Case IH Farmall C Upgrade: More power, weight & precision
The Case IH Farmall C, well known across New Zealand, has just seen an upgrade including a new look, increased weight and hydraulic power, and a cab overhaul.
It might be a while before New Zealand sees Case IH’s new AFS Connect Magnums, but they were on show at the Farm Progress Show last week in the US and at AgQuip in Australia.
In common with other models in the range, the new tractor has a redesigned cab, new AFS Vision Pro operating system, AFS Pro 1200 display and automated brake assisted steering.
But the new flagship Magnum 400 model differs in the engine and transmission. Firstly, the 8.7L six-cylinder FPT Cursor 9 is the same as that used in the Magnum 380 CVX, which also peaks at 435hp. But the rated power is up from 380hp to 400hp.
Until now, the biggest Magnum models could only be specified with a stepless CVX box, but the new 400 has an upgraded 21F x 5R powershift meaning more ratios over the 19F/4R powershift used in the smaller models.
The company says the new transmission puts down a constant 435hp at peak to the ground with a 10% power growth in both wheeled and Rowtrac configurations. Also, the set-up offers lower speeds in first gear and the wheeled tractor reaches its maximum speed of 50km/h at a reduced engine speed.
Taking many visual cues from the autonomous concept tractors shown over the last two years, a new hood can house optional LED style grill headlights. And telescopic rear breakaway extremity markers take their place over the rear fenders.
A new cabin, with pillarless full-width glass doors has improved seating, heating and cooling and more storage space. As one would expect, charging points, USB sockets and data ports are the norm, as is the can’t-do-without cup holders.
A new multi function armrest/control lever has better ergonomics and eight configurable hot keys for any machine function in a favoured position. This ability is carried over to the hydraulic remote valves.
In the tech arena, the Vision Pro operating system now has a new interface display.
This includes new graphics for the mapping function based on an Android operating system and photo-realistic images for the tractor and implement.
Other interesting additions to the series include electronic telescoping rear view mirrors, tyre pressure monitoring via the AFS Pro 1200 display and a semi-active cab suspension option.
What’s been a "rubbish" summer for campers and beachgoers has duck hunters in the lower North Island rubbing their hands together in anticipation of a bumper waterfowl season, which starts this weekend (May 2/3).
New research suggests sheep and beef farmers could improve both profitability and emissions efficiency by increasing lamb weaning weights, with only marginal changes in total greenhouse gas emissions.
Southland farmers are being encouraged to get ahead of the winter grazing season by attending a practical field day in Pukerau next week.
New Zealand communities are being encouraged to participate in Road Safety Week, running from 4 - 10 May, with a nationwide push to raise awareness and reduce road harm.
Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Stephen Kelly as the general manager of its Penske NZ operations, effective immediately In this role he will oversee all NZ branch operations, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine, and rail, while continuing to be based at Penske’s Christchurch branch.
According to the latest Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Remuneration Report, released today, farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.

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