New Case IH range packs punch

Case IH will launch all-new versions of the popular Case IH Steiger, Quadtrac and Magnum tractors.

Arriving in Australia in the second half of this year, the five new Magnum models, 10 new Steiger models and four new Quadtracs include the most powerful Case IH tractors ever offered — the Magnum 340, with 340 engine horse power (389 peak horse power) and the Steiger and Quadtrac 600, with 600 engine horse power (670 peak horse power).

The global initiative for a new range of high horse power tractors is derived from the introduction of new emissions regulations in North America and Europe, which impose more stringent controls on engine manufacturers.

Case IH has seized the opportunity not only to improve engine performance but also to build in a multitude of new features and improvements, from the chassis to the cab and user controls.

Perhaps the single most significant difference is the introduction of a new family of engines from corporate partner, FPT Powertrain Technologies.

Two six-cylinder in-line 24-valve engine platforms, at 8.7 and 12.9 litres, both feature advanced technologies for maximum performance in demanding agricultural applications.

Fully electronic high-pressure common rail fuel systems give these engines fast response to changing loads, even at lower rpm and deliver the exceptional power growth Magnum, Steiger and Quadtrac tractors are known for.

On the new Magnum tractors, the power growth under full load averages 13–14 per cent, with power boost up to 35 engine horse power when needed.

Power Growth on the new Steiger models averages 10 per cent, or up to 70 more horse power. On the Steiger 600, that’s a massive 670 peak engine horse power.

It’s important to note that while these engines have new state-of-the-art electronics and induction systems, they are proven designs that have been used in agricultural and truck applications for much of the past decade.

An engine from this same family, at 10.3 litres, was introduced on Case IH 8010 Axial-Flow combines in 2004, the 8.7-litre engine is used in 7120 Axial-Flow combines and the 12.9-litre engine has seen duty in previous Steiger tractor models. All have proved to be strong and fuel-efficient performers.

The changes to the emissions legislations in other parts of the world, such as North America and much of Western Europe, have given farmers in Australia a real choice when buying their tractors.

Options such as EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), SCR (selective catalytic reduction) or non SCR machines are available.

Based on surveys of its own customer base, Case IH has chosen non SCR for these new Steiger and Magnum tractors (with the exception of Steiger 350 horse power).

“Our customers have made it plain to us that they want equipment that is simple, fuel and fluid efficient and cost effective to run, ” Case IH marketing manager Kerry McCauley said.

“We agree that Australian farmers should be able to choose the best, most powerful and most efficient engines without the increased operating costs that accompany emissions reduction technology.”

The new series of Case IH Steiger, Quadtrac and Magnum tractors gave local farmers all the benefits of newer, more efficient engines without the cost and complexity, she said.

The new Magnum, Steiger and Quadtrac models’ cabs are four inches taller to provide an enhanced view over new hoods that are taller, wider and much more sloped.

A new optional four-point cab suspension uses springs, shock absorbers and torsion bars for a comfortable ride that is controlled laterally as well as vertically.

New frameless doors seal more tightly and are easier to open and shut.

Producer input has always played a key role in Case IH product development.

For these new models, farmers from around the globe shared their insights into features they would like to see in high horse power tractors.

Operator comfort and productivity are becoming increasingly important to them for this class of tractors, they say, because of the extended hours spent in them during peak seeding and harvest periods.

To meet these expectations, the Magnum, Steiger and Quadtrac cabs offer an enhanced operator environment.

Farmers were literally hands-on in designing the shape and function of the new MultiControl Armrest console.

The result is a MultiControl Armrest that’s exceptionally comfortable to use and puts six key functions, used 80 per cent of the time, at your fingertips.

A new AFS Pro 700 colour display — with its customisable touch screen — is at the end of the armrest in an integrated mount where it’s easy to see and reach.

It manages overall tractor functions such as hydraulic flow using AFS Field Performer plus AFS AccuGuide autoguidance systems and IS0 11783-compatible implements.