CaseIH introduces new Quadtrac

Case Corporation has introduced a new Quadtrac tractor. The new model, featuring 40 more horsepower and axle and transmission upgrades, follows in the tracks of the highly successful Quadtrac tractor launched in 1996.

Farmers now can choose a Quadtrac tractor with 400 horsepower or the original 360 horsepower model. In addition to extra pulling power, the 400-horsepower model comes with the largest bar axle in the industry –4-1/2 inches-- and a transmission featuring wider gears and heavy-duty bearings.

"Quadtrac was introduced to provide superior traction, flotation and versatility to farmers in a tracked unit, and now we've added even more power and durability," says Roger Lewno, Case marketing specialist for tractors. "Our customers are farming more acres with the same amount of help and need more productive equipment. We've responded by providing this new more powerful Quadtrac tractor.

Better Traction "Our positive drive track engagement uses lugs, which act like teeth, to interlock with bars on the drive hubs for superior traction. The positive-drive track system avoids much of the slippage that friction drive units experience, especially in wet, mucky conditions."

A typical wheel-type tractor, Lewno says, operates with ground slippage in the 10 to 12 percent range, while Quadtrac operates in the 2- to 3-percent range, even under load.

"The superior traction provided by the design and setup of this tractor reduces the need for weighting and ballasting," he explains. "It also keeps the overall width of the tractor under 10 feet, as opposed to the widths you'll encounter in a wheel-type tractor in dual-or triple-tire configurations."

The flotation "footprint" on both the 360 and 400 hp Quadtrac tractors will continue to be extremely light at approximately 4.9 pounds per square inch.

"The 30-inch-wide belts, unique weight displacement and size of the Quadtrac footprint --with each of the four tracks having 8,220 square inches of track in contact with the soil – means that this is an ideal unit for farmers concerned with compaction issues," Lewno says.

Window of Opportunity The high level of flotation also helps when conditions are less than ideal. Being able to handle wet, muddy field conditions opens up the window of opportunity when the work has to be done.

Full power to all four tracks during turns, and the ability to turn in 19.5 feet with no ridging means farmers can use Quadtrac tractors for numerous applications, Lewno notes.

"The lack of ridging means that seedbeds remain level and compaction minimal in the end rows when planting. Full power during turns, along with each track pivoting independently of the others, 10 degrees up and down, makes Quadtrac tractors ideal for smooth, sure traction on irregular terrain."

Transmission choice added for 4WD Case Corporation is making other options available on the Case IH Steiger tractor lineup. The electronically controlled, 12-speed, full powershift transmission is now available as an option on the 9390 Steiger four-wheel drive tractor, Lewno says. All Steiger models now offer customers the choice and convenience of 12-speed "clutchless" operation, ideal for farmers seeking to maximize productivity.