Timed to EPA’s latest round of engine emissions regulations, Case IH has launched new Steiger and Magnum high-horsepower tractors for 2011. Both series are equipped with Tier 4A-compliant engines with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology, developed by Case IH sister company FPT Powertrain Technologies (see http://bit.ly/bAGwLl).

The last major overhaul of these two series was in 2006, which again was timed to an emission tier. As with the previous launch, Case has built plenty of new features into the models to make them more productive, according to Tom Dean, marketing manager for Case IH high-horsepower tractors.

“This is an entirely new generation of Steiger and Magnum tractors which just happens to coincide with Interim Tier 4,” Dean says. “So this is an extremely significant launch for us.”

Steigers
The new line of Steiger 4-wd tractors consists of six models ranging from 350 to 600 engine hp, a 12% increase in maximum horsepower over the previous line.

All of the Steiger models, except for the smallest, are equipped with 12.9-liter, Tier 4A-compliant engines with SCR technology. The smallest model, the Steiger 350, is equipped with an 8.7-liter, Tier 4A SCR engine. Unlike other emissions technologies, SCR works as an after treatment and doesn’t interfere with engine function, according to Dean. “This results in better fuel economy, long-er engine life and fewer oil changes than its previous engine platforms,” he says. “We’re estimating an operator cost savings of a minimum of 10% compared to current model engines by using SCR.”

Three of the models — the Steiger 350, 400 and 450 — have a frame width that is narrower than that in the larger models to allow tread spacing to be set as narrow as 60 in., required for row-crop applications. Dean says offering 4-wd tractors in row-crop configurations is significant because more corn and soybean farmers are upgrading to bigger planters (36 or 48 rows) and buying strip-till rigs, which require extra horsepower. “These 4-wd tractors are dual-purpose,” Dean says. “They can do planting in the spring and serious tillage in the fall.”

The new Steiger series also includes new styling and an upgraded Surveyor cab. A sloped hood provides better visibility. A new brake option allows operators shorter stopping distances with grain cart or slurry tanker operation. Other enhancements include frameless cab doors and latching mechanisms, staircase steps, elevated footrests, wall-to-wall carpeting, and a red leather 40° swivel seat specially contoured to the operator. “This seat is much like those in high-performance cars on the road,” says Mitch Kaiser, marketing manager for Steiger tractors. “It holds you in place even when you’re driving over ruts and rough areas in the field.”

The upgraded cab frees up more usable storage space by bringing most of the console controls located on the side into a new MultiControl armrest. It provides the operator with fingertip control of six key functions: engine throttle, up/down shift, forward/reverse shuttle, hydraulic remote valves, 3-pt. hitch, and the automatic end-of-row function. An optional AFS Pro 700 display can be mounted to the MultiControl armrest to give the operator control of AFS AccuGuide auto-guidance and other functions.

Controls that used to be located in the middle of the headliner have been moved to the right so that the operator never has to look away to adjust heating, air conditioning or the sound system.

Finally, for the first time in the 4-wd market, cab suspension is an option to allow for a smooth ride both on and off the road. “We have an exclusive hydraulic shock control torsion bar system with four springs on each corner, along with ROPS to support 66,000 lbs. of gross vehicle weight,” Kaiser says.

Magnums
The new 2011 Magnum series is made up of nine models ranging from 150 to 280 PTO hp. The Magnum 180, 190, 210 and 225 are equipped with a 6.7-liter engine. The remaining five models now employ the same 8.7-liter engine used in Axial-Flow 7120 combines and bring unprecedented levels of fuel efficiency, according to John Bohnker, marketing manager for Magnum tractors. Like the larger Steigers, all of the models are equipped with Tier 4A SCR engines developed by FPT Power- train Technologies.

With the optional suspension, the cab provides a much smoother ride. “The suspended cab option compensates four ways — front and back, and up and down — so you don’t get bounced around on rough terrain,” Bohnker says.

The MultiControl armrest is also standard. “Customers who own a fleet of Case IH tractors want commonality of controls, so they don’t have to train every operator each time they go into a different tractor,” Bohnker says.

As in the Steiger, an AFS Pro 700 display can be integrated on the MultiControl armrest.

Production of both new series begins in first quarter 2011. For more information, contact your Case IH dealer, visit http://www.caseih.com.