EfficientPower – Only Available in Red
2011-11-25

Agritechnica 2011 marks the first anniversary of the launch of Case IH EfficientPower technology for the marque’s tractors and combines, now used in more than 75 different tractor models in four series, plus the complete range of Axial-Flow combines.

Now, three new tractors series – Maxxum, Farmall U and the Magnum CVX – all boast the EP sign, the logo for EfficientPower technology.

AF9230 Axial-Flow

The EfficientPower system involves more than just innovative technology. It harnesses the achievements of Case IH development engineers in seeking to maximise productivity and efficiency by co-ordinating the driver’s operation of the tractor and the machine’s technical systems.

"New technologies have been introduced with EfficientPower that optimise the technical characteristics of the machine and improve the interface with the driver, with the objective of enhancing both cost-effectiveness and comfort," explains Silvain Blaise, Marketing Director at Case IH in Europe.

"EfficientPower is characterised by productivity, cost-effectiveness and intuitive, smart operation."

More efficient engines and cleaner emissions
EfficientPower ensures that all tractors fitted with the system fulfil the Stage 3B (Tier 4 Interim) exhaust gas emissions standard. For the next step, which comes into effect from 2014 onwards, Case IH will use SCR technology and AdBlue throughout its range. Exhaust gas cleaning takes place outside of the engine itself, greatly reducing the proportion of particulates it contains.

"With the Case IH SCR system, the exhaust gas is not fed back into the engine, which would result in reducing the power output available to the user," Mr Blaise points out. "At the same time, our Stage 4B technology does not require regeneration of particulate filters, or special technologies to recycle cooled exhaust gas.

"There are three main advantages with our SCR technology: more power, much lower fuel consumption and enhanced reliability. The engines are precisely tuned for the highest performance without any compromises in efficiency from the reduction in emissions, and the result is more power and improved response. A precision-regulated combustion process and no exhaust gas recycling means a noticeable increase in fuel efficiency.

“By not recycling exhaust gas pollutants through the engine, we also achieve greater durability, increased reliability and extended maintenance intervals," says Mr Blaise.

"That’s why we are convinced that this is the best approach for all of our agricultural machines. Farming-specific requirements such as high lugging power in the field are delivered in full by the SCR system.

On the safe side with Efficient Power
Mr Blaise points out that the additional advantage for the customer is that the EfficientPower technology implemented today on Case IH tractors and combines means peace-of-mind when the Stage 4B/Tier 4 Final standard comes into effect in 2014.

The engine technology and exhaust gas cleaning systems have been sourced from Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT), one of the world's leading manufacturers of diesel engines. FPT’s already-accumulated experience in road truck engines means that its engine technology for Stage 4B regulations is already well-proven, providing operators with significant advantages.

The easiest way to drive a tractor
The integral components of EfficientPower are the various modern assistance systems that support the driver in controlling the tractor in all situations. These include Automatic Productivity Management (APM), which ensures optimum engine/transmission co-ordination.

"This enhances driving comfort for the operator and, at the same time, prevents unnecessary fuel consumption because APM automatically selects the most cost-effective settings," says Mr Blaise.

“Its operation is part of the intuitive control concept implemented on EfficientPower tractor models equipped with the Multicontroller and the Intuitive Control Panel (ICP). This control system is now fitted on Case IH tractor models from 100 and 670hp."

High level of acceptance by farmers
Since its launch, EfficientPower has produced excellent results in the field, backed by numerous international tests in which EfficientPower tractors have produced the class-winning results. A shining example is the Puma CVX 230 EP, which during the DLG (German Agricultural Association) PowerMix test achieved a fuel consumption of 31 grammes per kW/h, representing a potential saving of more than 3000 litres of diesel per year compared to conventional technology.

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