Case to provide the ultimate in Antarctic cold comfort
Three modified Case IH Steiger Quadtracs are heading to Antarctica to ramp up Australia’s aviation operations in the world’s coldest continentIt’s been a journey two years in the making, but three Case IH Steiger Quadtrac 500 tractors are about to leave Tasmania for new homes in Antarctica to support the Australian Antarctic Division’s (AAD) aviation operations near Casey Station.
The final 3400km leg to Casey Station for the trio of Steiger Quadtracs will bookend a process that first began at Case IH’s manufacturing plant in Fargo, North Dakota, and has since included a slew of critical modifications and testing to help the machines cope with the brutal, unforgiving nature of Antarctic conditions – especially during the extremely challenging depths of winter. The handover process has also included training for the Antarctica-based operational teams.
“This is a process that has taken several years because it’s not simply a case of delivering three of our regulation Steiger models,” said Jason Wood, Case IH ANZ Steiger Product Manager.
“To withstand the unforgiving environment… they’ve had the likes of arctic hoses installed in key areas and heaters added for the warming of the coolant and engine oil before they’re started each time. The fuel tanks have even been tripled in size to increase their versatility.”
Once in Antarctica, they’ll be involved in runway maintenance, fuel and cargo transport, sled towing and heavy vehicle recovery between Casey Station and Wilkins Blue Ice Runway, 70km away, and also at the Casey Ski Landing Area, 15km from the station.
Casey Station is one of three permanent Australian missions in Antarctica run by the AAD.
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General Manager of Case IH Australia and New Zealand, Pete McCann, said the request had been a completely unique one for his team, which enjoyed preparing the Steigers for something far removed from their usual farming environment.
“It will be a proud moment when they’re finally loaded onto the ship in Hobart for their new home and their new job on the frontline of the important scientific work being undertaken in Antarctica,” said McCann.
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