Narrow track tractor | Company looks to re-enter row crop sector with new machine
Row croppers were pleased last year when Case introduced its narrow Rowtrac tractor designed specifically for them, although the four-track system still caused ridging in the headlands.
The new tractor had all the GPS guidance, digital controls and amenities of the bigger Quadtrac machines. The hydraulics were similar to those found on a big frame tractor, with a 113 U.S. gallons per minute parallel flow system designed for use with a three-point hitch and power take-off.
On the company’s new Magnum Rowtrac, the proven 18-year-old oscillating rear-track works in conjunction with round rubber tires at the front. The tracks provide optimal traction and flotation while the tires allow tight turns without ridging and berming.
Read Also
High pea yields shock farmers
There is going to be a massive pea carryout at the end of this crop year.
The system adjusts to all common widths typically used in row cropping. Spacings can be set at 20, 22, 30, 34, 36, 38 or 40 inches. Narrow and wide undercarriage options give producers the ability to choose tracks in four widths: 16, 18, 24 or 30 inches, according to a Case news release.
“Customers have told us it outperforms other two-track options with better handling and a smoother ride. The flotation provided by the tracks allows them to get into the fields sooner since it avoids ruts and compaction and doesn’t make divots when turning around,” said Zach Hetterick, Case marketing manager for high horsepower tractors.
“Now that specialty crop producers have access to tractors with row spacings and tread widths adaptable to their cropping systems, they can put that extra flotation and efficient track technology to work on their farm.… Plus, these tractors are highly compatible with the specialty equipment used to grow these (row) crops and have features such as the CVT transmission, which can greatly increase productivity.”
Both Rowtrac models use the 8.7 litre engine, either at 340 h.p. or 380 h.p.
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) comes standard on the Magnum Rowtrac 380 and is optional on the 340. The full Powershift transmission is available on the 340 when ordering a tread spacing of less than 136 inches.
Optional front duals are available for extreme conditions.
Case also has a special front tire with a larger footprint engineered specifically for the Rowtrac.
The tractor now has four options for the front axle, with the Universal Wide the new entry.
This axle adds six inches to the left and right sides and can be set for all tread spacings.
The Universal Wide and the standard are available with the optional suspension system.
