Case IH has been awarded Tractor of the Year 2019 with the Case IH Maxxum 145 Multicontroller, adding to the TOTY titles won in recent years by the Magnum 380 CVX and the Optum 300 CVX. The benefits provided by the continuously variable transmission technology and the virtues of the new Vestrum CVXDrive and Quadtrac CVXDrive models were recognised by the judges of the 2019 Machine of the Year Award. The new LB436 HD baler was recently named “Machine of the Year 2020” in the category “Hay and Forage”.
For the third time in five years, the design and engineering qualities of Case IH products have been recognised by the jury of the prestigious Tractor of the Year 2019 award, judged by a panel of farm machinery journalists from respected titles across Europe. Despite a competitive entry field spanning machines from manufacturers across the industry, the Case IH Maxxum 145 Multicontroller was announced as the TOTY 2019 winner. With recent revisions to the Maxxum range having given the line a fresh new look, in a double recognition the same model also won the Best Design category, recognising the relevance of functionality and form in a modern tractor’s styling.
In addition, two Case IH CVXDrive tractors, which are at opposite ends of the power spectrum, were awarded ‘Machine of the Year 2019’ titles at SIMA 2019. The Vestrum CVXDrive, which was launched at the exhibition, won the ‘mid-size tractor’ category, while the Quadtrac CVXDrive took the honours for “XL” tractors.
More recently, Case IH received recognition for the brand new LB436 HD baler, which was awarded “Machine of the Year 2020” in the category “Hay and Forage”. This new baler range brings innovative new features, enabling farmers and contractors to pack more material into every bale, while reducing handling requirements and transport costs.
Maxxum 145 Multicontroller
The largest in the line of 116-145hp (rated) four-cylinder Maxxum models, the Maxxum 145 Multicontroller was recognised by the judges for the efficiency and operational benefits offered by its key features, including the ActiveDrive 8 eight-step powershift transmission and the Multicontroller armrest and joystick combination.
ActiveDrive 8 is the most recent transmission introduction for Maxxum tractors, adding to the established ActiveDrive 4 four-step powershift and CVX continuously-variable options. The Maxxum 145 Multicontroller’s achieved an average specific fuel consumption of 258g/kWh, almost 9.5 per cent lower than the 282g/kWh of its nearest competitor, in the field work section of the PowerMix test conducted by Germany’s DLG testing station.
Vestrum CVXDrive
The four new Case IH Vestrum CVXDrive models from 100- 140 (max) combine big tractor features with premium specifications, compact dimensions and contemporary styling.
Each is powered by a 4.5-litre, four-cylinder FPT engine which meets the latest EU Stage V emissions standards using its multi-patented, maintenance-free HI-eSCR2 Selective Catalytic Reduction system. All components are fully integrated into the compact, all-in-one under-hood after-treatment system which incorporates the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue) injector.
Vestrum CVXDrive models are ideal for road transport or field tasks like mowing, baling, light tillage and specialist operations. CVXDrive provides stepless travel up to 40 km/h while Automatic Productivity Management (APM) perfectly integrates the interaction between the engine and transmission, delivering smooth, efficient, comfortable operation of the tractor.
Quadtrac CVXDrive
Continuously variable transmissions had never been available in an articulated tracked tractor before Case IH launched the Quadtrac CVXDrive and the largest of the three models puts a maximum of 613hp to work.
The CVX transmission in the Quadtrac 470, 500 and 540 CVXDrive models makes them more versatile in operation and able to maintain peak power through stepless speed changes. The engine can operate at maximum power while the transmission provides the variable ratios which allow the operator to either maximise the power available or operate in the most economical way. The ability to achieve maximum travel speed at lower rpm means that on the road these tractors are smoother, quieter and more economical.
“We are delighted to win these prestigious awards,” Thierry Panadero, Vice-President Case IH Europe, states. “They reflect the focus Case IH places on providing customers with products to help their businesses become more sustainable, productive and profitable.”
LB436 HD
With new designs and components throughout, the LB436 HD is capable of creating bales with up to 22% greater density than the LB434 XL model, which produces the same 120 x 90cm bale size and remains in the range.
Features unique to the LB436 HD include a new main gearbox and mid-ship gearbox with gearshift overload protection for high power transfer and driveline safety. In addition, an innovative new twine knotter system, Twine Pro, is designed to boost productivity while eliminating field litter and bale contamination. The LB436 HD is fully ISOBUS Class 3 compatible, meaning not only can it be controlled from an ISOBUS terminal in the tractor cab, but the baler can also control the tractor’s actions, such as increasing forward speed in light areas of swaths, to automatically boost workrates