IT’S all about operator comfort and ease of use for the latest line-up of Case IH’s big guys in its tracked and wheeled articulated tractor range.

It is introducing new Quadtrac (and Steiger AFS Connect) series tractors for the 2021 season with specific features for the European market. These will incorporate new technology designed to ease the data recording and two-way transfer requirements central to modern large-scale farming.

But, they will also benefit from similar cab comfort and control upgrades to those that have gone down well in the Magnum AFS Connect series, launched in 2019.

There will be eight models in the Quadtrac AFS Connect series which will range from 525-692 max hp. Meanwhile, the family branded Steiger AFS Connect wheeled versions will have six models from 469-558 max hp. But all gain new features and enhancements.

Not the least of which is a connectivity package which Case IH reckons is the best in the business. Its engineers focused on making data capture simple and data transfer seamless to enhance productivity and the AFS Connect system enables two-way data transfer between the machine and the farm office computer, to allow farmers to precisely manage farm, fleet and data from office, or mobile device.

It is powered by three system components – the AFS Pro 1200 display: A control terminal with 12-inch screen providing comprehensive operating data; AFS Vision Pro operating system, which uses a smart phone/tablet operating style for ease of use; and the AFS Vector Pro receiver, which streams guidance correction options, ranging from base (WAAS and AFS 1) to medium (AFS 2) to high (RTK and AFS RTK+) accuracy levels.

Both tractor ranges have a cab interior that boasts high-end automotive-grade materials for comfort, with the ultimate aim of boosting productivity. Cab features include an all-new intuitive Multicontroller armrest, with eight control buttons, encoder knob for full fingertip control and new Multicontroller joystick with four programmable hot keys.

The working environment is also helped by a revamped heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, while the steering system now has adjustable steering ratios for faster field turns.

For round the clock working, there’s a 360° high-performance lighting package, which can be programmed to suit individual preferences and for job type.

Added connectivity also provides support features aimed at reducing downtime and keeping operators in the field. Remote display viewing allows owners or dealer to view exactly what an operator is seeing on the new AFS Pro 1200 display in the cab for problem identification and insight. Dealers can also remotely upload software updates and use remote service support to remotely identify maintenance and service needs without actually visiting the machine.

Case IH has also opted to continue to offer both powershift and CVT transmission options. The fuel-efficient PowerDrive powershift transmission is capable of up to 20% faster acceleration with each gear change, providing enhanced operator comfort, particularly on the road or when moving between fields.

Also, the CVXDrive transmission – which is available for Steiger 420/470/500 and Quadtrac 470/500/540 models – brings with it a number of benefits, including ease of use – particularly for inexperienced operators.

It also has faster acceleration up to field or road speed, reduced operator fatigue, full power availability at low ground speeds for special applications/implements and full hydraulic flow availability at low ground speeds. These all lead to maximum fuel efficiency and increased productivity.

Fewer stops, greater productivity

Larger fuel tank capacities include optional saddle tanks which will increase capacity by 44%, from 1230 litres up to 1779 litres.

Case IH engineers have also worked to reduce time needed for servicing. Key points on the new Steiger and Quadtrac tractors include FPT engine technology which meets Stage V emissions regulations without the need for a diesel particulate filter.

The oil change service interval is 600 hours and the main daily service points can easily be reached from ground level.