Case IH Ships First Tier 4A Tractor

Case IH today shipped the world's first tractor that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Tier 4A emissions requirements for agricultural equipment. The engine in the new Magnum Series tractor uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxides in emissions while actually boosting power, and improving fuel efficiency and durability.

The EPA's Tier 4A emissions standards, which take effect in 2011, mandate cleaner and more efficient engines. These measures will reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter produced by 90 percent over previous generation engines utilizedby agricultural manufacturers.

Case IH believes the SCR technology in the new Magnum Series tractors is superior to the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology being used by John Deere. EGR recirculates exhaust back into the engine air intake. In high-horsepower applications, this approach uses more fuel, leads to hotter engine temperatures and requires more maintenance.

"SCR is a game changer," said Tom Dean, high horsepower tractor marketing manager, Case IH North America. "It is the best answer for farmers to be ready for government-mandated emissions standards now and in the future. Case IH leadership on this technology is a competitive advantage that positions us to capture more sales with North American producers."

More than a short-term fix, SCR technology is commonly accepted as the best solution to meet the EPA's more stringent Tier 4B emissions standards that will take effect in 2014. The new Magnum 180, 190, 210 and 225 models are the first in a lineup of high-horsepower Case IH SCR tractors that will roll out in 2011, including new larger Magnum models along with a new generation of Steiger four-wheel-drive tractors.

SCR treats emissions with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), which is a stable, non-toxic solution of synthetic urea and deionized water. The DEF tank is simply filled during routine refueling, and SCR technology takes over from there, mixing DEF with the exhaust to create harmless nitrogen gas vapor and water.

Testing has shown that the operating cost of the new Case IH SCR tractors is 10 percent better than previous Case IH models. More specific information on Case IH Tier 4 solutions can be found on the company's website.

The Early Bird
Paul Fortkamp, a Fort Recovery, Ohio, producer who farms poultry, corn and soybeans, was the first customer to receive the new Magnum tractor with SCR technology. He traveled with his dealer, Hull Brothers, to the Case IH manufacturing operation in Racine, Wis., and was “introduced” to his new Magnum 180 tractor by Dean and other company representatives.

"The SCR technology makes the 180 more fuel efficient, which is important for me as I try to reduce my input costs," said Fortkamp. "It's also the perfect size for my operation. It's narrow enough for my rows, but big enough for a grain cart."