The Farmall name is highly regarded in the farming world, with a legacy that dates back a century. In 2023, Farmall turned 100, and marked the milestone with a string of celebrations across the world.
Over the years, it has been marketed under different brands, namely McCormick-Deering and McCormick, before eventually landing under the Case IH umbrella where it has remained ever since.
Today, the Farmall range comprises several compact and utility models with power ranging from 25hp to 110hp.
Its latest addition to the stable, the Farmall 25SC (sub-compact), was released last year during the brand’s centenary celebrations, and is the smallest offering not just in the Farmall range, but in the entire Case IH tractor line-up.
Case IH let us take one for a spin at its recent media event in South Australia.
The newest Farmall was manufactured in Korea and features a 1.26-litre, three-cylinder, Stage-5-compliant Yanmar diesel engine offering 24.7hp, coupled with a two-range hydrostatic transmission.
The engine features reverse air flow, which draws cool air under the steering column out through the front grille of the tractor to keep the operator cool and reduces any build-up of dust and debris around the engine.
Only available in a ROPS configuration, the Farmall 25SC looks just like any other lawn tractor in a striking, iconic Case IH red livery, but the workhorse is more than just that.
It comes standard with a front-end loader and 4-in-1 bucket, while options can include a 60-inch-cut mid-mount mower deck and a backhoe attachment. That vastly increases the tractor’s versatility, enabling it to load, mow and dig, or essentially handle a wide range of tasks on the farm or property.
The 4-in-1 bucket has a maximum lift capacity of 457kg while the mid-mount mower has a 152cm cut width, side discharge and a quick connector for easy installation and removal.
The backhoe has a maximum digging depth of 191cm.
Its 25-litre fuel tank lets operators work for longer between refuels.
Coming standard with four-wheel drive, a diff lock, power steering and wet brakes, the Farmall 25SC has been designed to offer ultimate comfort.
The operator platform is fully flat without any gearbox humps, which makes it safe and easy for operators to step on and off. The flat deck also affords plenty of legroom.
The seat is reversible and can be turned all the way to the back for operation of the backhoe, if customers have ticked that option.
Driving the Farmall 25SC is as simple as pushing down on the forward and reverse foot pedals and controlling the revs for speed.
Ease of operation is a key selling point with this model, and operators with little to no experience will find it a breeze to drive.
Some tractors in the compact segment tend to have that cheap finish and clunky controls. They can be far from a joy to drive, but the Farmall 25SC is the exact opposite. The tractor moves and navigates really smoothly without the operator having to put too much effort into controlling it.
The Farmall 25SC comes standard with a loader joystick for loader control.
A nice little addition that makes operators’ lives easier is the cruise control function, which can be activated at the push of a switch located under the steering wheel. Operators simply drive the tractor at the direction and speed they want, push the switch and the tractor will cruise along at the set pace, allowing operators to take their foot off the pedal, helping to reduce fatigue.
Several little extra bits and pieces including a cup holder, storage tray and 12V socket only add to the convenience.
Being a sub-compact workhorse, maneuverability is the Farmall 25SC’s specialty. With its compact dimensions, it has a 2.4m turning radius and can therefore navigate tight spaces with supreme ease.
As we were not able to test the tractor with load, we will reserve judgement on the model’s load handling capabilities.
Underneath the little Farmall 25SC’s unassuming exterior lies a mighty workhorse ready to be put to work just about anywhere. Its versatility makes it the perfect tool for homestead owners, government councils, contractors and hobby farmers – pretty much anyone who wants to maintain or improve their land and property.
The Farmall 25SC is now arriving in dealerships nationwide, with pricing starting from $26,500.
And from now till June 30, 2024, Case IH is running an end-of-financial-year promo that provides buyers of the model with a four-year, 2000-hour full factory warranty, as well as a finance rate of 0.99 per cent. See your local Farmall dealer for full details.