MachineryLink

The summer has been full of announcements about new tractors, combines and sprayers running Tier 4 Final engines.

This comes at the end of a long road to emissions control compliance for farm equipment manufacturers, who have had engineers hard at work for years developing sophisticated engines that not only produce a lot of horsepower, but do it in EPA-approved, environmentally-friendly ways.

Finally, Tier 4 Final regulations take effect for high horsepower tractors, combines and sprayers beginning January 1, 2014.

For Case IH, the road to the EPA's Tier 4 has been a more direct road than for some of its competitors, because it started with a completely SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology and stuck with it. So did its CNH sister brand New Holland through their colleagues at engine builder Fiat Powertrain Technologies. Other competitors have merged CRS and cooled EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) technologies to meet EPA standards. Each system has its advantages. Case IH says its totally SCR system is more fluid efficient than its competitors'.

"We wanted to make it simple for our customers," says Leo Bose, Case IH manager of commercial training.

Farmers don't buy tractors because of emissions systems, however. So when the red brand recently introduced its Steiger and Magnum tractors with Tier 4 Final to dealers in Denver, it made sure there were plenty of other features to attract customers.

With the Steiger line, for instance, Case IH boosted horsepower ratings for all RowTracs and Quadtracs. The new maximum ratings now range from 405 to 682. All the new models also have increased hydraulic capabilities with eight remotes capable of pumping up to 113 gallons per minute.

The big tractors have some comfort and convenience upgrades in the new "Surveyor" cab. The MultiControl Armrest lets the operator make adjustments to 85% of the tractor's functions using only his right hand, says Mitch Kaiser, Steiger marketing manager. The driver's seat swivels 40-degrees to increase comfort and reduce back and neck strain with an all new cooled ventilated seats with lower slide out cushions for the ultimate in comfort during long days in the cab. A 360-degree lighting package makes night work easier and safer.

Steiger RowTrac models now have a wider undercarriage and can accommodate 24- and 30-inch tracks providing lower ground pressure and more versatility in cropping systems.

The nine models in the Magnum line now have a rated horsepower range of 180 to 380 with the largest engine topping out at 435 when necessary. A new high-horsepower CVT is an option on some models.

The Magnums come with new front axles for better ride and handling. Taller tires are an option. And new engine brake technology makes using large implements safer.

Engineers used eight patented technologies to reach their Tier 4 Final goals. The system treats emissions outside the engine, which Case IH says means the engine itself is configured for the highest power and best fuel efficiency. A two-stage cooling system with dual intercoolers that deliver more cold air to the turbochargers for a 30% faster low-end torque response and better fuel efficiency with fewer oil changes than competitive systems, Kaiser says.

Downstream from the engine, Case IH's Tier 4 Final tractors employ large mufflers that are honeycombed on the inside to expose as much of the exhaust gas as possible to diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).

Bose estimates the new system not only cleans emissions, it produces a 1% to 2% reduction in overall operating costs.

The new tractors will be available in 2014. Prices are not yet set.

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