At a combined pre-Agritechnica and Tractor of the Year event, Case IH showcased a new high-horsepower tractor lineup
Following updates to its range of mid-power machines last year, Case IH has followed up with an overhaul of its high horsepower units, with a new flagship Quadtrac machine, updates to the Magnum range and a significant power bump to the Optum series.
At the company’s headquarters in St Valentin, Austria, we were given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of each. The first was the new flagship Quadtrac machine, notable because it is the first on the European market to use the Steiger name. Dubbed the Steiger 785 Quadtrac, with the Quadtrac logo printed on the rear window, it offers 785hp rated horsepower and 853hp peak.
This is produced by an FPT Cursor 16 engine, fitted with two turbochargers and intercoolers, with torque levels of around 3,681Nm available – a 10% increase over the previous flagship.
Updates have been made to the driveline to handle the increased power, with a heavy-duty 16×2 powershift transmission that can reach road speeds of up to 42kph. The undercarriage has also been uprated, with a fully suspended track system which combines double-axis rollers and a hydraulic suspension to spread the load. This is active up until 26.5kph, helping to further spread the weight across the soil in the field, while also improving comfort for the operator.
At the rear, up to eight spool valves can be specified, fed by a 216 litres/min hydraulic pump. For regions where power-hungry implements are more commonplace, this can be upgraded to a dual 428 litres/min system.
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to put the machine through its paces on the field, but drove it around the track. While Quadtracs aren’t exactly known for their position as a roading machine, the new 785 was very comfortable, especially as we got up to speed. It would have been interesting to test a model that wasn’t fitted with the heavy-duty suspension setup, just to get a like-for-like comparison, however this unit definitely impressed.
More impressive, considering the size of the machine, was the all-round visibility. It was easy to see both sides and the rear of the unit, and while the nose is typically large, you could see down to both track units.
New Magnums added power and transmission options
Designed for heavy field work, while retaining the manoeuvrability of a wheeled machine, the new three-model Magnum range offers 390hp on the 355, boosted to 410hp; 417hp, boosted to 435hp on the 385; and a straight 435hp on the 405 model.
According to the company, this represents an increase of 15hp for each model over the previous generation. The 355 and 405 models are available with the 21×5 PowerDrive powershift transmission, with eight gears in the working range of 8-12kph, while the continuously variable CVXDrive is available on the 385 and also as an option on the 355.
The top two models can also be specified with the RowTrac rear track system, with track widths of 610mm or 762mm available. Even with the widest track width, the Magnum remains under a 3m width for legal transport on the road. While not currently available, apparently, there are discussions to bring the heavy-duty style suspension seen on the Quadtrac down to the Magnum RowTrac machines.
The front axle features a new saddle-type suspension, and to offer a competitive turning circle, despite the overall size of the Magnum, the engine is mounted 6.8cm higher than the transmission, enabling the bonnet to be tapered and provide additional movement for the wheels.
In addition to this, brake-assisted steering is available as an option for wheeled models or fitted as standard on RowTrac machines. This applies the brakes to the rear wheel during turning to pull the machine round and reduce the turning circle further.
The cabin can be provided with mechanical suspension, with five settings to adjust the response of the system. As an option, there is also a semi-active hydraulic system which can be controlled through the in-cab terminal.
Hydraulic power comes from a 220 litres/min pump, which can be upgraded to a 358 litres/min system, with the option of 3/4in couplers and Power Beyond. The options list also includes a dealer-fit PTG central tyre inflation system. This is different to the fully integrated unit that is now available on the updated Optum machines, with no plans to bring that system over to the Magnum.
400hp Optum
Speaking of the Optum, that range has been brought up to the power bracket to match the Magnum. It now uses the same Cursor 9 engine, with outputs between 360hp and 445hp, with the flagship entered into this year’s Tractor of the Year HighPower category. Power is put to the ground through the CVXDrive gearbox, achieving a top speed of up to 66kph.
As for why Case IH now offers two tractor ranges that almost entirely overlap in the power ranges, Richard Hollins, global product manager, explained that the differences in weight and design meant that the Magnum and Optum complemented each other and ensured that customer demands in this sector were fulfilled.
There are plenty of differences between the two ranges, however. The Optum has a 750hr service interval, 150hr longer than the Magnum. It also has a longer wheelbase than the Magnum – 3,190mm over 3,150mm – despite being 1m shorter overall.
Another new feature is the uprated engine braking system, which uses decompression as well as an exhaust flap to produce up to 166% more retardation compared to the previous system. This can be set to run automatically in line with pulling back on the accelerator or can be operated manually with a configurable response. The brakes have all been reworked to handle the increased top speed, with in-board front discs, with a fully immersed twin disc.
Other aspects of the machines are comparable, with a similar twin-pump hydraulic setup available. The Optum also benefits from an 11,600kg rear linkage capacity.
The integrated tyre inflation system uses a twin cylinder, gear-driven compressor, with external components to ease servicing. According to Richard, the system can put 1bar into the tyres in around five minutes, although this obviously depends on the size of the tyres fitted.
Jumping in the cab, it must be said that the Optum feels more suited to the UK market than the larger Magnum. Its compact, standard tractor design, the increased top speed, and the CVXDrive definitely make it stand out. Again, we couldn’t test either of the machines in the field, so how they match up in the field – with the Magnum carrying a little extra weight for traction and pulling capacity – is yet to be seen.
Overall, the Optum is an excellent update on what Case IH has offered before. Acceleration is rapid, and the machine feels responsive even when travelling at the top speed. Admittedly, the track conditions are very different to a single track lane, but this felt compact enough and safe enough to handle whatever you might encounter.