Thirteen models divided into four series, differentiated by wheelbases, weights, and technical features, each tailored to specific mission profiles—this, in brief, is the core identity of the Claas “Elios” and “Axos” product lines
According to the most recent agricultural census in 2021, Italy had around 1,133,000 agricultural and livestock farms—less than half the number recorded twenty years earlier. However, the total agricultural land area has remained almost unchanged, leading to a doubling of the average farm size from 5.5 to just over 11 hectares. The census thus portrays a sector gradually aligning itself with European standards, while still heavily characterized by a multitude of family-run or small-to-medium enterprises. Agricultural machinery manufacturers must respond to this landscape with product offerings that are equally diverse in performance and design, all while recognizing that most of these farms will prioritize machines that are as versatile as possible.
With this trend in mind, Claas developed its medium power range, split into two tractor families, each further divided into two series, allowing for a finely segmented offering to meet every specific application need with the most suitable machine.
Elios
The range begins with the Elios family, offered in the “Elios 200” and “Elios 300” series, which share the same design platform and power class but differ in wheelbase, weight, and technical specifications, reflecting two distinct mission profiles.
The Elios 200 models are designed primarily for farm maintenance, material handling, and livestock applications, featuring a curb weight around 3,500 kg and a wheelbase of 2,186 mm. In contrast, the Elios 300 models are more suited to haymaking, light soil tillage, and less demanding road transport tasks, offering about 100 kg more weight and an additional 10 cm in wheelbase. These seemingly small differences are purposeful, supporting specific engine performance profiles.
The entry-level model of the Elios 200 series, the Elios 2010, is powered by an FPT Industrial F34 four-cylinder engine with a 3.4-liter displacement. This distinguishes it from the other Elios 200 and 300 models, which are equipped with the larger FPT F36 3.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The Elios 2010 delivers 76 hp and a maximum torque of 309 Nm at 1,500 rpm, making it well-suited for smaller plots and confined spaces. Its compact wheelbase of just 215 cm further enhances its agility and versatility.
The other Elios 200 models deliver 85, 92, and 103 hp, all with maximum torque at 1,500 rpm. These same figures apply to the corresponding models in the Elios 300 series, although they differ in terms of transmission.
The Elios 200 comes standard with a mechanical transmission featuring three ranges and four gears, plus a creeper, resulting in 24 forward and 24 reverse speeds. Optional features include the “Revershift” electrohydraulic shuttle and a two-stage “Twinshift” powershift for forward gears, offering a 24+12 setup.
In contrast, the more robust Elios 300 series comes standard with a transmission that offers three ranges and five gears, along with the Revershift shuttle and Twinshift, providing 30 forward and 15 reverse speeds.
Both series share the same work hydraulics, powered by a dual-pump system delivering 27 L/min for onboard services and 60 L/min for up to three mechanical spool valves and a rear hitch with a 3,200 kg lift capacity. For operations requiring higher hydraulic flow—such as use with the optional front hitch with an equal 3,200 kg capacity—a third dedicated 27 L/min pump can be added.
Axos models
Stepping up from the Elios range, Claas offers the Axos family, recently expanded with the introduction of the Axos 3 series alongside the established Axos 200 models.
The Axos 200 lineup consists of two farm-focused models with a 229 cm wheelbase and a curb weight of 4,100 kg. The Axos 3 series, on the other hand, features four utility-oriented models with a 240 cm wheelbase and an approximate weight of 4,400 kg.
Both series are powered by FPT Industrial 3.6-liter four-cylinder engines. The Axos 200 models deliver 92 and 103 hp—figures that match the entry-level Axos 3 models. However, the Axos 3 range pushes performance further with two higher-end models delivering 112 and 120 hp. These differences, along with the transmission options, shape the intended use profiles for each machine.
Powershift
The Axos 200 tractors are equipped with a mechanical transmission featuring three ranges and five gears, plus a two-stage Twinshift powershift for forward gears, offering 30 forward and 15 reverse speeds, with the Revershift shuttle as standard. These setups allow speeds from 500 meters/hour to 40 km/h, with engine speeds between 1,400 and 1,750 rpm, ensuring some of the lowest fuel consumption rates in the category.
The Axos 3 series offers four transmission options. The base configuration is a mechanical setup with three ranges and four gears, providing 12 forward and 12 reverse speeds. Another option features two ranges and six gears for the same number of speeds. When this transmission is combined with the Twinshift powershift and Revershift shuttle, it offers 24 forward and 24 reverse speeds. At the top of the range is a transmission with three ranges and six gears, featuring a three-stage powershift in the two lower ranges, for 36 forward and 18 reverse speeds—all accessible via the Revershift shuttle.
Hydraulic systems also differ according to intended use. The Axos 200 can be fitted with a triple-pump system in place of the standard dual-pump setup. Combining 27 L/min for onboard services, 60 L/min for auxiliary functions, and an additional 27 L/min to supply up to three spool valves and a rear hitch with a 3,350 kg capacity.
The Axos 3 tractors, by contrast, come standard with a 60 L/min hydraulic system, upgradeable to 90 L/min, capable of powering up to six spool valves and a rear hitch with a maximum lifting capacity of 5,300 kg.
Title: Brand Claas: to each his own product
Translation with ChatGPT
