Tractor test: Claas Ares 697 ATZ Kick up the Ares ‘The best Ares ever’ is how Claas describes its 600 flagship, the 140hp Ares 697 ATZ, which benefited from a number of welcome hardware upgrades back in 2005. The firm’s intention was to give the Ares tractor range a spec kick that would subsequently be reflected in its sales momentum across the European region. Through our profi test, we assess the performance impact of those specification changes. Have they had the desired effect?