Combining the individual benefits of wheeled and tracked tractors, the new Case IH MagnumTM Rowtrac outperforms both by delivering a combination of advantages in terms of manoeuvrability, traction, and effective soil protection.
Case IH is convinced that this ‘revolutionary’ concept for a standard tractor will prove increasingly popular with large scale arable farmers and contractors, i.e. businesses which strongly depend on efficient, timely and soil conserving operations. Along with the wheeled version, the MagnumTM 380 CVX Rowtrac was recently voted ‘Tractor of the Year 2015’ by a panel of 23 independent journalists from trade magazines in 23 European countries.
Innovative concept for excellent performance and versatility
Delivering excellent power and efficiency, the MagnumTM Rowtrac is highly manoeuvrable and versatile like a wheeled tractor whilst floating over the ground like a tracked machine. There are two track width options available, 610mm or 762mm, which both provide superior traction, minimum soil disturbance even when turning under full power, a much smoother ride and enhanced operator comfort.
“The United Nations proclaimed 2015 the ‘International Year of Soils’ – and we are particularly proud to launch this innovative tractor this year. Drawing on the unrivalled experience of tracked vehicles that Case IH has gained since introducing the legendary Quadtrac in 1997, the MagnumTM Rowtrac maintains the principles of using four ground contact points to reduce soil disturbance and a triangular track concept with positive drive consisting of a rubber track with lugs driven by a large drive wheel for efficient transmission of power to the ground,” says Dan Stuart, Case IH Product Marketing Manager Tractors for Europe, Middle East & Africa.
Power transmission is optimised by the exclusive rear tracks which oscillate and pivot to maintain a flat footprint, ensuring that traction remains unaffected by either the load on the three-point linkage or drawbar. Unlike a twin-track machine, the MagnumTM Rowtrac produces very little ‘scuffing’ of the soil, even when turning sharply on the headlands, reducing the need to carry out additional passes to correct the damage.
“Compared with a twin-track machine the Rowtrac’s design greatly reduces the pressure which is exerted on the soil, the amount of weight transfer from front to rear and the amount of forward/rearward pitching movement. It also enables the use of differential locks which are included in the Rowtrac’s standard specification to maximise traction in difficult conditions, a feature which is not possible on twin-track machines,” highlights Mr Stuart.
POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT
There are three models available (310, 340 and 380), all powered by the 8.7-litre Cursor 9 engine which is manufactured by FPT Industrial. The MagnumTM 380 CVX Rowtrac delivers its rated power output of 380hp at 2000rpm, with up to 435hp being available when Power Boost is active. The engine produces maximum torque of 1806Nm between 1400rpm and 1600rpm. “A key feature of this powerful and efficient six-cylinder power unit is the Hi-eSCR only technology which fulfils European Stage IV (Tier 4 Final) emission regulations. Simple and efficient, the system also enables Case IH to achieve engine oil change intervals of 600 hours,” says Mr Stuart.
Customers can select either full powershift or the advanced CVX transmission, which incorporates four mechanical ranges to achieve a very high level of mechanical efficiency. Easy to use, it provides seamless power transfer from 0 to 40kph without the need of a lever or switch. The CVX transmission enables the operator to pre-set three adjustable target speeds to optimise working speeds for any given operation.
Productive and comfortable
Case IH Automatic Productivity Management (APM) automatically achieves the optimum balance between engine and transmission, while Active Hold Control prevents the tractor from rolling back when stopping on a hill without having to use the clutch or brakes. Case IH Headland Management Control (HMC) allows the operator to record headland functions, thus increasing the efficiency of repetitive field applications.
“Operator comfort is one of the key aspects for Case IH engineers,”, says Mr Stuart. “That is why one of the special features of the Rowtrac is its Surveyor cab that offers an impressive 3.1m3 of internal space, 6.4m2 of glass area for excellent all-round visibility, an industry-leading in-cab sound level of just 67 dBA, together with a fully-integrated Bluetooth radio/phone system and enhanced Multicontroller. Maximum operator comfort is achieved with the standard cab suspension which reduces vibration and stabilises the cab by minimising front-to-back and as well as up-and-down movements. Five settings allow the operator to achieve optimum ride quality while semi-active damping automatically controls seat movement.”
High precision, efficient lighting
Precision farming technology is now a vital consideration on a tractor as powerful as this, so the MagnumTM Rowtrac is available with the integrated Case IH AccuGuide automated guidance solution, part of the company’s AFS technology platform. “This system takes its correction information from the 372 antenna which is compatible with both GLONASS and GPS satellites, while the xFill technology improves the system’s reliability by maintaining operation for up to 20 minutes even if the RTK signal is lost,” highlights Mr Stuart. The optional Case IH AFS Connect Telematics uses a combination of global positioning system and cellular technology to send and receive machine, agronomic and job-site information.
“For safe and comfortable night-time operation, the MagnumTM Rowtrac also features an impressive lighting package with an optional 360-degree lighting which incorporates 14 LED and three HID units,” adds Mr Stuart.
Case IH expect the first MagnumTM Rowtrac tractors to be delivered to customers in the Europe, Middle East & Africa region at the end of 2015.
Magnum Rowtrac at a glance:
# Combination of wheels and tracked undercarriage
# Highly manoeuvrable and versatile with excellent flotation
# Differential locks included in standard specification to maximise traction
# Five-point front axle suspension system for much-improved ride quality
# Maximum torque of 1806Nm between 1400erpm and 1600erpm, up to 435hp with Power Boost
# Engine fulfils stage IV/Tier 4 Final requirements with Hi-eSCR only technology
# Full power shift or advanced CVX transmission
# Comfortable Surveyor cab with enhanced Multicontroller
# Available with the integrated Case IH AccuGuide automated guidance solution
