Next generation MX Magnum tractors from CaseIH

Case IH is beefing up its MX Series Magnum(tm) tractor line with more power from new Tier 3 compliant engines, a high-pressure fuel injection system, new productivity enhancing features, increased operator comfort and innovative transmission options that save fuel.

"We regularly survey our customers to get input on what they'd like to see in their tractors," says Roger Lewno, marketing and training manager for Case IH over 100 hp tractors and combines. "These new tractors are the result of their requests and suggestions." Case IH recently invited a number of these customers to ride, drive and evaluate the new Case IH models. "Their response was enthusiastic," says Lewno. "We met and even exceeded their expectations in providing the performance, productivity, convenience and comfort needed to improve their equipment return on investment."

More power and productivity Case IH customers wanted more power, and the next generation of MX Magnum tractors provide plenty. The top-of-the-line MX305 boasts a new 9.0L, Tier 3 engine with 255 PTO hp, up to 50 percent torque rise and 37 hp growth. The MX215 now has 175 PTO hp; the MX245 offers 200 PTO hp; and the MX275 has 225 PTO hp. These three models are powered by an 8.3L, 505 cubic inch, Tier 3 compliant engine.

"The new 24-valve, 2,000 rpm-rated engines are at the heart of the new MX Magnum Series improvements," Lewno adds.

The Tier 3-compliant engines are electronically controlled with a new high-pressure, common rail fuel injection system that's quieter, cleaner and more powerful than previous models. Electronic engines monitor and respond better to changing conditions, improving engine life and reducing overall fuel consumption.

The new Case IH engines also feature an efficient cross-flow head design system that intakes air from one side and vents exhaust directly out the other side. Compared to systems that exhaust air on the same side of the air intake, the cross flow head keeps air cooler, provides smooth air flow and better coolant circulation for longer engine life.

The new tractors' air intake and air cleaning systems also have been redesigned. Air is drawn from the top of the front grill, allowing approximately 15 percent more air flow than the previous generation Magnum tractors. Improved air flow translates to better performance, longer component life, less chaff plugging and reduced fuel consumption. In addition, all models have an expanded 180-gallon tank for longer intervals in the field.

Efficient performance Producers interested in a new Case IH Magnum tractor have three easy-to-operate, economical, full Powershift transmission options: a standard 18F/4R speed transmission; a new, optional 19F/4R option with a special 19th gear designed to conserve fuel during transport; as well as a 23F/6R transmission with shift-through creeper speeds. All tractors come standard with AutoShift, which features field and road modes, allowing operators to simply automate and improve transmission performance, while also simplifying their task list.

An extra road gear (19F/4R) produces a maximum road speed of 25 mph at a reduced engine RPM to save fuel: "It's an ideal option for operations requiring long distance hauling or transport," says Lewno. "Our tests have shown that the 19th gear transport option can reduce fuel usage during transport by 11 percent - that means with just 300 hours of transport, a producer can more than cover the cost of the feature. And as fuel prices continue to rise, that window will only shrink."

For specialty crops, such as potatoes or other vegetable crops that require very slow field speeds, the optional shift-through creeper transmission provides five forward and two reverse creeper speeds. The new creeper transmission allows the operator to engage or disengage creep at the end of the rows without stopping.

"Our customers will also appreciate the helical-cut transmission gears, which reduce noise and maximize tooth contact," Lewno adds. "Both gears and shafts are above the oil level to minimize parasitic loss, while pressure-lubrication keeps components clean and efficient."

Other performance enhancing features on the new Case IH Magnum family include a re-sculpted front end, providing the industry's tightest turning radius - 16-feet for standard "R34" tires - for an MFD tractor on 30-inch rows. When equipped with an optional high-flow hydraulic pump, the new MX Series tractors also deliver industry leading hydraulic flow - 58 gallons per minute - and industry leading hitch lift capacity on the MX275 and MX305.

"With the optional hitch, you can get up to 17,920 pounds of lift capacity for high-demand applications, such as planting and deep tillage with bedders, rippers and drills," Lewno ads.

