REPORT: The 85-194hp Ares was the most important range in the Renault line-up when Claas took a stake in the French tractor maker, a deal that was done 20 years ago, in 2003. Time for a bit of reflection.
Renault Agriculture really pushed ahead with its tractor development in the 1990s. Ares production kicked off in 1996: Replacing the TX/TZ series, the Ares was a mid-range tractor line that bridged the gap between the smaller Ceres family (54-97hp until 2003) and the Atles flagship (197-250hp until 2006).
Following the Claas investment in 2003, the Ares series continued with the 500, 600 and 800 series; Renault had already discontinued the 700 series in 2002. Looking back, the Ares was a survivor and stayed in production until 2009 with Claas.
Modern gearboxes from Beauvais-based Gima
The spacious and comfortable cab was already a hot topic in the first driving impression on the new Ares (profi 5/1997). Its suspension (version RZ) could be adjusted in three stages. At least as important was the engine, the MWM being dropped for a Deere Power Systems (DPS) motor.
Also new were the tractors’ wet clutch and the possibility to choose between several transmission variants. These were supplied by Gima, the joint Renault-Massey Ferguson transmission factory. All versions had the synchronised shuttle in common, which was operated by a lever on the steering console.
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