CaseIH introduces new MX Magnum tractors

Case Corporation introduces the new line of Case IH MX Series MagnumTM tractors, featuring power and performance for today and productivity-enhancing technology for tomorrow.

"The MX Series Magnums will revolutionize the way farmers throughout the world think about farm equipment," says Jon Carlson, senior vice president and general manager of the North American agricultural equipment business unit for Case.

"These tractors represent the leading-edge of equipment designed to multiply farmers' productivity and complete Case's mission to develop an integrated system of products and services. From planning and planting to growing and harvesting, Case is dedicated to providing easy-to-use equipment that delivers the greatest productivity from new technology," he explains.

"As the perfect combination of responding to customer input and innovating for the future, these tractors do just that."

Customer Commitment The only way to develop an all-new tractor worthy of the Magnum name was to ask customers, notes Les Pagel, product development director, large tractors. "We began the design of our new Magnum line by working with more than 1,200 customers throughout the world to develop tractors suited for a wide variety of field applications that help farmers reduce costs and increase yields," he explains.

"But we've gone beyond our customers' expectations. We've used technology to build in productivity-enhancing features to promote more efficient operation, extend life and reduce complexity," he adds.

Technology for Today and Tomorrow MX Series Magnum tractors offer a full-range of technology-based capabilities designed to improve performance, productivity and reliability. Embedded electronic controls on every system and a Controller Area Network (CAN) allow the new Magnum tractors to optimize system performance in a way never known before.

"CAN technology takes the way tractors and implements work together to a completely new level. Essentially, it allows an MX Series Magnum to optimize the performance of the tractor-implement system and truly integrate the performance of the tractor with the implement it's pulling. The payoff comes in the form of more efficient planting, seeding or tilling," he explains.

In addition to responding to the needs of a particular application, CAN technology allows an MX Series Magnum tractor to monitor, and adjust, its performance over its service life.

"For example, over the service life of a tractor, working parts experience normal wear that reduces performance and operating efficiency. These Magnum tractors are built to recognize the effects of long-term use and adjust accordingly. They even have the ability to recognize operating conditions and adjust the transmission shift cycle to provide the smoothest performance. Owners will see 'like-new' performance over more hours, for easier operation and improved resale value," Pagel adds.

CAN technology will also allow growers to capture the latest technological advances by upgrading software to include more productivity enhancing features as they become available.

A self-diagnostic feature, linking all of the tractor's systems and controls to a single point computer connection, is also created by CAN technology. "Although we build durability into our products, we acknowledge that farming is hard work – for both operators and equipment. To help reduce downtime, our Case IH dealer service personnel will be equipped with a laptop computer-based service tool to quickly and accurately identify and correct any problems," explains Pagel.

The MX Series Magnum also features built-in interactive communications capabilities, which Pagel believes will be commonplace in the future. "Just as the Internet has revolutionized the way people communicate, we believe the capabilities of the MX Series Magnum will usher in an easier way to farm by integrating information and control at a new level. In a sense, this tractor lays the groundwork for the future."

Also, the capabilities of the MX Series Magnum will reduce tractor-implement system complexity. One touch-screen monitor and one industry-standard cable connection will significantly reduce the number of monitors required for advanced farming applications. In addition, the monitor has "plug and play" capabilities, allowing growers to transfer the same monitor from combine to sprayer to tractor for future applications.

Designed with power in mind Three new models, the MX180, MX200 and MX220 are rated at 145, 165 and 185 PTO horsepower, respectively, and are available in either two-wheel drive or mechanical front drive (MFD). Two additional models, the MX240 and MX270, boast 205 and 235 PTO horsepower, respectively, and are only available with MFD.

"The new MX Series Magnum tractors are the most powerful 2WD/MFD tractors in the industry, allowing them to efficiently pull implements in a wide variety of field applications. The MX270, rated at 235 PTO horsepower, provides a full 10 horsepower more than any other tractor in its class," explains Pagel.

The new Magnum tractors feature 8.3-liter, 505 cu. in. CDC (Consolidated Diesel Company, a Case-Cummins joint venture) MagnaForce engines that produce up to 31 horsepower power growth and an impressive 46 percent torque rise for heavy loads. The 24-valve electronically controlled engines on the top models provide awesome torque performance over the entire speed range.

The engines are iso-mounted and fully supported in a rugged new cast-iron Surround frame. This narrow frame allows maximum front wheel turning angles and greatly improved visibility. The engine sits 20 inches forward and 5 ½ inches higher than previous models for improved balance under load.

