Trion = old Lexion, new clothes and razzle dazzle

Claas is set to replace pretty much all of the Tucano line up with the new eight model Trion – a pair of five walkers, a trio of six-walkers, a duo of narrow body, single rotor hybrids and one twin rotor hybrid with most available with Terra Tracs or the Montana self-levelling system. The only Tucano survivor is the baby in the range, the 320.

The inner workings of both the Trion walker and hybrid models will be familiar to users of previous generation of Lexions. But there is a bit more going on under the fresh panel work and new cab. For instance, all 20 variants of the Trion use a British-built 6.7 or 8.9-litre, six-cylinder Cummins engine which is said to offer the right amount of torque, power and just as importantly meet the latest emission requirements while not adding more weight or taking up more room in the future.

The Trion is also seen as a global combine and is expected to account to 25-30% of the roughly 5,000 combines produced by Claas each year. But it is hoped that this new line up could unlock more sales in the Americas and other markets, so having an engine which has worldwide support was another feather in its cap.

Because it used different width chassis, the Tucano needed its own production line while the Trion will be able to share the assembly line with the latest 5000-8000 series Lexion. Jeremy Wiggins of Claas points out that they can utilise the proven components from the old Lexion models, which means they already have all the manufacturing jigs etc on hand which will help with production costs than having to start afresh.

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All of the Trions have the Jet Stream cleaning system with six or eight turbine fans. This will be a big boost for Tucano models of which the 430 was one of the most popular models in the UK and Ireland including the Montana version with the self-levelling chassis. The Trion 530 should take over from the 430.

Both the five- and six-walker models have the option of 3D sieves with 4D also available on the hybrid models. Other options include Auto Slope fan speed adjustment, Cruise Pilot, Auto Crop Flow and either CEMOS Dialog or full Automatic which is worked using the 12-inch CEBIS touchcreeen terminal.

The new cab offers more leg and head room with a larger windscreen and narrower A-posts for a better view of the wider range of headers including the Convio and Convio Flex draper type headers up to 12m wide. Automatic header detection is standard across the board.

There is a selection of straw chopping options to match the header fitted with the base fitment mechanically engaged to the advanced electronically controlled radial power spreader with wind compensation. The standard cut unit has 52 or 64 knives depending on combine model to the Special Cut with 72 or 88 knives.

Claas recognises that there will be some cannibalism of the lower Lexion models for instance with the 7400 and the Trion 730 or 750, where owners perhaps do not want all the added features of the Lexion, but there is no doubting the lower price tag will have an influence on the Trions appeal.

There are six Trion pre-series demo models about the start touring the UK – a mix of all models. While a Trion 660 Terra Trac is due in Cork next week before working its way up the country.

We will be taking a more in-depth look at the Trion in an upcoming issue.