Case IH releases Steiger CVT
New rig claimed to be world’s first articulated tractor with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)Case IH has announced the launch of its Steiger CVT technology in Australia, which will be available on the Quadtrac 450 and 500; Rowtrac 400, 450 and 500; the Steiger wheeled 400, 450 and 500; and wheeled scraper 450 and 500.
The Steiger CVT will make its public debut at the upcoming AgQuip field days in Gunnedah (NSW), which will be held this year from August 22 to 24.
“The Continuously Variable Transmission offers so many benefits for the tractor operator, and we’re excited our Australian customers will soon have the opportunity to put it to the test,” says Case IH High Horsepower Tractor Product Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Alyx Selsmeyer.
“As well as noticing cost savings where fuel consumption is concerned, the CVT makes the tractor more user-friendly for operators of all skill levels and its features contribute to smooth operation and increased comfort for those behind the controls.”
Selsmeyer says Case IH had been developing its CVT technology for almost 20 years and is proud to now be able to offer it at the top end of its tractor market.
As well as targeting fuel efficiency and operator fatigue, the CVT transmission provides faster acceleration to field or road speed; full power availability at low ground speeds for special applications and implements; and full hydraulic flow availability at low ground speeds for applications such as drilling and planting.
The result is increased productivity with faster cycle times and maximum fuel efficiency, Case IH says.
Other Steiger CVT features include:
- Three adjustable target speeds from 0km/h to 40km/h, adjustable via the thumb-wheel and buttons on the Multicontroller.
- A kick-down feature on the transmission which ensures maximum acceleration, and 40km/h is achieved at just 1640rpm.
- Four mechanical ranges on the transmission for maximum efficiency and operator comfort, with automated range-changing.
- Four multi-plate wet clutch packs, mounted on the four planetary gear sets, which change the ranges without power interruption with equal clutch speeds for smooth shifting without clutch wear.
- Active Hold Control that allows the tractor to remain static when brought to a halt on a hill, without the operator applying the foot or hand brake. The park brake is automatically applied if it remains in this state for more than 45 seconds.
- An inching pedal that replaces the decelerator pedal found on Steiger tractors with powershift transmission. Ideal when backing up to attach implements or edging closer to objects, this feature allows operators to control the acceleration rate in either direction.
- Multicontroller with a power shuttle switch which works in conjunction with the shuttle lever on the left of the steering column, for convenient direction changes without releasing the steering wheel.
Case IH says the Steiger CVT transmission has been specifically designed for applications requiring 400hp and above.
“It all adds up to a tractor designed to ensure the most efficient operation at all times, in all conditions, regardless of the task or terrain, with the capacity to reduce engine speed to the minimum required for the tractor’s workload, in order to maximise fuel efficiency,” Selsmeyer says.
Orders for the Steiger CVT tractors will be taken from October 1, with delivery set for early next year.
Pricing information is expected to be available closer to the launch date.
To find out more, see your local Case IH dealer or visit caseih.com.
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