Sometimes when it rains it pours, and in the Case IH exhibit at the National Farm Machinery Show, there was a flood of new tools to check out. From the AFS Connect Steiger range topping out at 645 hp to a new mounted planter bringing top tech to a targeted market segment, farmers got to see plenty. All the new machines are targeting model year 2024.

The Steiger line will include six new models from 425 to 645 engine hp. “The model mix has changed,” says Matt Booms, tractor product specialist at Case IH. “The 370 is gone, and we’ve increased the horsepower in the row crop chassis.” The row crop design has three models — the 425, 475 and 525.

Larger-frame machines include the 555, 595 and 645, with the 645 offering 699 hp in peak horsepower as needed. Model numbers correspond to engine horsepower. The new machines feature a retooled cab top with sunroof styling, as well as overhead grab rails for operator security. And there’s a premium sound option, Booms says.

Besides offering 360-degree lighting, the cab has three LED lighting levels: 1,400 lumens, 3,000 lumens and 5,000 lumens. Another addition is Ram mounts in front and on the upper roof side, making display mounting easier.

The new engines meet Stage V emissions, the highest level required in Europe, but not yet in the U.S. Boom says the machines don’t use a diesel particulate filter but active catalyst management. For every 100 hours of operation, the machine will clean the catalyst, a process that’s invisible to the user. At 500 hours, matching the oil change interval, the machine will require a manual residue cleaning process, which takes about 20 minutes, he says.

The timing of that manual process can come before the oil change or after. Boom says that’s still to be determined.

Mounted planter with new tech

The three-point mounted planter is a popular option in specific parts of the country, and farmers have had few new options to select in recent years. That changes with the launch of the 2110 Early Riser planter for 2024

“This is a high-tech, high-spec planter that uses our 2000 row unit, and it’s the first time it’s being offered in a mounted planter,” says Dave Brennan, parts and service sales manager. “Often, owners of this type of planter are forced to retrofit with new row units.”

TARGETED PLANTER: This new 2110 mounted planter from Case IH offers high-spec performance for cotton and peanut farmers. The machine is the first offering in this level of technology for the market segment.

Available in six- and eight-row configurations with 30-, 36-, 38- and 40-inch spacings, the machines feature automated vacuum control. Row units include the latest Precision Planting vSet meters. And farmers can opt to add hydraulic downforce, too. “This is a popular planter style for peanuts and cotton,” Brennan adds. “There is some corn and soybean use, but with the wider rows, it’s more for those other crops.”

A new addition is the 3-bushel hopper option. Adding capacity to the machine, the hopper is designed to work with any Case IH hopper-style planter units as a potential upgrade for older machines.

In addition, Case IH has boosted tank capacity and split bulk fill tank scale options for the 2150 Early Riser planter. Fertilizer capacity has risen from 400 to 540 gallons on all 12-, 16- and 24-row 2150 machines. This reduces the need for tractor-mounted tanks. And the new split bulk fill tank scales improve access with a large fill hole and a low tank height.

Enhancing Puma series

Case IH is expanding the Puma line, which comes in both a short wheelbase series and larger machines. The new Puma 175 adds to the top end of the short wheelbase line, which now includes two models — the 160 and 175. For the 175, engine horsepower is 180 and peak horsepower is 225.

The all-purpose Puma line, in the longer wheelbase versions, is now equipped with AFS Connect and include the Puma 185, 200, 220, 240 and the new 260. Each get a major cab upgrade, sporting the style first introduced on the Optum tractor.

BIGGER PUMA: The larger Puma models gain AFS Connect status, with a new cab offering greater comfort and visibility. And the new Puma 260 extends the power range for the series.

The AFS Connect models include the option of the Pro 1200 monitor, and include telematics and the cab upgrade. “The cab is a big upgrade,” says J.E. Cadle, midrange tractor marketing manager. “It’s a step up from what the tractor had, and adding telematics brings more capabilities.”

Cadle says fuel capacity has increased by 15% to 124 gallons, which boosts productive time with less refueling needed. The cab also includes integrated toolboxes hidden in the fuel tank area. “They’re lockable toolboxes and provide better access,” he says. “There’s also easier access to service points on the tractor.”

Automating air-drill downforce

Case IH has launched AFS Furrow Command downforce automation for the Precision Disk air drill series. The system automatically adjusts downforce as conditions change. “It works for single-disk drills,” says Trent Nowosad, marketing manager for seeding equipment. “You set the down pressure, and the system maintains appropriate contact during operation.”

SENSOR AND DOWN PRESSURE: The tube on the right of this Case IH air drill unit is a sensor that’s part of the new AFS Furrow Command, an automated down pressure system. The sensor measures down pressure on one row in each section, providing precision accuracy.

The system offers in-cab feedback, including percent ground contact, downforce monitoring and mapping, which makes setting the system easy, he adds.

“There are two benefits. First, you set down pressure, and it’s easier for the less-skilled operator,” Nowosad says. “And second, you can maintain seed placement in varying conditions.”

A sensor on one unit in each section can measure down pressure and provide feedback to the system to maintain consistency through changing conditions.

To learn more about these new products, visit caseih.com.