Case IH Introduces Quadtrac and Steiger AFS Connect Series Tractors for the European Market

Case IH is introducing new Quadtrac and Steiger AFS Connect series tractors for the 2021 season with specific features for the European market, and incorporating new technology designed to ease the data recording and transfer requirements central to modern large-scale farming. They also benefit from similar cab comfort and control upgrades to those introduced initially on the Magnum AFS Connect series launched in 2019.

Quadtrac AFS Connect tracked tractors (eight models from 525-692 max hp) and Steiger AFS Connect wheeled versions (six models from 469-558 max hp) gain new features and enhancements including:

• AFS Connect factory-fitted enhanced connectivity as standard
• AFS Pro 1200 display
• AFS Vision Pro operating system
• AFS Vector Pro receiver
• New Case IH MultiController armrest
• New cab interior with enhanced automotive-grade materials and styling
• New heating/ventilation/air conditioning system
• New electro-hydraulic remote valves
• Display software improvements

Ultimate connectivity
When developing the AFS Connect technology embedded into the new tractors, Case IH engineers focused on making data capture simple and data transfer seamless to ensure it can help enhance productivity. AFS Connect enables two-way data transfer between the machine and the farm office computer to allow farmers to manage with precision their farm, fleet and data from their office or mobile device.

AFS Connect technology is powered by three system components:

• The AFS Pro 1200 display: a control terminal with 12in screen providing comprehensive operating data, and incorporating remote display viewing to allow farmers and – where owners grant permission, dealers – to remotely view the screen, plus easy Bluetooth pairing to link a mobile device, four exterior camera feeds and high screen visibility day and night.
• AFS Vision Pro operating system: uses a smart phone/tablet operating style for ease of use and can be controlled via either the touchscreen or a rotary dial according to preference.
• AFS Vector Pro receiver: streamlines guidance correction options, ranging from base (WAAS and AFS 1) to medium (AFS 2) to high (RTK and AFS RTK+) accuracy levels.

Comfort boost enhances productivity during long days

AFS Connect Steiger and Quadtrac tractors feature a cab interior that boasts improved controls and automotive-grade materials designed to enhance operating simplicity, control and comfort, with the ultimate aim of boosting productivity.

Cab features include:

• All-new intuitive Multicontroller armrest with eight control buttons, encoder knob for full fingertip control and new Multicontroller joystick with four programmable hot keys.
• Enhanced comfort from new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
• Advanced steering system with adjustable steering ratios for faster field turns.
• A 360-degree performance lighting package programmable to suit operator preferences.

Remote support

The online Case IH AFS Connect portal provides the gateway to managing the new tractor series for the farm owner or manager, enhancing farm, fleet and data management from a desktop PC in the office or at any location when using a mobile device. With secure data transfer to and from the portal via the cloud, users can log in to AFS Connect to view current field operations, fleet information, agronomic data and more, as if they were present in the cab. Owners and managers can also choose to share selected agronomic data down to field level with third parties such as agronomists.

Added connectivity also provides more support features aimed at reducing downtime and keeping operators in the field. Remote display viewing allows the farmer/manager 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 needing to visit the machine.

Unique transmission choice at the top of the market
Case IH continues to offer both powershift and continuously-variable transmission options in this sector of the articulated wheeled/tracked tractor market. 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.

The CVXDrive transmission 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 – faster acceleration 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, for applications such as drilling/planting. The primary benefits are maximum fuel efficiency and increased productivity from faster cycle times.

Fewer stops, greater productivity
Quadtrac 470/500/540 and Steiger 500 AFS Connect™ tractors are now available with larger fuel tank capacities to cover more area between refuelling stops. The new optional saddle tanks increase capacity by 44% from 1,230 to 1,779 litres.

Further features designed to minimise downtime include Adaptive Steering Control (ASC), a variable-rate steering system established on other Case IH tractors which allows the ratio between the number of steering wheel turns made and the steering angle to be altered according to the operator’s requirements. In this way, the number of steering turns needed to take the tractor from lock to lock can be adjusted in relation to the work in hand, and time spent turning reduced. The system is controlled through the tractor’s AFS terminal.

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 without the need for a diesel particulate filter. Oil change service interval is 600 hours, and daily service points can be reached from ground level, for fast, easy access.

Source: Case IH