CASE IH will unveil the world’s first articulated tractor with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) at the annual AgQuip field days in Gunnedah scheduled for August 22-24.
The Steiger CVT technology will feature on the Quadtrac 450 and 500, and Rowtrac 400, 450 and 500 models. The Steiger wheeled 400, 450 and 500; and the wheeled scraper 450 and 500 will also join the CVT stable.
According to Case IH product manager Alyx Selsmeyer, Case IH has been developing its CVT technology for almost 20 years.
As well as targeting fuel efficiency and operator fatigue, the CVT transmission provides faster acceleration, full power availability at low ground speeds for special applications and implements, and full hydraulic flow availability at low ground speeds, for the likes of drilling and planting.
“The result is increased productivity with faster cycle times and maximum fuel efficiency,” Mr Selsmeyer said.
Other Steiger CVT qualities include:
p The storing of three adjustable target speeds from 0-40km/h, adjustable via the thumb-wheel and buttons on the multi-controller.
p A kick-down feature incorporated into the transmission, which ensures maximum acceleration, and 40km/h is achieved at just 1640rpm.
p Four mechanical ranges, for maximum efficiency and operator comfort, with automated range-changing, and the first time, 100 per cent mechanical power transfer takes place at below 10 km/h, matching heavy draft application requirements.
Four multi-plate wet clutch packs, mounted on the four planetary gear sets, change the ranges without power interruption, with equal clutch speeds guaranteeing smooth shifting without clutch wear.
Active Hold Control allows the tractor to remain static when brought to a halt on a hill, without the operator applying the foot or hand brake.
The park brake is automatically applied if it remains in this state for more than 45 seconds.
An inching pedal replaces the decelerator pedal found on Steiger tractors with powershift transmission. This pedal is common across the entire CVT range from the Maxxum to now the Steiger.
Ideal when backing up to attach implements or edging closer to objects, this feature lets you control the acceleration rate in either direction by simply using the inching pedal like the accelerator in a car.
The multi-controller incorporates a power shuttle switch, which works in parallel with the shuttle lever on the left of the steering column, for convenient direction changes without releasing the steering wheel.
The Steiger CVT transmission was specifically designed for applications requiring 298kW (400hp) and above.
“The addition of CVT to the Steiger range represents a giant leap forward in the world of high horsepower tractors and we look forward to sharing all the benefits of the technology with visitors to AgQuip, where the tractor will be officially launched to the Australian market,” Mr Selsmeyer said.
Orders for the tractors will be taken from October 1, with delivery to begin on forward order units early next year.
More information: Contact you local Case IH dealer or visit www.caseih.com
Ken Wilson
Farm Weekly's machinery writer.
Farm Weekly's machinery writer.
