March 08, 2009
NEW APM SYSTEM SAVES FUEL
|
Click on image to download. |
Case IH's newest fuel-saving innovation is the Automatic Productivity Management (APM) system, which is standard on all 2009 model year Magnum, Steiger and Quadtrac tractors. The APM system automatically adjusts engine speed and transmission ratio for maximum fuel efficiency and has demonstrated fuel savings from five per cent to 25 per cent (depending on the application).
The APM system achieves maximum fuel efficiency by automatically adjusting the gear setting and engine RPM, based on ground speed and load. The engine ‘throttle' becomes a ground speed control lever while the APM system does the rest. The APM system's one button functionality is easy to use and leaves the operator to focus on the implement and work done, rather than on controlling the vehicle. Even inexperienced operators can work with optimum fuel efficiency while reducing fatigue.
The APM system achieves maximum fuel economy with the use of a proven and reliable full powershift transmission. Coupled to a flexible electronically controlled engine, this provides maximum mechanical efficiency at every forward speed.
In APM system mode, the engine throttle handle serves as a ground speed selector. Once the desired ground speed is attained, the system automatically adjusts engine speed and transmission ratio to provide maximum fuel economy at that speed. When the external load increases, the engine RPMs increase to produce more power. When the external load decreases so do the engine RPMs, so the tractor consumes less fuel and produces reduced sound levels.
In standard mode, when APM is not activated, the engine RPMs are set by the throttle lever. The gears are set by up/down shift buttons. To maintain a desired ground speed, the operator needs to adjust both the gear setting and the throttle lever position.
APM Field mode on the Magnum operates from 1 km per hour (with creeper option) to over 20 km per hour, with continuous adjustable ground speed. The minimum throttle position corresponds to first gear at the minimum allowable engine speed. The default minimum engine speed is the peak torque engine speed of 1400 RPM. When the PTO is turned on, the minimum engine speed automatically adjusts to 1600 RPM.
The maximum allowable ground speed is adjustable by the operator. In any mode, the operator can hold the APM switch for four seconds to store the current speed as maximum allowable ground speed. This maximum allowable ground speed will be remembered (whether the ignition key is on or off) until the operator changes it.
APM Field mode on the Steiger and Quadtrac operates from approximately 4 km per hour to over 22 km per hour, with continuous adjustable ground speed.
APM Road mode provides the same control at all speeds except the maximum speed by automatically shifting up and throttling back, reducing sound levels and fuel consumption.
