CaseIH STX series Steiger tractors raise 4WD industry standards

Case IH STX Series Steiger tractors will change the way farmers think about four-wheel-drive (4WD) tractors. With new advancements in steering, diagnostics, track design, comfort and serviceability, as well as the industry's highest horsepower rating, STX Series tractors are designed to help farmers maximize their productivity.

"These tractors add new dimensions to 4WD maneuverability, performance, versatility and comfort," says Jan Rintamaki, Case IH director of application marketing for the cash grains segment. "In the STX line, we offer tractors that handle like today's most advanced two-wheel-drives, as well as the industry's highest engine and drawbar horsepower."

"From the start, our goal with our new tractor line was to find ways to help our customers maximize their productivity," he adds. "The STX Series 4WD design originated with input from more than 2,200 farmers. Case IH engineers used their ideas to build a high production tractor to help our customers succeed and complete our range of tractors."

Increased maneuverability Traditionally, 4WD tractors have been associated with high horsepower for increased productivity, but they haven't been considered for row-crop work. The Case IH exclusive AccuSteer precision steering system removes that limitation. A patent-pending, double articulation design allows the front frame to pivot independently of the articulation steering, creating a more intuitive and more precise steering option.

"For farmers, this means they will be able to make in-row steering corrections without articulating the tractor," says Mitch Kaiser, manager of product planning for large tractors. "Customers will enjoy a 12.4-foot turning radius – the tightest in the industry."

In addition, AccuSteer is gentler on crops, implements and operators. The precision steering system improves tractor handling and reduces implement sway. AccuSteer is available on the STX275 and STX325 models, which easily handle the largest planters and cultivators in today's market.

More power on the ground STX Series tractors also answer the traditional need for power and productivity. Leading the industry is the STX440, rated at 440 engine horsepower with up to 43 percent engine torque rise and 40 horsepower power growth.

All four STX Series models – the STX275 (275 engine hp), STX325 (325 engine hp), STX375 (375 engine hp) and STX440 (440 engine hp) – feature full-authority fuel injection engines to monitor and continuously optimize engine performance, increasing productivity and efficiency.

"Farmers told us they didn't just want more horsepower – they wanted a tractor that puts power on the ground better," notes Kaiser. "Because of their new design, STX Series tractors effectively transfer power to where farmers need it most."

The design features a lengthened wheelbase and drawbar to increase stability and improve the pull angle, providing more pulling power with less effort. Larger tire and wider track options improve traction, allowing STX Series tractors to pull through more conditions with less effort. In addition, all four engines are rated at 2,000 RPM. A lower engine speed improves fuel economy, increases engine life and creates less noise.

"Office" in the field "During the peak periods of land preparation, planting, seeding and harvest, farmers spend more time in their mobile office than they do in their home office," says Kaiser. "Our customers asked us for an 'office' in the field where they could work comfortably all day and into the night."

With a cab volume 23 percent larger than the nearest competitor, a farmer can easily spend time in the cab training an additional operator, especially with the optional wide training seat in the Surveyor cab. The operator will enjoy the 4WD industry's best view through more than 67 square feet of glass.

Case IH exclusive High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting helps operators to easily work into the night. A 300-gallon fuel capacity combined with higher fuel efficiency allows for up to 22 hours of operation without refueling.

"During product testing we had a farmer tell us he heard the cab was great, but he couldn't confirm that because he couldn't get his wife out of the cab to check it out," adds Kaiser.

Ergonomically optimized controls and display monitors – like those found in Axial-Flow® combines and MX Series Magnum™ tractors – allow easy operation and help reduce fatigue. Automatic temperature control, a heated Optima™ seat and a luxury cab option provide additional creature comforts.

In field or transport The STX Series Steiger line features the industry's only 16-speed powershift transmission. Operators enjoy fingertip control, electronic shifting with memory controls and the capability to start in any of the first eight gears.

"If you're making fine speed adjustments in the field, the Case IH transmission provides nine working speeds between 3 and 8 MPH, with half MPH speed splits," says Kaiser. "On the other hand, if you're in transport you can reach 23 MPH faster with the exclusive Autoskip shift function, which skips every other gear."

Float over or move earth In addition to standard wheel versions, the STX Series Steiger line offers specially designed models and option packages to meet every application need, whether it be in cereal grains operation, row-crop farming or agricultural and laser land-leveling.

Operators can choose from a multitude of new tire and track options to match their application. Those interested in tracks will select an industry-exclusive independent four-track design to meet their specific needs.

"Customers looking for more traction with less slippage and greater flotation with less compaction should check out the STX Series Quadtrac® tractors," Kaiser points out.

Like the original Quadtrac design, STX Series models create little soil disturbance or ridging. In addition, new, larger idler and drive wheels diminish track vibration for a better ride.

"Case IH 9300 Series Steiger tractors are the industry's choice today for many soil-moving, site-preparation and land-leveling applications," he adds. "We took that one step further on the STX Series by offering models specially-designed and equipped at the factory to work with pull-type scrapers."

The STX375 and STX440 offer tracked and wheeled scraper configurations properly equipped and weighted from the factory. Special features include a scraper drawbar, differential locks and electro-hydraulic remotes designed to interface with laser control systems.

Best service in the industry The same technological advances that help optimize engine performance also help keep STX Series tractors up and running.

"We recognize that even the most reliable tractors sometimes have problems that can impact farmers' productivity," says Kaiser. "We've created tools to stop problems before they start, and if necessary, diagnose them quickly when they occur."

An on-board performance monitor is optional on all models. It tells the operator the percent of power being used, current fuel usage and the amount of fuel remaining. In addition, it monitors service intervals, provides diagnostic and performance data on the go, and automatically shuts down the engine when necessary. Combined with a ground speed sensor, the monitor provides readings on ground speed and wheel slip.

Because of the laptop-based Case IH Service tool, STX Series tractor electronics can always be updated. A Case IH dealer service technician can download performance enhancements as they are released. In addition, the technician can interface with the tractor's on-board diagnostics to diagnose a problem, and in some cases the Service Tool will automatically make adjustments to correct it.

"The performance monitor and service tool gain information through the tractor's Controller Area Network (CAN), like that found in MX Series Magnum tractors," he says. "Using embedded electronic controls and sensors, the tractor continuously monitors and optimizes its performance."

Daily service is also simplified with all required maintenance performed at ground level. Sight gauges provide a visual check of all fluid and fuel levels, and fuel fill is at just one location at the rear of the tractor. The new right-hand service-access window simplifies hookup of any monitors, receivers or controls.

Case IH ease of service leads the industry. Using SAE standards, STX Series tractors have the best service rating in the industry. This indicates lower lifetime operating costs for the customer, Kaiser notes.