Smaller Case IH tractors go Stage IV

With two new ranges of mid-hp tractor lines and a couple of new fixed-chamber round balers, Case IH is targeting medium-sized livestock and mixed farms with its latest round of product introductions. Taking the tractors first, the all-new Stage IV-compliant, FPT-powered Luxxum line effectively replaces the Stage IIIB Farmall U and U Pro, although Case IH stresses that the Luxxum spec is shifted up several notches from its predecessors’. Here we’re talking the likes of an all-new Multicontroller armrest, complete with a separate loader/hydraulic function joystick (the stick also has duplicate transmission controls); optional front suspension with three selectable settings; 32F/32R four-step powershift with auto road and field modes; closed-centre load-sensing hydraulics with either an 80-litre or 100-litre/min pump; and wider tyres, up to 600/60 R38s. Model numbers are Luxxum 100 (99hp), 110 (107hp) and 120 (117hp), and Stage IV compliance comes from a combination of SCR and low-rate EGR. Further up the hp scale and in contrast to the Luxxum, the new Maxxums achieve Stage IV emission compliance with just SCR (no EGR). As before, this 116hp-145hp 14-strong family comprises Standard, Multicontroller (MC) and CVX stepless models, but there has been a shift from six- to four-cylinder units — there are now only two six-cyl Maxxums (one Standard and one MC) — and there is a new, more powerful CVX, the four-cyl 145hp CVX 145. All Maxxums now share the same wheelbase (2,642mm) and turning radius (5.4m).  Again, as with Luxxum, the new Maxxums enjoy extra spec: ISObus III on CVX; new hood and roof design; Headland Management Control II; fuel tank options up to 230 litres; an improved choice of seating; and a lighting pack of up to 16 LEDs. On balers, Case IH has upgraded its fixed-chamber round baler line. Out goes the RB 544, to be replaced by the RB 545 baler and RB 545 Silage Pack. The RB 544 Silage Pack remains for now.