CLAAS LEXION combine harvester

What it is

The LEXION is a series of combine harvesters made by CLAAS, the family-owned agricultural machinery company based in Harsewinkel, Westphalia. The series debuted in 1995 with the LEXION 480, which was described at its launch as the most powerful combine harvester in the world. The range has since been renewed several times.

How it works

A combine harvester cuts the crop, threshes the grain from the ears, separates it from the straw and cleans it, all in one pass. The LEXION introduced an accelerator drum in front of the main threshing drum, which speeds up the crop flow and improves threshing. Higher-end models replace conventional straw walkers with rotary separators, which CLAAS calls HYBRID rotors, to increase throughput. Modern machines also use GPS steering, yield mapping and automatic settings that adapt to crop conditions.

Why it stands out

Combine harvesters are among the most complex agricultural machines, and CLAAS is one of Europe's leading makers. The LEXION brought a step change in capacity, enabling large farms and contractors to harvest more hectares in shorter weather windows. Its success helped make CLAAS one of the world's major agricultural engineering groups. The company remains in the hands of the Claas family, an example of a German Mittelstand firm with a global presence.

Where you meet it

LEXION combines are seen in grain fields across Europe, North America, Russia and Australia during harvest season.