Quadtrac raises the game

Claas was first to show its hand with the newly released Xerion 12 series that peaks at 653hp, quickly followed by New Holland who launched its latest T9.700 offering a max of 699hp.

However, both these machines have been gazumped by Case IH, who used the recent Farm Progress Show in the US to launch the Quadtrac 715 that peaks at a mighty 778hp, delivered by its new 16-litre FPT Cursor engine.

The company says the tractor was developed to meet a growing trend on large farms that want to tow bigger and wider implements. The 715, only available in a tracked format, tops off the recently revised Quadtrac 525-645 AFS Connect models.

While the new flagship is only 10cm longer than the 645, externally it appears significantly larger by way of a massive new engine hood. This sets it apart from the other models in the range that eventually will trickle down to the rest the Quadtrac range, while also becoming part of a styling revamp for all Case IH tractor ranges in the future.

The revised hood offers easier service access, by lifting nearly a third higher. So vertically challenged operators will be pleased to hear that. However, the hood is impossible to reach from the ground, so designers have incorporated electric lift actuators to take over the task, via a switch located in the toolbox near the cab steps.

The 16-litre engine, equipped with a twinstage intercooled turbocharger, is 23% larger than the Cursor 13-litre block in the Quadtrac 645. It delivers the peak 778hp at 1900rpm, with 3255Nm peak torque at 1400rpm, mated to the latest 16-speed Power- Drive powershift. Refuelling stops are reduced by using wider saddle tanks on the rear frame, holding a total of 1968 litres of diesel, an increase of 11% over the Quadtrac 645.

New heavy-duty track units are 305mm longer for 6% more ground contact than the smaller 645. The drive wheel diameter has been increased by 10cm to around 1m, allowing five track lugs to be engaged with the drive wheel rather than previous four. A design inclusion to handle the higher torque output and also maximise track life.

While the raw pulling power of the drawbar is said to be adequate for most North American farms, the company notes that around 60% of Quadtracs delivered to Europe are fitted with an optional rear Cat IV linkage that lifts up to 10.1t. Hydraulics are offered with up to eight remote valves, supplied by either a 216 l/min or optional 428 l/min twin-flow SmartTorque hydraulic pump.

The 715 also features new LED road lights, complemented by work lights that produce an output of 25,420 lumens, for 11% more illumination power. In addition, optional cab-mounted work lights are available in three packages, with the top-level package delivering an additional 45,600 lumens output and 360 degrees coverage.

Other practical features include new grab rails around the roof to aid safe window cleaning and a new front wiper that increases total swept area.

Internally, alongside new storage areas, an integrated rail system on A-post ensures easy monitor attachment, and space for a second AFS Pro 1200 terminal.

AFS Connect allows vehicle and agronomic data recording, including two-way transfer between the tractor and my CaseIH online portal. This also allows remote machine monitoring/ support by owners and – with permission – dealers.