CaseIH introduces next generation of STX Steiger tractors

Case IH has added even more performance across both the wheeled and Quadtrac(r) versions of it's industry-leading Steiger tractors. Increased drawbar horsepower in six new models is being put to work in a durable package designed to drive power to the ground, while still going easy on both operators and fuel.

"Our customers' requirements break down into three key areas," says Kyle Russell, marketing manager for Case IH Magnum and Steiger tractors. "They look at performance and productivity, comfort and convenience and cost of ownership.

"We're responding with six new models based on three frame sizes and 29 different configurations. We can expressly match horsepower to any four-wheel drive (4WD) task, whether that's pulling a row-crop cultivator with an AccuSteer(tm) tractor, land-leveling with a scraper package or minimizing compaction with a Quadtrac model. Customer and prospect reactions suggest we've hit the mark with our new offerings."

Performance and productivity Operators in the 4WD and tracked segments are looking to make the most of their horsepower (hp), a trademark of Case IH Steiger tractors. New Tier 3-compliant, 24-valve, electronic engines provide power for all six models, topping out with the STX530 rated at 530 hp in wheeled, Quadtrac and scraper configurations. A 15-liter, Cummins QSX15 engine offers 40 percent torque rise, growing an additional 54 hp at 1,800 rpm.

Like the STX530, the other five new models also match engine horsepower to their names. The wheeled STX280 and STX330, which feature AccuSteer versions, use new 8.3-liter and 9.0-liter engines, respectively. Both the STX380 and the STX430 share a new 12.9-liter Case IH engine with 40 percent torque rise, and are available in wheeled, heavy-duty wheeled, scraper and Quadtrac configurations. The STX480 offers the same configurations as the STX380 and STX430, and is powered by the same engine as the STX530.

"One of the key features of electronic engines is their ability to continually monitor operating conditions and adjust fuel and air flows," says Russell. "By automatically optimizing performance, engine life and fuel efficiency are improved."

A good example of the productivity advantages of the next generation Steiger tractors is the new 12.9-liter engine powering the STX380 and STX430 models.

"We built in five extra horsepower over previous models and improved power growth, while also reducing the engine size from 15 to 12.9 liters," says Russell. "We actually gained fuel efficiency and performance."

Each of the in-line, six-cylinder engines found in next generation Steiger tractors are turbo-charged and air-to-air aftercooled using an efficient cross flow head design that intakes air from one side and vents exhaust directly out the other side. Compared to systems that exhaust air on the same side as the air intake, the cross flow head keeps air cooler, provides smooth air flow and better coolant circulation for longer engine life.

To accommodate the extra cooling needs of higher-horsepower engines, the engine air filter for the STX380, STX430, STX480 and STX530 tractors has been relocated under hood, improving the efficiency of air flow and filter life. Engine speeds have also been decreased to 2,000 rpm for the majority of the line, rising to 2,100 rpm on the STX530. "Lower rpm speeds help prolong engine life, reduce noise and increase fuel efficiency," Russell notes.

Smoother shifting To improve ride, reduce operator fatigue and extend the life of the transmission, the Case IH 16F/2R speed Full Powershift transmission has been upgraded with electronic pulse width modulated (PWM) shift solenoids. During a gear change, these solenoids will modulate the pressure to the clutch packs for smooth engagement.

"Our PWM design feathers the gear engagement, creating smoother shift cycles on the road and in the field," Russell says. "Operators who have put the new Steiger tractors through their paces really like how smooth this feels."

In addition, Case IH STX Series tractors also offer AutoShift with Auto Field and Road Modes. AutoShift automatically selects forward gears based on transmission output shaft speed, the current gear and engine torque load. In Auto Field mode, the transmission maintains engine speed by upshifting and downshifting between the nine gears in working range under changing load conditions. In Auto Road mode, it uses the throttle to shift from 8th to 16th gear to achieve maximum transport speed, up to 23 miles per hour.

"With AutoShift and Powershift transmissions, Case IH minimizes the need for manual shifting, allowing operators to concentrate on other aspects of their jobs," says Russell. "It's also proven to be fuel efficient."

