New CASE IH tractors set records in preliminary Nebraska tests

Results demonstrate bottom-line value of Case IH EfficientPower(EP) technology

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Preliminary results from the United States’ respected Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory have revealed that the latest Case IH Steiger and Magnum tractors, which use Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to meet Tier 4A emissions standards, have set new industry records for fuel-efficient power.

The tests showed the new Case IH models to possess several advantages over the competition, including:

• Record-breaking fuel efficiency of up to 12 per cent over competitors' Tier 3 performance
• Up to 502 drawbar horsepower – a new record
• Lower operating cost through enhanced EfficientPower technology

“These preliminary Nebraska Test results provide compelling answers to questions farmers have asked about new Tier 4A emissions regulations,” says Sylvain Blaise, marketing director, Case IH Europe. “They should be reassured to know these answers translate into reduced operating costs – and increased power and productivity at the same time.”

Case IH Tier 4A tractors top competitors’ performances on power and fuel efficiency
While many competitors, have publicly stated that they plan to merely match their existing Tier 3 efficiency performance, the Case IH Tier 4A tractors substantially exceed previous Tier 3 benchmarks.

The Nebraska tests measured maximum drawbar horsepower and fuel efficiency for Tier 4A Case IH Steiger and Magnum tractors. The preliminary results showed that:

• The new Steiger and Magnum EP tractors provide up to six per cent more drawbar horsepower, and are up to 12 per cent more fuel efficient, than the competition;
• Performances of 502 maximum drawbar horsepower from the new Steiger 600 EP, and 273 maximum drawbar horsepower from the Magnum 340 EP, are higher than for any Tier 3 tractor in their respective classes;
• Measured at maximum power in horsepower-hours-per-gallon, the new Tier 4A Steiger 600 EP was 10 per cent more fuel efficient than the John Deere 9630 at maximum drawbar pull, and 12 per cent more fuel efficient at 75 per cent drawbar pull maximum power.
• The new Steiger 450 EP was six per cent more fuel efficient than the John Deere 9430 at maximum drawbar pull, 11 per cent more fuel efficient at 75 per cent drawbar pull maximum power, and six per cent more fuel efficient during standard-speed PTO operation.
• The new Magnum 340 EP proved six per cent more fuel efficient than John Deere’s 8345R at maximum drawbar pull, eight per cent more fuel efficient at 75 per cent drawbar pull maximum power, and six per cent more fuel efficient during standard-speed PTO operation.

“The fuel efficiency and enhanced power in the new Case IH EfficientPower tractors provide producers with greater economies of scale,” says Mr Blaise. “We believe that’s the way forward to more profit per hectare.”

More detail can be found at the Nebraska Tractor Test Laboratory website: http://tractortestlab.unl.edu/

The technology behind the records
The new Steiger/Quadtrac and Magnum tractors with EP technology treat emissions outside of the engine itself, using Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), commonly known by the trade name AdBlue. This technology has become an industry-standard for newer Tier 4A diesel engines, including those used by lorry manufacturers.

Unlike Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems, SCR technology routes clean and cool air to the engine. This allows Case IH to fine-tune its engines’ combustion process for improved fuel efficiency, lower engine temperatures, increased reliability and longer maintenance intervals. It also allows tractor owners to avoid having to deal with issues such as the limiting of engine idling, which some manufacturers using EGR have recommended to minimise particulate filter regeneration and servicing.

"By avoiding EGR, we not only improve fuel efficiency, but also keep the engine oil cleaner, which allows extended oil change intervals and longer engine life," says Mr. Blaise. “The result is lower operating cost, because AdBlue usage is more than offset by enhanced fuel efficiency and fewer oil changes, providing an improved total overall fluid efficiency.”

With many industry observers having acknowledged that SCR will become the future standard for farm tractors, its use on Case IH Magnum EP and Steiger/Quadtrac EP models puts owners in a position to be ready for final Tier 4B regulations in 2014.

The new Steiger/Quadtrac EP and Magnum EP tractors also offer a host of new introductions beyond fuel-saving SCR technology. Both have new cab features including a new, ergonomic MultiController armrest console and AFS Pro 700 colour display, along with a new suspended cab option. Other best-in-class features include increased power ratings of up to 670 peak horsepower, hydraulic outputs of up to 428 litres per minute and, of course, the renowned Quadtrac option for increased traction and flotation in the field, as well as ease of transport on the road.