The complete CLAAS XERION 12 Series has completed independent testing at the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory, providing standardized performance data for the manufacturer’s newest generation of high-horsepower tractors.
The tests covered all four North American configurations: the wheeled XERION 12.590 and 12.650 TRAC, along with the tracked XERION 12.590 and 12.650 TERRA TRAC. Each tractor underwent dynamometer, drawbar, hydraulic, three-point hitch, fuel consumption and operator environment testing.
Although every model produced results appropriate for its power class, several characteristics appeared consistently across the lineup. These included high drawbar pull, substantial rear hitch capacity, strong PTO torque, high hydraulic output and relatively low cab noise.
XERION 12 Drawbar Pull
The strongest drawbar figures came from the two TERRA TRAC models. According to the test results published by CLAAS, both the XERION 12.590 TERRA TRAC and the flagship 12.650 TERRA TRAC generated a maximum drawbar pull of 56,793 pounds at 2.4 mph.
This level of pulling force is particularly relevant for deep tillage, large air seeders, heavy cultivators and other applications where traction at low working speeds is more important than maximum transport speed.
The result also highlights the effectiveness of the XERION’s rigid-frame architecture. Unlike most tractors in this horsepower category, the XERION does not use a central articulation joint. Steering is performed through the axles, while the main chassis remains straight.
This layout is intended to provide predictable handling, consistent implement alignment and improved stability when working with heavy equipment. It can also be beneficial during silage compaction, grain cart work and maneuvering in confined farmyards.
Mercedes-Benz Engine
The XERION 12 Series is powered by a 15.6-liter Mercedes-Benz OM 473 six-cylinder diesel engine. The XERION 12.590 delivers up to 585 hp, while the XERION 12.650 reaches a maximum output of 653 hp.
The flagship model produces up to 2,286 lb-ft of maximum engine torque at approximately 1,300 rpm. Maximum power is available at around 1,600 rpm, reflecting CLAAS’ low-engine-speed powertrain concept.
Operating at lower engine speeds can reduce noise, fuel consumption and mechanical stress when the tractor is working under sustained load. The large-displacement engine is designed to maintain torque without requiring the operator to keep the engine close to maximum rpm.
CMATIC CVT Transmission
Power is transferred through the CLAAS CMATIC continuously variable transmission. Unlike a conventional powershift transmission, the CMATIC system provides stepless speed adjustment across the working range.
The transmission continuously coordinates engine speed, ground speed and load. This allows the tractor to maintain a selected working speed as soil resistance changes, without requiring the operator to shift between fixed gears or ranges.
For less-experienced operators, the CVT also simplifies control of a tractor producing more than 500 hp. For experienced operators, it provides more precise speed management during planting, tillage and heavy PTO work.
The Nebraska results are significant because they demonstrate that the continuously variable driveline can transfer substantial power to the ground in one of the most demanding tractor categories.
High PTO Torque
The TERRA TRAC models produced PTO torque of up to 2,135 lb-ft. CLAAS states that this was as much as 80 percent higher than the figures recorded for selected comparable John Deere 9RX models.
The XERION is equipped with a 1,000-rpm rear PTO that reaches rated PTO speed at an engine speed of approximately 1,500 rpm. This allows the tractor to operate demanding equipment without maintaining maximum engine speed.
While tractors in this class are commonly purchased for drawbar work, PTO capacity remains important for large manure applicators, power harrows, milling equipment, pumps and other machines that place a continuous mechanical load on the driveline.
High torque at relatively low engine speed should help the tractor maintain PTO speed when the implement encounters changing material density or field conditions.
Three-Point Hitch Capacity
All four XERION 12 configurations exceeded 24,000 pounds of three-point hitch lifting force during testing.
CLAAS reports that the measured figures were between 14 and 26 percent higher than those of selected competing tractors in comparable power categories.
This capacity expands the range of mounted and semi-mounted implements that can be used with the tractor. It may be particularly valuable for large cultivators, heavy toolbars, subsoilers and equipment carrying substantial rear-mounted components.
Maximum lifting force is not the only factor that determines implement compatibility. Hitch geometry, tractor ballast, axle loading, hydraulic requirements and transport stability must also be considered. However, the test results confirm that the XERION 12 has a considerable lifting reserve for specialized applications.
Hydraulic Flow
The wheeled XERION 12 models also recorded strong hydraulic performance. CLAAS states that hydraulic flow was up to 24 percent higher than that of selected competitors in the same horsepower class.
Depending on configuration, the XERION 12 can provide hydraulic output of up to approximately 142 gallons per minute, or 537 liters per minute.
This level of flow is designed for implements with several simultaneous hydraulic demands, including large air seeders, planters, hydraulic fan drives, downforce systems, folding functions and active implement controls.
The tractor can be equipped with multiple hydraulic circuits, allowing high-flow functions to operate without unnecessarily increasing the load on the entire system. For large planting and seeding equipment, this may be more important than engine horsepower alone.
Low Cab Noise
Cab noise measurements ranged from 60.1 decibels under a low-speed test condition in the XERION 12.590 to a maximum reported level of 67.8 decibels in the XERION 12.650 TERRA TRAC.
These are relatively low figures for tractors producing between 585 and 653 hp. Reduced noise can improve communication, limit operator fatigue and make long working shifts less demanding.
The cab uses a four-point suspension system and is positioned to provide visibility around the tractor and implement. Multiple steering modes are also available to improve maneuverability and reduce soil disturbance in specific applications.
Together with the CMATIC transmission, the suspended cab and rigid-frame steering system are intended to make the XERION easier to operate than its size and power output might suggest.
Technical Assessment
The Nebraska tests do not establish that the XERION 12 will be the most suitable tractor for every large farming operation. Field performance still depends on ballast, soil type, moisture, tire or track configuration, implement setup and operator experience.
However, the results provide independent evidence that the tractor’s unconventional architecture can deliver competitive performance in several critical areas.
The most important conclusion is the consistency of the overall package. The XERION did not produce a strong result in only one category. It combined substantial drawbar pull with high PTO torque, strong hitch performance, considerable hydraulic capacity and low measured cab noise.
This balance gives the XERION 12 a distinct position in the high-horsepower market. Its rigid frame and continuously variable transmission are not simply design differences. The Nebraska measurements indicate that these systems can support serious draft work while also providing the versatility required for hydraulic, PTO and three-point hitch applications.
The final purchasing decision will depend on economics, local dealer support, implement requirements and expected annual utilization. The independent test data now gives operators a more reliable basis for comparing the XERION 12 with articulated and four-track alternatives.
About CLAAS
CLAAS is a family-owned agricultural machinery manufacturer founded in 1913 and headquartered in Harsewinkel, Germany.
The company manufactures combine harvesters, forage harvesters, tractors, balers, hay and forage equipment, telehandlers, wheel loaders and digital agricultural systems. CLAAS operates internationally through manufacturing facilities, sales companies and dealer networks serving major agricultural regions.
CLAAS reported revenue of approximately €4.9 billion for fiscal 2025 and employed more than 11,600 people worldwide. The company is particularly well known for its LEXION combine harvesters, JAGUAR forage harvesters and XERION high-horsepower tractors.
Source: www.claas.com
