International machinery and implements manufacturer Case IH is in the process of globally showcasing its most powerful tractor yet. The new Steiger 785 Quadtrac has almost 10% more horsepower than its already iconic predecessor, the 715 variant.
By Lloyd Phillips, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
When South African farmer and Case IH enthusiast Egon Zunckel attended America’s Farm Progress Show in August, he was taken aback by the recently unveiled Case IH Steiger 785 Quadtrac tractor on display there.
“It’s a big beast,” he tells African Farming.
The 785 can generate 853 peak HP, which is significantly more than the 778 peak HP of its already powerful predecessor, the Steiger 715 Quadtrac that is available in South Africa.
Case IH explains that the 785’s higher power output makes it the most powerful tractor in the company’s large and diverse stable. This, together with the 40% more torque this machine generates, is intended to allow farmers to efficiently operate larger implements or to pull their existing implements even faster.
Alexey Savinov, the Product Marketing Manager in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Case IH’s Steiger tractors, says: “Producers today need more power and peak productivity from their equipment … to make the most of every day in the field.”
Although both the 785 and 715 Steiger Quadtracs are powered by 16-litre engines, the 785’s engine has undergone significant updates and modifications to enhance its performance.
Steiger tractors are increasingly smart machines. In the case of the 785, farmers have subscription-free access to integrated precision technology like AccuTurn Pro for automated headland turning, AccuSync for multi-machine communications and coordination, and FieldOps for centralised machines monitoring and management.
There is an optional Quadtrac heavy-duty track suspension for the 785. Case IH says this comprises a fully suspended undercarriage system that achieves both conformation with the ground surface and a shared load across the suspension to reduce soil compaction while enhancing traction.
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Maybe, but not Now
Andre Olwagen, Head of Tactical Marketing and Portfolio for Case IH Southern Africa, says for the foreseeable future, South Africa will stay with the Steiger 715 Quadtrac.
“We see that the implements currently available in South Africa do not need more power than the 715 provides. Also, looking at things like the sizes of our mega commercial farms, the horsepower required for them and the fuel burn, the 715 remains the perfect fit for them.
“Maybe in the future, but it’s a big maybe, we might bring in the 785.”
Zunckel says that maximising economies of scale is what continues to drive South Africa’s commercial farms. So, if one larger machine, implement and its operator can do the work of two or more such combinations, this is a major drawcard.
“As single South African farming businesses expand, there is the need for larger equipment to more efficiently work more hectares. Even if a farmer does not buy bigger implements for the bigger tractor to pull, this tractor can pull the farm’s existing implements faster.”
Case IH says it will be showcasing the Steiger 785 Quadtrac at Germany’s Agritechnica exhibition in November. African Farming will be there.
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