New 500 horsepower CaseIH STX500 tractor
CaseIH -When it comes to horsepower, no one in the industry tops the new Case IH STX500 Steiger tractor. Its 500 horsepower engine can pull the heaviest loads in the harshest conditions. The new tractor, available in wheeled and Quatrac versions for agricultural applications, expands the STX Series line to 10 models.
"Farmers are demanding more load-lugging ability, so we returned to the basics and increased the engine muscle," said Drew Fletcher, Case IH product specialist for high horsepower tractors. "The new STX500 builds on the Steiger tradition of industry-leading power, track design and comfort."
The upgraded STX500 tractor features a new turbulated tube radiator to increase engine cooling capacity. A lengthened air filter delivers the extra air needed for the increased power levels while maintaining long filter life.
More power to the ground Because of their superior design, STX Series Steiger tractors effectively direct power to where farmers need it the most on the ground. The extended wheelbase and position of the center-pull drawbar efficiently transfer engine horsepower into pulling power.
"Horsepower is useless for towing, seeding or tilling unless the tractor directs that power to the pulling point," Fletcher said. "Like the rest of the STX line, the STX500 is configured to best utilize the available horsepower."
In addition to a superior design, the STX500 provides up to 39 percent torque rise and up to 50 horsepower growth in tough spots. Pulling full loads through low spots, on hillsides and in wet conditions without downshifting is not a problem.
"An engine with that amount of backup power can conquer just about anything a farmer wants to tackle," Fletcher said.
Case IH STX Series Steiger engines are electronically controlled to ensure peak power growth without burning unnecessary fuel. Combined with rated engine speeds of 2100 rpms, this feature provides maximum engine efficiency and fuel economy.
Industry-exclusive track design First introduced by Case IH in 1996, Steiger Quadtrac tractors continue as the industrys only four-track design. Four tracks provide superior traction, flotation and ride. A typical wheeled tractor encounters 10 to 12 percent slippage in normal conditions, while the Quadtrac encounters just 2 to 3 percent. The larger footprint provided by four independent tracks helps minimize soil compaction, and four tracks can better maintain ground contact for a smoother ride.
"Farmers can get into the field a day or two earlier with the Case IH Quadtrac design and drive through wet spots they wouldnt dare with tires or traditional two-track machines," Fletcher said.
Office in the field STX Series Steiger tractors offer the largest volume cab in the industry 23 percent larger than the closest competitor and an industry-leading 67.8 square feet of tinted glass. Strategically placed controls on the right-hand armrest console save the operator time and effort. Also, the adjustable seat can be pivoted to provide a better view of front and rear tasks.
"Farming is not an 8-to-5 occupation," Fletcher says. "We want to make the tractor operator as comfortable as possible for those long days and nights because a comfortable operator can focus more on being alert, efficient and accurate."
Downtime is kept to a minimum with just five daily service checks. With up to 500 hours between oil changes, less time is spent on maintenance and more time can be spent in the field.
"Not only is the new STX500 a powerhouse, it is also designed to better capture and utilize that power," Fletcher concludes. "Larger operations with less help can cover more ground in less time."