As part of an update programme across its entire tractor range, Claas has launched revamped versions of its 800-series machines.

Three new variants – the Axion 8.240, 8.270 and 8.290 – replace the previous four-model line-up and max out at 264hp, 291hp and 313hp, respectively.

As before, the muscle is provided by a 6.7-litre FPT engine, which also features in Case IH and New Holland’s tractor offering.

See also: On test: Four-cylinder Claas Arion 570 proves punchy and nimble

This power is still put to the ground via a ZF stepless transmission.

However, where this new generation differs is that Claas’s engineering department now writes the software for the drive controller, rather than ZF.

According to the company, this has enabled it to introduce a raft of new functions – more on these in a bit.

Fresh styling

The most noticeable external differences between old and new is the angry-eyes nose cone and bonnet styling first seen on Xerion, Axion 9 and Arion 6 models unveiled at Agritechnica in November last year.

Cosmetics aside, the 8-series gets the firm’s latest cabin, which was first introduced on its larger sibling. With it comes more space – a whopping 2.9cu m – which makes for greater seat swivel.

Most tractor functions are now shown on a pillar-mounted display, freeing up the Cebis colour touchscreen for GPS and isobus implement control software.

Feeds from three wide-angle cameras are integrated within this to monitor front and rear implements, and to help when pulling out at junctions.

Anything shown on the tractor’s digital displays can now be accessed remotely via a tablet or smartphone, granting dealer technicians the ability to talk through any issues with the operator while screen sharing.

It also allows farm managers to see what’s happening from afar and guide drivers through operations they may not be familiar with.

New transmission functions

Behind the scenes, we’re told computing power has increased too, specifically with the engine/transmission controller, and Claas’s in-house software brings with it three new functions.

The first is “dynamic power”, which de-rates the engine when it is under partial load, effectively reducing fuelling when it’s not required.

As the drivetrain, hydraulics or pto exert greater strain, the system ups diesel supply to produce full torque and power when it is needed.

Automatic load anticipation is the second new function. With an apparent capacity to “self-learn”, the tractor’s electronic wizardry will boost engine revs and adjust transmission ratios when it believes it’s about to experience a load spike, such as a cultivator dropping into the ground at the start of a run.

Like many other breeds of machine, it’ll also feather the throttle back to a minimum of 1,400rpm automatically when the Axion reaches 50kph.

Then there’s “auto droop”. One for the CVT nerds, it works away in the background, making its own mind up about how far it will allow engine revs to be pulled back under load before it adjusts gearbox ratios.

Longer warranty as standard

While all this clever tech is great when the machine is new, how well it will stand the test of time remains to be seen.

To counter the naysayers, Claas has slapped a five-year/5,000-hour warranty on the Axion 8 as standard, with the option to extend this further if you sign up to one of its MaxiCare service packages.

On that note, engine service intervals have been stretched to 750 hours, while the transmission, axles and hubs will need their oils swapped at double that.

The power upgrade for these new models sees the Axion 8 edge ever closer to the smallest 360hp 9-series.

Conversely, the gap to the models below yawns wider than ever before. Currently the Arion 6.190 maxes out at 205hp, leaving a 60hp chasm between the two ranges.

Claas dealers are desperate to have a tractor to compete with the likes of Fendt’s 700-series and Deere 6Rs but it looks likely they’ll have to wait until 2027 for that – it will be an Agritechnica year, after all…