CaseIH celebrated production of 50,000th Steiger tractor

Case IH commemorated the production of the 50,000th Steiger tractor during a celebration at its Fargo, N.D., manufacturing facility on Thursday, January 20th. The highlight of the celebration occurred when Case IH handed over the keys to the history-making tractor – a STX500 Quadtrac – to its new owners, as it rolled off the production line.

David and Mark Yaggie, Breckenridge, Minn., purchased the historic tractor. The Yaggie family – through their local Case IH dealership, Titan Machinery in Fargo, N.D. – have been long-term Steiger customers. In fact, father Leo purchased one of the original Steiger models.

The celebration at the Fargo production plant included appearances by members of the Steiger family, former company officials with the original Steiger Tractor Inc., Case IH leadership, and representatives of local and state government, including North Dakota Lt. Governor Jack Dalrymple.

Erik Olson, general plant manager of the Fargo facility, notes that the occasion held significance for a variety of reasons.

“The fact that the Steiger brand grew out of an idea from a family in Minnesota who dreamed of a better way to farm, into a brand that today delivers exceptional performance and value to its loyal customers, is something that’s truly noteworthy,” says Olson. “Through all the changes seen in our industry over the years, the original product concept has allowed Steiger to remain a robust brand with an amazing future.”

“The occasion also served as a testament to the dedication, work ethic, innovative spirit and pride of the employees, who have in the past or who today, build these magnificent machines,” Olson adds. “The sweat equity delivered by these people, the design teams, dealers and all those who touch Case IH Steiger tractors, have made the STX Series Steiger tractors a star performer in the Case IH product portfolio.”

The origins of the Steiger brand can be traced back to 1957 when John Steiger and his sons Douglas and Maurice, built a tractor that would help make their Red Lake Falls, Minn., farm more productive. Keeping an eye towards meeting the needs of farmers, the Steiger family built more than 100 tractors in their farm shop, before creating Steiger Tractor Inc. and opening manufacturing facilities in Fargo, N.D., in 1969.

Since then, the Fargo facilities were consolidated into the current manufacturing plant, which opened in 1975, where Steiger produced such legendary models as the Puma, Bearcat, Panther and Tiger tractor lines. In 1986, Steiger was purchased by a predecessor company to CNH – the parent company of Case IH – and now, Case IH manufactures Steiger models built in several frame sizes to handle engine horsepower ratings from 275 to 500 hp.

The Fargo plant produces Case IH Steiger tractors, New Holland TJ tractors, New Holland TV145 Bi-Directional tractors, Case 21 Series wheel loaders, New Holland LW Series wheel loaders, and 580 M Series tractor loader back hoes. The plant employees approximately 750 people.