We’ve just returned from Austria and a preview of the first two Quadtrac 715s in Europe. Peaking at a whopping 778hp, the most powerful production tractor ever from Case IH is the first with the new 16-litre FPT Cursor engine.
The trend on large farms is to couple wider and bigger kit to the rear of their tractors, and while the peak power of 699hp of the recently-launched Quadtrac 645 (replaces the Quadtrac 620), is plenty powerful enough for most, some farms are requesting even more power.
Enter the Quadtrac 715, which is only available in tracked Quadtrac format, which sits at the top of the recently-released line of revised Quadtrac 525-645 AFS Connect models.
The new flagship looks much larger than the 645 but is in fact only 10cm longer and the rest of the physical dimensions are similar. Externally, it is the massive engine hood that makes the Quadtrac 715 appear much larger.
Setting it apart from the rest of the models in the range, we understand that the new hood design will not only ultimately migrate to the other models but will also be the new styling for all Case IH tractor ranges in the future.
Lifting nearly a third higher for easier service access, fully opened, the front of the new engine hood on the 715 is so far from the ground that it is impossible to reach up to close it. Instead, it is opened and closed via an electric actuator (operated via a switch in a lockable box near the cab steps).
Refuelling stops are reduced via the integration of wider saddle tanks on the rear frame, holding a total of 1,968 litres of diesel, 11% up on the Quadtrac 645.
While the dimensions are similar to the 645, the 715 is in all other aspects in a league of its own. The displacement of the 16-litre engine (twin-stage intercooled turbocharger) is 23% greater than the Cursor 13-litre block in the Quadtrac 645. Delivering the peak 778hp at 1900rpm (3,255Nm peak torque at 1400rpm), the engine is mated to the latest 16-speed PowerDrive powershift.
The new heavy-duty track units are significantly different to those on other Quadtrac models. Tracks are 305mm longer for 6.0% more ground contact than the 645, and increasing the drive wheel diameter by 10cm to just over 1.0m allows five track lugs to be engaged with the drive wheel rather than four, to handle the higher torque and maximise track life.
The 715 also has a new lighting design, with new LED road lights as well as work lights that produce an output of 25,420 lumens, for 11% more illumination power. These are complemented by new cab-mounted work lights available in three packages, with the top-level package delivering an additional 45,600 lumens output with 360 degrees coverage.
The raw pulling power of the drawbar is sufficient for most North American farms, but some 60% of Quadtracs delivered to Europe are fitted with the optional rear Cat IV linkage (lift capacity 10.1t). Up to eight remote valves are supplied from either a 216l/min or optional 428 l/min twin-flow SmartTorque hydraulic pump.
The restyled lighting provides a new look as well as more output, while other practical new features include grab rails around the roof to aid safe window cleaning and a new front wiper that increases total swept area.
Internally, there are new storage areas, while a new headliner incorporates new LED lighting and enhances sound system speaker output from the uprated sound system options. An integrated rail system in the right-hand headliner and A-post ensures easy monitor attachment, and space for a second AFS Pro 1200 terminal.
AFS Connect technology allows vehicle and agronomic data recording, including two-way transfer between the tractor and myCaseIH online portal, while also allowing remote machine monitoring/support by owners and, with permission, dealers.
It is difficult to talk about process, but we are informed that the starting price for the Quadtrac 645 is around €800,000. We are sure that Quadtrac 715 customers will have to dig much deeper into their pockets.
The first European public viewing of the Quadtrac 715 will be at Agritechnica in November. The first deliveries are planned for early 2024.
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi for just £3.99 an issue.