The engines have been configured to operate at a rated speed of 2,000 rpm. This lower speed reduces noise, improves fuel efficiency up to 10 percent, and extends life significantly over the 8900 Series Magnum tractors, which they replace. For even longer hours in the field, the new Magnum tractors have fuel tanks up to 160-gallons with ground-level-fill.

"We expect customers to be more than pleased with the increase in productive field time they'll have with the combined fuel efficiency and fuel capacity. With fuel tank capacity up to 39 gallons more than any other tractor in its class, they'll be able to run 14 hours without refueling and will see a reduction in their fuel costs per acre," explains Pagel.

Building on the best The new MX240 and MX270 Magnum tractors are the first in the industry to offer factory-installed front duals with factory warranty. In addition, the unique design provides growers with the only row-crop tractor capable of working 30-inch rows with both front and rear duals.

"We've found that when equipped with duals, the tractor creates ground pressure similar to tracks. That translates to improved productivity via better traction with minimal compaction," he adds.

Another industry first is the ability to run the largest row-crop tractor tires available on 46-inch rims. "Larger tires translate to more contact with the soil, reducing compaction and increasing flotation," Pagel explains.

The all-new MFD front axle provides added capacity and a turning radius six inches shorter than any other high horsepower MFD tractor. Building on the field-proven reliability of the Magnum transmission that comes from more than 110 million customer hours of operation, the new models are equipped with electronically controlled 18-speed powershift transmissions designed with a 15 percent speed variation between gears. For greater productivity, the tractors have 8 speeds in the working range and a rated transport speed of 25 mph.

The new 18F/4R transmissions are standard, as are forward/reverse power shuttles. A six-speed auxiliary creeper transmission is optional. Hydraulically operated clutches and a self-adjusting feature improve shuttle shift control and shift quality, making operation easier, especially in loader applications.

More pulling performance

The redesigned three-point hitch linkage on the new Magnum tractors improves pulling efficiency and implement performance.

"We've changed the design of the hitch to transfer the effective center of gravity forward, allowing the tractor to pull more effectively with every hitch-mounted implement," says Pagel. "To the grower, this change means more uniform pulling power on all axles for efficient power utilization, less ballasting needed, better traction, less compaction and lower operating cost per acre."

The new hitch design also provides greater lift capacity, up to 16,000 lbs. throughout the full lift range. "The lift capacity through the full range of operation for the Magnum tractor is up to 2,850 pounds more than any other tractor in its class. That high capacity is critical to overall peak performance with heavy tillage implements. Growers need to drive a new Magnum to realize the real power and stability they offer," he adds.

The pressure-flow compensated (PFC) load-sensing hydraulic system provides high flow rates and fast cycle times. The hydraulic system capacity, at 30 gallons per minute, and remote outlet flow have also been increased by more than 15 percent over the 8900 Series Magnum. An optional hydraulic pump is available to provide 44 gallons per minute at the remotes.

Improved Operator Environment In keeping with the caliber of other advances in the MX Series Magnum tractor, the completely new Case IH Surveyor cab features a number of improvements to enhance the quality of the operator environment. With more room, comfort and convenience, these cabs are designed to reduce operator fatigue, notes Pagel.

"To realize the value of this new cab design, you really need to drive this tractor. The unsurpassed spaciousness, visibility and ride performance of these tractors must be experienced to be appreciated," explains Pagel.

Automotive quality fit-and-finish with detailed appointments has been built in to enhance both comfort and aesthetics for long hours of operation. Cab improvements include an enlarged door opening for easier access to a larger and quieter cab. The interior volume of the cab tops the closest competitor by 13 percent. In addition, the cab has one of the lowest sound ratings in its class.

Visibility was also a key consideration in cab design, notes Pagel. Total glass area is 10 percent greater than any other row-crop tractor for outstanding visibility from all directions and angles in the cab. The sloped, low profile hood has also been redesigned to improve visibility from the cab. For nighttime operation, a High Intensity Discharge (HID) light option is available. The new grille-mounted lamps generate 5 times the brightness of standard halogen lamps and last 10 times longer.

To further enhance the productivity of the operator, controls have been designed with "gloved-hand" use in mind. User-friendly features include the Ultra Command console and an integrated throttle and shift lever, right-hand armrest controls, advanced corner post instrumentation and mounting for the AFS monitor. Other creature comforts include the all new wider, softer Optima seat; optional soft-grip steering wheel; and heated seat. Also, these tractors are the first in the industry offered with optional automatic temperature control.