A dream machine

Doing more with less is the basis upon which the Quadtrac 715 was created. As Case IH puts it: "The economic, efficiency and environmental benefits of enabling one operator to do more with one machine have driven the development of a new tractor at the top of the Case IH range.’

The 715 is now Case IH’s most powerful production tractor. It blends many of the established Quadtrac principles proven over almost three decades with ‘significant advances and key differences' to other models in the recently released line of revised 525-645 Quadtrac AFS Connect and 475-525 Steiger AFS Connect tractors.

But the 715 is about more than just power, according to Franz Josef Silber, Case IH product marketing manager for high-horsepower and four-wheel tractors.

“Our aim was to create a machine that matches the requirements of our region’s largest farms, to operate implements at their ideal speed, producing higher work rates and allowing operations to be performed at the ideal time, even in tough working conditions, to make the most of short weather windows. We also wanted to ensure soil protection via a bigger footprint and fewer passes, which also means greater efficiency and minimal trafficked land.”

Full power through four tracks

Available only in tracked Quadtrac format, the new 715 model is powered by the new FPT Cursor 16L TST. Its displacement is 23 per cent greater than the Quadtrac 645’s Cursor 13L TST, delivering 778 peak horsepower at 1,900rpm and 3,255Nm peak torque at a low 1,400rpm. High torque availability is ensured with a twin-stage intercooled turbo-charging system guaranteeing a fast load response in tough conditions. Refuelling stops are reduced via the integration of wider saddle tanks on the rear frame, holding a total of 1,968L of diesel, 11 per cent up on the Quadtrac 645.

The engine powers the latest Case IH 16-speed PowerDrive powershift transmission with Automatic Productivity Management (APM). Introduced on the recently launched Quadtrac AFS Connect line, it features uprated core components.

Track units upgraded

The new heavy-duty track units are significantly different to those on other Quadtrac models. Tracks are 305mm longer for more ground contact, enhanced power transfer, greater traction and reduced compaction. Drive wheel diameter is 1,008mm, up from 910mm, with five track lugs engaged with the drive wheel rather than four, to handle the higher torque and maximise track life.

A new level of output

Externally, the new Quadtrac 715 is set apart from its stablemates through a distinctive new bonnet design. The bonnet, which can be raised 31 per cent higher for enhanced service access, is opened and closed via an electric actuator, operated via a switch in a lockable box near the cab steps. It also features a new lighting design, with new LED road lights as well as work lights that produce an output of 25,420 lumens, for 11 per cent more illumination power. These are complemented by new cab-mounted worklights available in three packages, with the top-level package delivering an additional 45,600 lumens output with 360 degrees coverage.

Handles the biggest implements

A Category 5 drawbar fully matches the new tractor’s implement-handling capacity, while the optional Category 4 three-point hitch, as recently introduced on other new Quadtrac models, lifts 10,092kg, and was designed from the outset to match the capabilities of the Quadtrac 715. Up to eight remote valves are supplied from either a 216L/min or optional 428L/min twin-flow SmartTorque hydraulic pump.

CAB Enhancements

Externally, safe and easy cab access is provided via staircase-style rotating steps, while a comfortable ride is assured by four-point cab suspension. The restyled lighting provides a new look as well as more output, while other practical new features include grab rails around the roof to aid safe window cleaning and a new front wiper that increases total swept area. Internally, there are new storage areas, while a new headliner incorporates new LED lighting and enhances sound system speaker output from the uprated sound system options. An integrated rail system in the right-hand headliner and A-post ensure easy monitor attachment. It can carry a second AFS Pro 1200 terminal where required, for AFS AccuGuide steering and AccuTurn Pro headland management, ISOBUS implement management, guidance and more. AFS Connect technology allows vehicle and agronomic data recording, including two-way transfer between the tractor and myCaseIH online portal, while also allowing remote machine monitoring/support by owners and, with permission, dealers.