Case IH launches the new Quadtrac series

This new Case IH Quadtrac series sets the industry benchmarks in terms of lugging power, traction, protecting the ground and fuel efficiency, appreciated by arable farmers around the world especially for their productivity, reliability and high level of driving comfort.

With the 2014 series, Case IH presents the latest generation of Quadtrac tractors, including the new Quadtrac 540, Quadtrac 580 and top-of-the-range Quadtrac 620, which has a power rating of 628 hp and a maximum power output of 692 hp. As a result, the new Case IH Quadtrac models are the most powerful series production tractors in the world. In addition, they deliver a torque of almost 3000 Nm and have a tare weight of 25 tonnes.

Case IH Quadtrac – highest performance coupled with optimum traction and maximum ground protection

The Quadtrac chassis with four independently-driven tracks offers a constant contact area of more than 5.6 square metres – around 25 per cent more than other tractors in this class. This adds up to increased traction, reduced ground pressure and virtually zero slip.

The numerous features that contribute to the key success factors and highlights of the Quadtrac series are the result of its uniquely designed and engineered concept.

For example, the track units can pivot up and down by 10 degrees. This, together with the independent and individual suspension on each track unit, and the long, 3.92-metre wheelbase, guarantees a large area of ground contact in every operating situation, and reduces ground compaction. The Quadtrac's Positive Drive system, with toothed wheel sprockets engaging with the internal lugs on the tracks, maximises power delivery. The centre-acting articulated linkage ensures consistent pressure on all four tracks.

Quadtrac tractors can be steered under load in any working situation and offer optimum performance even in damp or difficult ground conditions. Weight distribution has already been factory-optimised with ballast for all types of work, with 60 per cent in front and 40 per cent behind.

In addition, the Quadtrac has the largest cab in the industry with unrivalled all-round visibility. The Surveyor™ cab features exclusive cab suspension. This equalises jolts and minimises back-and-forth movement along the direction of travel as well as sideways movement, contributing to improved driving comfort and more control.

The latest engine technology with patented exhaust cleaning system

All new Quadtrac models are powered by FPT Industrial Cursor 13 engines. This 6-cylinder power source, with a capacity of 12.9 litres and two intercoolers, enables a significant improvement in the thermal efficiency of the engine, without compromising the tractor’s pulling power, with a torque of 2941 Nm. A fuel tank capacity of 1900 litres and 320 litres of AdBlue is provided, allowing long working days in the field.

The new Quadtrac series is one of the first tractor series from Case IH to be equipped with an SCR-only system to fulfil the stricter emissions criteria of Tier 4 Final/Stage IV. Integrating it in the latest generation of Efficient Power, it makes new and patented technology available for exhaust after treatment.

The new engines equipped with the unique Hi-eSCR technology and therefore having optimised combustion, continue to secure the pole position in fuel efficiency for the Case IH Quadtrac. This patented technology not only ensures excellent cost-effectiveness but also a NOx transformation efficiency of 95 per cent, compared with between 80 and 85 per cent with other systems.

With Efficient Power the exhaust treatment stage is performed outside the engine by a separate SCR-only system. More power, lower fuel consumption and enhanced reliability are achieved as a result.

The engines are factory-ready for the highest performance without increasing pollutant emissions or reducing efficiency. A precision-regulated combustion process without recycling exhaust gas through the engine means a noticeable decrease in fuel consumption.

The highly efficient SCR system features AdBlue management with precision control over the whole working range - the result of a series of patents registered during intensive research by FPT Industrial. Patents have been issued, among other things, for:

- optimised fluid dynamic models of the exhaust gas flow and the precise dosing of the AdBlue

- a dosing algorithm for mixing AdBlue into the exhaust, directly taking into account the NOx generated by the engine

- ammonia and NOx sensors to detect the current condition of the catalyst and allow for ageing

- mixer technology in the exhaust after treatment system to ensure thorough hydrolysis of the AdBlue and uniform distribution of the ammonia going into the catalysts.

Comfortable working environment

Quadtrac cabs are among the most comfortable and largest cabs on the tractor market. Numerous detail improvements have been implemented with the new series:

The cab has new ergonomic features such as seat ventilation on the driver's seat and new wide-angle rear-view mirrors that can be heated and adjusted electronically.

The driver's seat can swivel by 40 degrees to improve visibility of mounted equipment and considerably reduce stress on the driver while monitoring implements.

Quadtrac now has the latest generation of Multicontroller, which features several detail improvements. Its new design makes it easier to operate, while the backlit controls enhance safety when working at night.

Using the Multicontroller armrest the operator can control up to eight remotes as well as the automatic headland function.

An AFS Pro 700 colour monitor is integrated into the armrest and follows the movements of the driver's seat. The AFS Pro 700 offers the latest standard of user friendliness for controlling all the automatic guidance functions offered by the AFS AccuGuide system, as well as key tractor functions such as hydraulic flow rates. The settings on the AFS Pro 700 can be customised so that the information most important to the user is displayed for each application.

All Quadtrac tractors are equipped with Automatic Productivity Management (APM), which automatically selects the best combination of gear and engine speed for each implement and type of terrain. When APM is active, the driver only needs to enter the desired driving speed.

Faster over the ground

The fully-synchronised Full Powershift transmission provides 16 forward and two reverse gears for an optimum performance spectrum and a maximum speed of 37 kph. Reverse speeds of up to 13.5 kph are possible.

Nine gears are available for working in the field. Speeds for the main working ranges are therefore ideally adaptable to the current job and working conditions.

The Class 5 drawbar easily handles vertical forces of up to seven tonnes and the optional hitch ram lifts up to nine tonnes on all models in the Quadtrac series.

A rear PTO with 1000 rpm is also available as additional equipment, reaching maximum power at reduced engine speed.

HID floodlight package turns night into day

An exclusive high-intensity lighting package with adjustable HID floodlights improves visibility at night with 360-degree illumination of the field. This lighting system is five to six times brighter than conventional systems and the HID lamps last 6000 hours longer than standard tractor lights.

All Quadtrac models can be supplied with a complete AccuGuide guidance system factory-fitted. Expensive retrofit and installation time is saved as a result. The AccuGuide guidance system includes the very latest AFS372 generation of GPS receiver. This means that owners can receive the Russian GLONASS signal at no extra charge for optimum reliability thanks to the higher number of satellites.

The new Quadtrac has an overall height of 3.77 metres and is 7.60 metres long. Fitted with 710 mm tracks it is 2.99 metres wide. 910 mm tracks are also available. With a wheelbase of 3.92 metres, it has the longest wheelbase in its class.