31/07/07
This autumn marks a convergence of major milestones in the development
of Case IH tractors. The adaptable, four-wheel-drive Case
IH Steiger tractor is celebrating its 50th anniversary, while the powerful
and productive Case
IH Magnum marks 20 years since its introduction.
This Gold Signature Edition Magnum tractor is one of just 100 being built by Case IH to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Magnum tractors in 2008. The special edition tractors will carry a decal personally signed by Randy Baker,
Case IH president.
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A yearlong celebration of the two anniversaries will kick off at
farm shows this fall and stretch throughout the 2008 model year
- incorporating new product releases and commemorative events to
recognize the contributions of these iconic tractor brands.
"The Magnum was the first all-new tractor we rolled out after
the birth of Case IH. Its innovative design set the tone for the
whole company," says Randy Wood, Case IH Senior Marketing
Director. "And Steiger tractors are simply unmatched anywhere
in the industry. When Douglas and Maurice Steiger decided the world
needed a more powerful tractor, they went ahead and built it. That
level of customer focus still drives us today at Case IH."
Golden opportunities at Case IH dealerships
In a move designed to excite both dealers and customers, Case
IH will unveil "Gold Signature Edition" Steiger and Magnum
tractors at the 2007 Farm Progress Show. Sporting a distinctive
and contemporary gold and red paint scheme, these limited edition
tractors will carry commemorative decals, each personally signed
by Randy Baker, president of Case IH.
Wood explains that these tractors continue a Case IH tradition: "In
the late '60s and '70s, International Harvester created special
Gold Demonstrator tractors to create visibility in the market," says
Wood. "With these new Gold Signature Edition models, we tip
our hats to our International Harvester heritage and create excitement
for these important anniversaries."
Production of the distinctive tractors will be limited to 100
Gold Signature Magnum 305 tractors and 50 Gold Signature Edition
Steiger 535 tractors, to be allocated to the top selling dealers
of the two model lines.
2008 model year upgrades
The celebration will extend to all 2008 model tractors produced
by Case IH plants in Fargo, N.D. and Racine, Wis. including a new
Magnum 335 and an all-new Steiger line. Every 2008 Magnum and Steiger
model will carry a commemorative anniversary decal. Anniversary
tours of the two tractor plants are planned, as well as specially
designed promotional items, including limited-edition anniversary
scale model toys from Ertl and commemorative fine art prints from
artist Tom Nachreiner.
The Steiger saga: High plains ingenuity
The 50-year history of the Steiger tractors began at the Steiger
family farm in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota. John Steiger and his
sons Douglas and Maurice decided that the best way to meet the
need for a more powerful tractor was to build one. They were so
successful that neighbors began asking for their own. The Steigers
produced the first five models in their family barn.
This Gold Signature Edition Steiger tractor is one of just 50
being built by Case IH to commemorate the 50th anniversary of
Steiger tractors in 2008. The special edition will be on display
at fall farm shows and available next year at selected Case IH
dealerships.
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Demand soon outstripped the available capacity, and production
moved to Fargo, N.D. Over time, production grew into new facilities
and reached global markets, and technical improvements led to greater
performance enhancements.
Among the Steiger models introduced over the years is the Steiger
Quadtrac, an agricultural innovation that remains unmatched anywhere
in the industry. In March 2005, the Plowing World Record was broken
by a Case IH Steiger STX500 Quadtrac tractor, plowing 793 acres
(321 hectares) in just 24 hours. The 2008 model year also marks
the 10th anniversary for the Quadtrac.
Brothers Kyle and Travis Nielsen of Nashua, Montana, have used
Steiger Quadtrac tractors from the second year they were available
and now farm 15,000 acres with a pair of them. "We went to
the Quadtrac tractors for less compaction, better pulling power
and the smoothness of the ride," says Travis.
Magnum opus: the story continues
Case IH was a new nameplate when the first Magnum Series tractors
rolled off the line in 1988. Dealers and customers had eagerly
anticipated the first new tractor created after the merger of Case
and International Harvester - two longtime powerhouses in the farm
equipment industry - and they weren't disappointed. The Magnum
models were the most powerful and productive row-crop tractors
in history. And, Magnum tractors introduced the red paint that
has become a signature of the Case IH brand.
Today's new generation Magnum tractors lead the industry in power,
hitch lift spacing, hydraulic flow, interior cab space, glass area,
ergonomics and more. Best of all, they fit the needs of customers
from Illinois cornfields to High Plains hayfields - and beyond.
Jeff Kroskob and his family use two Magnum tractors in their commercial
hay operation in Brush, Colo. "These Magnum tractors are good.
They're reliable. The powershifts are smooth, the fuel efficiency
is good and there are hardly any repairs," Kroskob says.
Further west, partners Marvin Nunes and Gary Lorenzo run a pair
of Magnum models, along with five Steiger units, on 6,000 acres
in Merced, Calif. Annual hours range from 1,000 to 2,000 hours
on each tractor - and they say that the Case IH equipment easily
handle the pace.
"From what we've seen, there's nothing else out there that
will beat a Steiger tractor and the Magnum tractors will do a lot
of work," Nunes says.
2008: A milestone year
The simultaneous celebration of the Steiger 50th and Magnum 20th
anniversaries make the 2008 model year a landmark for Case IH.
"Celebrating these milestones allows us to recognize our
industry-leading products and the world-class dealers who support
them," says Wood. "That's essential to our Case IH heritage
and an important part of our future."
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