Case IH’s Versum CVXDrive with Stage V engine and Quadtrac CVXDrive have won the 2019 Machine of the Year titles, respectively in the “mid-size” tractors and “XL” tractors categories, awarded at the biennial SIMA exhibition in Paris. Judged by a panel of European agricultural magazine editors, the accolades were given in recognition of the benefits of the proven continuously-variable transmission, a unique feature to Case IH, as well as the fuel efficiency and operating benefits brought to the articulated tracked tractor market.
The prizes add to a run of awards won recently by Case IH which recognise the brand’s focus on innovative technological developments designed to help enhance the sustainability, productivity and profitability of farm businesses. They range from a bronze medal in the SIMA Innovation Awards for Case IH XPower digital weed control technology to the 2019 Tractor of the Year title for the Maxxum 145 ActiveDrive 8.
The 4.5-litre turbocharged and intercooled engine in the four-model 100-130hp Versum tractor range, which meets EU Stage V emissions legislation by combining patented under-hood after-treatment technology with a diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue) injector in a compact all-in-one package, drives through a standard CVXDrive continuously-variable transmission. Where large amounts of road travel or field tasks such as mowing, baling, light tillage and specialist operations where it may be beneficial to separate engine speed and forward speed are concerned, this has significant advantages.
The CVXDrive transmission in the Versum range provides stepless travel up to 40 km/h, which can be attained at reduced engine rpm. The incorporation of double clutch technology means that, at the point it takes place, the change between the transmission’s two mechanical ranges is seamless, and full tractive power available across the whole speed range. An Active Hold Control feature allows the tractor to be easily stopped on hills and at road junctions without using the footbrakes.
Versum CVXDrive tractors also feature Automatic Productivity Management (APM) this feature optimises the engine and transmission setting for either a target engine or forward speed set by the operator.
Continuously-variable transmissions have never before been available in an articulated tracked tractor, and Case IH remains the only manufacturer to offer CVT in this type of high-horsepower machine. The CVX transmission in the Quadtrac 470, 500 and 540 CVX models improves ease of use, particularly for inexperienced operators, accelerates faster to field or road speed, reduces operator fatigue, makes full power available at low ground speeds for special applications or implements..
The transmission provides stepless travel from 0-43km/h, and 0-17km/h in reverse. It is possible to set three target speeds from 0-43km/h, and these are adjustable via the thumb-wheel and buttons on the Multicontroller joystick, part of the tractors’ Multicontroller armrest. Acceleration is boosted by a kick-down feature, while 40km/h is achieved at just 1,440rpm, to further enhance fuel economy. The transmission incorporates four mechanical ranges with automated range-changing, changed without power interruption by four multi-plate wet clutch packs on the four planetary gear sets. Active Hold Control, where the hydrostatic motor eliminates the input speed from the engine, means the tractor, when brought to a halt on a hill, can remain static without the operator applying foot or hand brake.
The Machine of the Year award is judged by journalists from across a number of international agricultural publications, who make their overall selection from 14 categories ranging tractors and other self-propelled equipment to implements. The winners of each category are then revealed in mid-November, before the overall MOTY winner selected is revealed at SIMA.
“We are delighted to win the 2019 Machine of the Year award with the Versum CVXDrive with Stage V engine and Quadtrac CVXDrive,” says Thierry Panadero, Vice-President Case IH Europe.
“It’s a fitting recognition of the focus Case IH places on providing its customers with products to help their businesses become more sustainable, more productive and more profitable.”
