alike. Each one is built to order based on different configurations of the various series. CLAAS can build as many tractors as there are customer requests. Engine, transmission, equipment specifications – the number of possible configurations is so vast that no more than three identical tractors roll off the production in a three-month period. Over 50 tractors are built here a day, but that figure is soon set to rise to over 75.

The best treadmill for tractors

The laser-assisted mounting of the wheels completes the main assembly. At this stage, the finished tractor rolls onto the ground for the first time. When it first reaches the field, the retrofitted CTIC tyre pressure control system from the Paderborn factory is often on board. This intelligent tyre pressure adjustment device reduces wheel slip, ground pressure and fuel consumption. The wide choice of tyres also offers solutions to minimise ground pressure – as does the TERRA TRAC crawler track system also manufactured in Paderborn.

Forging ahead: the most advanced and efficient operation in the modern agricultural machinery industry.

Several Quality Gates positioned along the assembly line check the functions of the assembled components in real time and feed the data back to the central computer. No discrepancy goes unnoticed. When all fluids have been filled, the first complete check of all tractor functions is carried out on the assembly line.

Light tunnel. Rolling road test benches. Before a machine leaves the CLAAS production line, it undergoes unprecedented quality assurance testing. On the assembly line data for each individual machine is fed online to the central computer.

The functioning of the hydraulics system is fully tested as soon as its final components have been installed. So when the ARION or AXION undergo the final stage of thorough testing, all the data is already available. The high standard of tests and inspections guarantees the highest degree of operational safety.

The CLAAS tractor factory in Le Mans.

A day in the tractor Factory of the Future