Sometimes when it rains, it pours, and at the Case IH exhibit at the National Farm Machinery Show, there was a flood of new tools to check out. From the AFS Connect Steiger range reaching 645hp to a new mounted planter bringing cutting-edge technology to a target market segment, farmers got to see a lot. All new machines are targeted for the 2024 model year.
The Steiger line will include six new models from 425 to 645 HP of engine. “The model mix has changed,” says Matt Booms, tractor product specialist at Case IH. “The 370 is gone and we’ve increased the power of the in-line chassis.” The row crop design has three models: the 425, 475 and 525.
Larger frame machines include the 555, 595 and 645, with the 645 offering 699bhp of peak power as needed. Model numbers correspond to engine power. The new machines feature a redesigned cab top with a sunroof style, as well as support rails for operator safety. And there’s a premium sound option, says Booms.
In addition to offering 360-degree illumination, the cabin has three levels of LED illumination: 1,400 lumens, 3,000 lumens and 5,000 lumens. Another addition is the Ram mounts on the front and top side of the roof, making it easy to mount the screen.
The new engines meet Stage V emissions, the highest level required in Europe, but not yet in the US. Boom says the machines don’t use a diesel particulate filter but active catalyst management. For every 100 hours of operation, the machine will clean the catalyst, a process invisible to the user. At 500 hours, coinciding with the oil change interval, the machine will require a manual debris cleaning process, which takes about 20 minutes, he says.
The time for this manual process can come before or after the oil change. Boom says that’s still to be determined.
Planter mounted with new technology
The three-point mounted planter is a popular choice in certain parts of the country, and farmers have had few new options to choose from in recent years. That changes with the launch of the Early Riser 2110 planter for 2024
“This is a high-tech, high-spec planter using our 2000-row unit, and it’s the first time it’s been offered in a mounted planter,” says Dave Brennan, parts and service sales manager. “Owners of these types of planters are often forced to adapt with new row units.”
ORIENTED PLANTER: This new Case IH 2110 Mounted Planter offers high-spec performance for cotton and peanut farmers. The machine is the first offering at this level of technology for the market segment.
Available in six- and eight-row configurations with 30-, 36-, 38- and 40-inch spacing, the machines feature automated vacuum control. Row units feature the latest Precision Planting vSet gauges. And farmers can also choose to add hydraulic downforce. “This is a popular style of planter for peanuts and cotton,” adds Brennan. “There is some use of corn and soybeans, but with the wider rows, it’s more for those other crops.”
A new addition is the 3 bushel hopper option. Adding capacity to the machine, the hopper is designed to work with any Case IH hopper-style planter unit as a possible upgrade for older machines.
In addition, Case IH has increased tank capacity and split bulk fill scale options for the Early Riser 2150 planter. Fertilizer capacity has increased from 400 to 540 gallons on all 2150 machines from 12, 16 and 24 rows. This reduces the need for tractor-mounted tanks. And new split bulk fill tank scales improve access with a large fill hole and low tank height.
Improvement of the Puma series
Case IH is expanding the Puma line, which comes in both a short wheelbase series and larger machines. The new Puma 175 adds to the top end of the short wheelbase line, which now includes two models: the 160 and the 175. For the 175, engine power is 180 and peak power is 225.
The Puma universal line, in the longer wheelbase versions, is now equipped with AFS Connect and includes the Puma 185, 200, 220, 240 and the new 260. Each of them receives a major cabin update, with styling first introduced on the Optum. tractor
LARGER PUMA: Larger Puma models gain AFS Connect status, with a new cabin offering greater comfort and visibility. And the new Puma 260 extends the power range of the series.
AFS Connect models include the Pro 1200 monitor option, and include the telematics and cockpit upgrade. “The cab is a big upgrade,” says JE Cadle, mid-range tractor marketing director. “It’s a step up from what the tractor had, and adding telematics brings more capabilities.”
Cadle says fuel capacity has increased 15 percent to 124 gallons, which increases productive time with less refueling required. The cabin also features integrated tool boxes hidden in the fuel tank area. “They are lockable toolboxes and provide better access,” he says. “There is also easier access to tractor service points.”
Automation of the aerodynamic force of the drill
Case IH has released AFS Furrow Command downforce automation for the Precision Disk series of air drills. The system automatically adjusts downforce as conditions change. “It works for single disc planters,” says Trent Nowosad, seeding equipment marketing manager. “You set the pressure low and the system maintains proper contact during operation.”
SENSOR AND PRESSURE DROP: The tube on the right of this Case IH air drill unit is a sensor that is part of the new AFS Furrow Command, an automated down pressure system. The sensor measures down pressure in one row of each section, providing precision.
The system provides feedback to the cockpit, including ground contact percentage, downforce monitoring and mapping, making it easy to configure the system, he adds.
“There are two benefits. First, you lower the pressure and it’s easier for the less skilled operator,” Nowosad says. “And second, you can maintain seed placement under different conditions.”
A sensor in a unit in each section can measure pressure and provide feedback to the system to maintain consistency through changing conditions.
To learn more about these new products, visit caseih.com.
