When Ed and Fiona Simpson first saw tracked tractors back in the 1990s, they realised the potential for their steep Liverpool Plains farm in New South Wales.
Among the initial owners of the first model in Australia, a Case IH Steiger Quadtrac 9370, the Simpsons are still big fans of track technology.
The Simsons farm spans 5,000ha and they grow wheat, chickpeas, canola and barley in winter, and sorghum and mung beans in summer.
“In the 1990s we were starting to talk about down-slope farming, and had considered using equipment with two tracks, but because we farm up and down over our contour banks, and have a few turns, both the scuffing and the turns were a bit concerning,” Ed says.
“Then Case IH came out with this four-tracked tractor, the Quadtrac, and we looked at it and thought this looks like the go.
“No one else had them, so we went to a few field days and liked the concept. We thought if we ran the four tracks along the field, it would be better for traction. So we bought the Case IH Quadtrac to see how it would go.”
Ed found that there was no compaction or wheel slip, and became convinced about the benefits of tracks, rather than wheels —especially on farms with challenging terrain.
“We weren’t getting holes dug by wheels pounding, and because there was no slippage, tyre wear became non-existent,” he adds.
“I guess it was a bold move to begin with back in 1997, but we thought the track concept was good, and the four tracks are obviously better than two.”
After nearly 20 years, the Simsons have only just recently replaced their Quadtrac, with a Case IH Steiger Rowtrac 400.
“We went for the Rowtrac mostly for its three-metre track spacings, because we are on tramline with 3m tracks,” Ed says.
“To pull a 40-foot planter, as we do sometimes, in those 3m tracks takes a fair bit of doing.
“The Rowtrac does it easily and we have that little bit extra of horsepower up our sleeve, if we need it.
“We have contour banks and other areas that get water in them, but we don’t have to worry, we can go through those without any drama at all, and know we won’t get bogged or slip.”
Ed purchased the new Rowtrac from his local Case IH dealer Wideland Ag at Gunnedah.
If you’re looking for used Case IH tractors for sale, check out our listings.