February 18, 2010
CASE IH REVEALS PRODUCT ROADMAP FOR 2010
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At its annual dealer meeting held last week, leading agricultural equipment manufacturer, Case IH, has revealed its product roadmap for 2010, including the introduction of the MAXXFARM tractor series and an entirely new product line, the Scout utility vehicles.
"The focus for 2010 is on increasing functionality, productivity and efficiency for farmers," said Case IH Marketing Manager Stuart Brown. "From new, higher-horsepower models of existing workhorses to advanced time-saving features on others, our product engineers have focused on making great products even better."
Case IH Scout utility vehicles
The new Case IH Scout utility vehicles are rugged, versatile load carriers that can go where full-sized utes can't, according to Stuart. Expected to be available in Australia at the end of 2010, the Scouts come in three models: the 14-hp, two passenger petrol Scout; and the 4WD, 20-hp, diesel Scout XL, available in either a two or four passenger configuration.
New Tractors
Case IH has brought its extensive experience in creating large, powerful tractors to bear in its new range of smaller tractors, according to Stuart. "These new tractors - mostly under 100 hp in size - are ideal for vegetable growers, horticultural operations, orchards, plantations, livestock operations and various small farm tasks."
Available in six models, ranging from the MAXXFARM 25 to the MAXXFARM 60, the MAXXFARM range has the power to operate sprayers and high powered tillers in horticultural operations as well as the compact size and excellent manoeuvrability needed in orchards and plantations and the versatility to handle a wide range of small farm tasks. Available accessories include mower decks, the Maxx-Lift front end loader with standard or 4-in-1 buckets.
Created specifically for the MAXXFARM tractors, the new MAXX-LIFT loaders are compatible with each MAXXFARM model and are available with both standard and 4-in-1 buckets. They feature quick release buckets with Euro couplers. They area also quickly released from the tractor, so the MAXXFARM tractor can be quickly utilised in a variety of tasks with and without the loader.
Two new JX High Clearance models (JX 80 and JX 95) for 2010 have equal sized wheels and high undercarriage clearance, making them ideal for row-crop conditions - particularly in field-scale vegetable crops - allowing the tractor to travel safely over raised beds. They are available in cab or ROPS configuration.
The new JXU 115 combines all the same efficient, cost effective features as the rest of the JXU range but with more horsepower. All JXU models now offer the option of a 20 x 20 creeper transmission, ideal for vegetable growers. Turf tyres have also been introduced as a factory option.
2010 also sees the arrival of the Quantum C series tractor, a lightweight all rounder that combines the best of compact utility tractor engineering with the advanced technological features normally seen in larger machines. The Quantum C series comprises two models ranging from 86 hp to 97-hp.
Tractor upgrades
As well as introducing new tractors to its range, Case IH has also added significant upgrades to its Maxxum and Puma ranges.
"The Maxxum and Puma family have received a face lift with all models gaining a new style bonnet complete with shark gills and a new headlight design. Inside is a new seat fabric, which is more durable and more dirt resistant. The lighter coloured fabric gives the cab a fresher feeling," said Stuart.
"The most significant upgrade is the addition of the new generation multicontroller armrest and ‘A pillar' instrumentation panel. This offers a level of functionality never before seen in this segment and an industry leading level of comfort and simplicity."
Patriot sprayers
Boom functions and product application will be controlled by the Case IH AFS Pro 600 Monitor., This streamlines the cab controls, with one controller for both product application and boom functions and for the AccuGuide auto steer and mapping functions.
"The AFS Pro 600 screen and receiver work across Case IH products, so farmers can maximise their investment in the technology and share data records and guidance patterns amongst the sprayer, tractor and combine," said Stuart.
In response to market demand, Case IH has added an AutoBoom ultrasonic sensor for centre section height control in all 2010 Patriot models. This sensor works in addition to up to four other sensors mounted on the boom to measure and adjust the boom height off the ground.
Axial-Flow combines
"This year will see the introduction of a new, 35-foot 3050 Vari Cut Auger Head that can extend and retract the knife on the go, making it ideal for growers who wish to direct head canola," said Stuart. "We've also introduced two completely new corn heads for 2010: the 3200 Series for older and newer combine models; and the 3400 Series with a 12-row head, suitable for Axial-Flow 7088 and above."
A new, optional hydraulic activated grain bin cover/extension will be offered as a factory-fit option from 2010. It allows farmers to operate the grain bin extension from inside the cab rather than manually, saving time for farmers who transport their combines regularly.
Cotton
"On the cotton side, we plan to run demonstrations of the Case IH Module Express 625 for the 2010 harvest. The module-builder is a unique concept in Australia. We'll have an experienced operator at the controls to show Australian cotton growers how much time and labour they can save with the Module Express," said Stuart.
Precision farming
A feature than can be enabled on Case IH base stations is remote monitoring. By adding a cellular modem, the base station can report on the status of the base station and local conditions such as signal strength. Remote monitoring means farmers or network technicians don't have to drive all the way out to a base station to see why it's stopped working, then potentially have to drive all the way back to the farm or dealership to get the right parts or tools to fix it, then drive all the way back out again. The remote diagnosis means the farmer or technician may only need to visit the base station once, saving a great deal of time and energy," said Stuart.