More "electrical" power The electrical system also has been upgraded, with higher capacity alternators that provide electrical capacity to meet customer demands during the day and night. Operators can choose from a standard 150-amp, 12-volt alternator, or the 175-amp option for use with implements with higher electrical requirements, electric motors or additional lighting.

A new, optional lighting package offers producers 360-degree lighting, with three front, high intensity discharge (HID) lights, two rear HID lights, two side cab roof lights, and delayed egress lighting to allow the operator to exit the cab safely in the dark. "Increasing night-time visibility gives operators more productive hours in the field," says Lewno.

Precision guidance Operators trying to extend their day will also appreciate the convenience of factory-ready AFS AccuGuide autoguidance systems, available with multiple accuracy levels to fit every budget and operation. AFS AccuGuide-equipped MX215, MX245, MX275 and MX305 tractors also feature a new, armrest-mounted AFS200 color monitor designed to interface with and control all ISO11783 (current site-specific technology standard) compatible implements. Another next generation feature - AFS Auto Depth Control - allows operators to set the depth of trailing implements with previously unmatched precision.

"There's nothing better for tilling to the compaction layer, uniform seed-bed preparation and chemical and fertilizer applications," he adds. "Smart features like AFS Auto Depth Control help reduce operator fatigue and improve productivity."

A better place to work It's no surprise that the redesigned MX Magnum tractors offer operators comfort and convenience, since Case IH customers helped design them. The new Magnum line features the industry's largest, quietest cab, rated at just 70 dB(A) (a measurement of audible sound). As in previous Magnum designs, the Case IH Surveyor(tm) cab offers 360-degree panoramic visibility, with 10 percent more glass and 13 more cab volume than most competitive models. Optional right-side wiper, as well as front, side and rear sunshades were added. The cab height also has been raised four inches for better forward visibility.

Designed to allow operators to customize their work environment, the new automatic temperature control system provides full air recirculation with a better air seal between the hood and cab improving operator comfort and safety. A new, insulated muffler also helps reduce noise and temperature issues.

"Our goal with the MX Series Magnum design was to make the long days seem a bit shorter," Lewno notes. "Producers can also choose a suspended front axle option to improve ride quality and allow increased speeds both in the field and on the road."

Engineers also have reduced the complexity of end-of-row operations. Electronic End-of-Row is standard with Performance Instrumentation and enables control of all end-of-row functions with the flip of a switch. "The Electronic End-of-Row function is great for planting, seeding, row-crop cultivation and other complex operations," Lewno notes. "Just one switch controls hydraulic flow at the remotes, the throttle, gear shifts, the three-point hitch, MFD and the differential lock."

The Electronic End-of-Row feature comes standard with Performance Instrumentation, but even without the special package, operators can improve their efficiency during complicated tasks. A programmable upshift/downshift switch is standard in other tractors.

Reducing cost of ownership "With the high cost of diesel, our customers asked us to look at fuel efficiency," says Lewno. "Reducing fuel consumption is key to improving producers' productivity and ROI, and Case IH delivered."

Fuel-saving features include:

• 19F/4R transmission option that reduces fuel consumption by 11 percent in transport
• Electronic, common rail fuel system that monitors and responds appropriately to changing conditions
• Constant engine speed control that works to keep engine running at peak efficiency
• AutoShift, especially Auto Field mode, that automatically chooses gears to respond most efficiently to field and load conditions

In addition, simple service and maintenance are hallmarks of the Case IH tractor design. A one-piece, tilt-up hood provides single-point, ground-level access, for easy, daily engine and transmission oil checks and fuel fills. The larger fuel tank also keeps operators productive longer.

Longer intervals between fluid changes also save time and money. With 300 engine hours between oil changes and 1,500 hours between transmission fluid changes, producers require less downtime for service. And if a problem does occur, it can be diagnosed almost immediately because of the tractors' onboard diagnostics.

"The more time producers can spend in the field, the more productive they can be," concludes Lewno. "Reducing service time translates to better ROI."