Producers can further automate their operations with the Electronic End-of-Row function, standard on all Steiger tractors with Performance Instrumentation. The system will record and then control up to 30 steps in 2 sequences, including up and down shifting, raising and lowering the 3-point hitch, using remotes, throttle, and more, through a single switch, greatly simplifying operation at the headlands.

Precision in the field To further automate the trip through the field, producers can now choose a factory-ready AFS AccuGuide(tm) autoguidance system, paired with a new, armrest-mounted AFS200 color monitor, for their Steiger tractors. AFS AccuGuide allows the operator to maintain perfectly straight rows, pass after pass.

"Our customers have seen substantial financial benefit from fewer skips and overlaps, reduced compaction due to controlled traffic patterns, and reduced operator stress," says Russell. "Steering is only required at row ends."

AFS AccuGuide customers can choose from four levels of accuracy, depending on the source of differential GPS correction and their operations' needs. The most precise of the guidance signals, Real Time Kinematic (RTK) correction with a base station, paired with AFS AccuGuide, makes possible planting, spraying, strip-till, zone management and controlled traffic operations, with one-inch accuracy.

For row-crop applications where precision steering and implement trailing is required, the small-frame STX280 and STX330 models offer optional Case IH-exclusive AccuSteer. AccuSteer allows an articulated 4WD tractor to function like an MFD tractor in the field. AccuSteer-equipped Case IH tractors have a turning radius of 12.4 feet, better than many rigid frame row crop tractors. They also reduce side-to-side motion on implements.

Operator heaven Long days and nights in the cab require a comfortable working environment. All six STX Series Steiger tractors feature a quiet, deluxe Surveyor(tm) cab - the largest in the industry. Case IH Steiger cabs offer superior visibility through a full 67.8 square feet of tinted glass, a comfortable Optima(tm) seat and ergonomic armrest controls.

For an even better ride, the positive response air suspension seat uses a patented magnetic fluid shock absorber to take the edge off bumps in the field and traffic on the road. Sensors in the Positive Response seat, standard with the luxury cab package, react 500 times per minute and adjust the ride for maximum operator comfort and control.

"Operator eyestrain and nighttime safety were improved with a new lighting package," Russell says. The 360-degree package features up to eight high intensity discharge (HID) lamps for up to 350 feet of near-daylight visibility after dark. HID lamps, which replace standard halogen work lights, are designed with a bulb life of 6,000 hours for low replacement costs. In addition, delayed egress lighting has been added to help operators safely exit the tractor at night.

Ready for commercial use "Many Steiger tractors are put to work moving dirt, in both commercial and agricultural applications," Russell notes. "The best way to maximize returns and ensure consistent, efficient performance in pull-behind scraper work is to get a tractor set up at the factory to handle the extra stress."

Case IH offers four wheeled and two Quadtrac versions equipped specifically for scraper applications, including the new STX530. Standard equipment in the scraper package includes a tow cable, beacon light, high flow pump, back-up alarm, scraper drawbar and differential lock. A quick hitch Reynolds drawbar and engine brake option are also available.

Improving economic efficiencies "Everyone knows that using the right size tool to do a job will make the job easier and more efficient," explains Russell. "The same holds true for tractors. Well engineered, well paired engines and frames are the starting point for operational efficiency in the Steiger line."/p>

Producers also have a choice of two transmission options to meet the needs of their operations. An efficient 24F/6R synchro transmission with 12 speeds in the working range is available, along with a Full Powershift 16F/2R version for more automated use./p>

Easy serviceability translates to less downtime and more productivity, so Case IH provided ground-level access to daily service points. The one-piece hood flips forward for immediate access to oil coolers, air-to-air after coolers, expansion tanks and the air cleaner. Service intervals have been extended for the engine oil filter to 500 hours./p>

Those owners opting for the Performance Instrumentation package get an assist in determining the productivity of their tractors.

"The Performance Instrumentation package provides information on engine percentage of rated power, percentage of wheel slip, fuel usage, distance traveled, time accumulation, area covered and other data that can be used to calculate productivity," Russell says. "Performance Instrumentation also provides a built-in safeguard to protect the tractor from major system malfunction."

The Steiger name is synonymous with dependable high-horsepower tractors. Based on internal quality checks, and customer input related to performance, comfort and cost of operations, the next generation Case IH STX Series Steiger tractors build on that tradition.