Case IH expands Magnum line with CVT transmission

More power and fuel efficiency when you need it most – working at field speeds, pulling a load. Simple to use, even with minimal training, because there's no programming required or complicated settings to change. The Case IH continuously variable transmission (CVT), now available on Case IH Magnum 180, 190, 210 and the new 225 tractors, delivers more.

"Case IH CVT technology automatically adjusts to deliver the best possible balance of power and fuel efficiency," says John Bohnker, Case IH marketing manager for Magnum and Steiger tractors. "It definitely hits the sweet spot between power, efficiency and simplicity."

It's ideal technology for less experienced operators, and farmers who have hired help, because it's so easy to set the tractor to operate. "With competitive models, you have to program in RPM changes and load changes to keep it efficient," Bohnker adds. "When you have a Case IH Magnum with CVT, you just drive it."

Case IH Magnum CVT tractors employ the Diesel Saver Automatic Productivity Management (APM) logic. "The operator simply selects the desired working speed based on the specific application and time available, and the APM system adjusts automatically and continuously," Bohnker explains. "The operator also can store up to three different pre-set speed ranges, for fast, easy transition from field speed to turning speed to road speed."

CVT delivers power efficiently
The state-of-the-art Case IH CVT transmission is a 'hybrid' drive train that combines the stepless speed variability of hydrostatic transmission with the mechanical efficiency of a traditional gear-on-gear transmission. Four mechanical forward and two reverse gears carry the bulk of the load throughout the Magnum tractor's operating speed range, allowing a higher level of efficiency than many 'infinitely variable' transmissions.

"It delivers power to the ground efficiently at every speed, without jerking, for the ultimate in smooth, stepless shifting. From standard creeper speeds – as low as 98 feet (30 meters) per hour for beet, vegetable and potato growers – all the way up to 31 miles per hour (50 kph). And it accomplishes transport speeds at a smooth, quiet, fuel-saving engine speed as low as 1450 rpm," Bohnker says. Plus, a maximum reverse speed of up to 18.5 mph (30 kph) allows top productivity for applications like loader work.

Bohnker says the company's European customers have relied on CVT for more than a decade. "Case IH engineers took the European CVT technology and specifically adapted it for North American row crop farmers who face different kinds of crop conditions and demand premium power, unprecedented fuel efficiency and easy operation."

For operators who are more comfortable with the proven performance of a Case IH Powershift transmission, the 19F6R full Powershift transmission is standard on the 2010 Magnum 180, 190 and 210 models. The CVT transmission is standard on the new Magnum 225 model.