Combines might still be rolling across the country, but Claas has already revealed updates to its line-up of big Lexions ready for the 2016 season.

The reason for the change is the switch to environmentally friendly engines.

To try and cushion the blow of the added engine cost the company has added a few extra features, too.

See also: Case-IH overhauls 140-series Axial-Flow combines

There is also a new model in the shape of the 750 Montana, which joins the bigger 760 as the hillside specialists in the Lexion range.

Engines

The relentless pressure of the emissions regs has seen the combines’ engines updated again.

This time, all but the mid-sized Lexion 760 are propelled by Mercedes-made powerplants.

The two biggest boys get 15.6-litre lumps. Outputs are 625hp on the 780 and 585hp on the 770, up from 598hp and 551hp on the existing models. The 750 and 740 versions of the Lexion have a smaller 10.7-litre block.

To accommodate the potential of the extra power the 780’s grain tank has grown to 13,500-litres and can be emptied in less than two minutes.

Other changes of note include Claas’ variable fan drive cooling system.

It was launched a couple of years ago, but has now been fitted on the two smaller models.

It only cools when necessary, so is claimed to sap 15-20% less power.

It lies horizontally on top of the engine and draws clean air from above, before forcing it down through gills on the side to keep dust clouds at bay.

Claas Lexion 750

Cleaning and chopping

For a long time Claas has used a 3D system that levels the upper sieves when working on sloping ground. It is still the standard fit on Lexion machines, but there’s also now a more complicated option.

The 4D set-up uses a third pair of rotor cover plates that open or close automatically according to the pitch of the combine.

The fan speed will also reduce on uphill work and increasing heading down the way to reduce losses on slopes and avoid overloading the returns.

Previously the chopper was driven hydraulically but that power is now delivered mechanically, which should reduce fuel consumption slightly. It has a 50mm bigger drum too, which is designed to increase the travel speed of the chaff to get a wider spread pattern.

There’s also a new monitoring system that keeps tabs on the spinning speed of the key components in case of any blockages.

Drivers can set their preferred slip level and if any drums slow down excessively then the driver will be alerted.

At the same time it will shut down the cutterbar drive and feederhouse, as well as disengaging the unloading auger to try and clear the blockage.