International agricultural machinery manufacturer Case IH has extended its renowned track technology to the popular Magnum tractor range, with two new Magnum Rowtrac models expected to arrive in the country in early 2015.
Case IH says the Magnum Rowtrac 340 and 380, which offers 340hp and 380hp respectively, will suit the needs of producers requiring better flotation and reduced compaction on their soil.
A Case IH oscillating rear-track system is paired with front tyre options to fit any row width. According to the company, the system keeps the power on the ground through the tightest turns, improves manoeuvrability, reduces berming and improves operator control of the tractor.
Case IH High Horsepower Tractors Product Manager Pete McCann, who has just returned to Australia from the global unveiling of the Magnum Rowtrac range in the United States, is confident the new models will receive great response from farmers all across Australia.
“Whether you’re growing sugar cane in far north Queensland, wheat in the Mallee or cotton in the Namoi, farmers will find our new Magnum Rowtrac meets their unique cropping needs though a wide variety of row spacing and belt options,” he says.
“Customers who have trialled this machine in the US have told us it outperforms competitor two-track options with better handling and a smoother ride.
“The flotation provided by the tracks allows them to get into the fields sooner since it avoids ruts and compaction, and doesn’t make divots when turning around.”
McCann adds cotton and wheat producers will stand to benefit from the improved flotation and weight distribution Magnum Rowtrac provides when pulling today’s increasingly wider and heavier equipment.
“Now that speciality crop producers have access to tractors with row spacings and tread widths adaptable to their cropping systems, they can put that extra flotation and efficient track technology to work on their farm,” he says.
Track settings for the new Magnum Rowtrac models range from 1.9 metres to three metres while the additional rear track settings can suit row spacings of 20, 22, 30, 34, 36, 38 or 40 inches.
The narrow and wide undercarriage options, identical to the Steiger Rowtrac, give producers the ability to choose tracks in four widths – 16, 18, 24 or 30 inches.
Power and performance
A 8.7L engine powers both Magnum Rowtrac 340 and 380 models.
The increasingly popular Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) comes standard on the Magnum Rowtrac 380. While on the Magnum Rowtrac 340, CVT comes standard for models with tread spacing of 136 inches and above, and optional for models with tread spacing under 136 inches.
Producers can choose between CVT or Full Powershift Transmission for Magnum Rowtrac 340 models with tread spacing of less than 136 inches.
Customers have the choice of either a single front wheel or dual front wheels with their Magnum Rowtrac tractors but McCann says while flotation and traction are priorities for producers, it is not necessary for dual front wheels to be fitted.
“Single wheels up front offer almost the same agronomic benefits as duals do,” he says.
Case IH will offer a redesigned front tyre exclusive to the Magnum Rowtrac which will feature a large footprint, further reducing soil compaction from the front end of the tractor.
New front axle
Case IH is introducing an optional front axle with the new Magnum Rowtrac range. Producers can now choose from four front-axle options:
- Standard axle with standard configuration
- Standard axle with suspended configuration
- Universal Wide front axle (six inches wider on each side than the standard axle and can work with all row spacings and can be adjusted for all tread spacings), in standard configuration
- Universal Wide axle in suspended configuration
Tracked technology
The Magnum Rowtrac joins the ranks of its already renowned Steiger, Quadtrac, Steiger Rowtrac and Axial-Flow track combine siblings to offer superior performance in independent track technology.
Some benefits of Case IH’s tracked technology, according to the company, are:
- Full power in turns
- Reduced berms of minimal soil disturbance in wide or light turns
- Four points of ground contact for increased flotation
- More traction, less compaction
- More power to the ground
- Earlier into the field to meet optimal planting dates
Better styling
Alongside the new tracked technology, the Magnum Rowtrac offers a newly styled cab and new lighting packages which will also feature on Model Year 2015 Magnum wheel tractors.
The roof top features a sleek new look and better positioned lighting for reduced eye strain when working into the night.
New lighting packages offer optional LED lights at different intensities, including a 360-degree LED setup for superior night-time operation.
Look out for the specifications of Case IH’s new Magnum Rowtrac tractors coming soon.
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