The Case IH Quadtrac AFS Connect™ range, the recently-introduced evolution of the Quadtrac articulated four-tracked tractor which incorporates wireless connectivity technology, has received the Farm Machine 2023 award for tractors in the 'XXL' category, after being selected by a jury of international journalists representing leading agricultural media across Europe.

Formerly known as the Machine of the Year awards, the newly-titled Farm Machine Awards have recognised innovation in agricultural engineering since 1997. The most recent awards, for machines available for the 2023 model year, were announced on the opening day of SIMA 2022 in Paris. The aim of the awards, says organiser and French agricultural publisher Terre-Net, is to reward innovations that are 'the most innovative and useful, bringing real added value to the farm through quality of manufacture, design and technology.'

"We are delighted that the value of the developments incorporated into the latest Quadtrac AFS Connect range have been recognised in this way," says Mirco Romagnoli, Vice President of Case IH Europe.

"Since 1997, when the Quadtrac was launched onto the European market, Case IH has continually evolved its design to stay ahead of the developing needs of the largest arable farmers and contractors. The incorporation of AFS Connect technology, which provides them with instant, automated two-way data transfer between the tractor and the myCaseIH online portal – accessible via smartphone or a PC – takes large tractor productivity a significant step forwards, and more than matches the modern need for instant, accessible accountability in every activity on the farm."

 The features that made the Quadtrac AFS Connect a winner

The latest Quadtrac AFS Connect tractors, along with their wheeled Steiger cousins, have received multiple upgrades for 2023. Producing up to 692hp from 12.9-litre FPT Cursor 13 six-cylinder engines with enhanced Hi-eSCR Stage V emissions technology, all models are equipped with powershift transmissions or, on models up to and including the 540, can be specified with the Case IH CVXDrive continuously-variable transmission. A high-output hydraulic system provides up to 428 l/min of oil flow, supplying up to eight electro-hydraulic remote valves for the most demanding implements.

The customisable control interface provides three ways to control key tractor functions: direct access through the armrest hot keys, via the AFS Pro 1200 touch screen monitor, or using the turn-and-press encoder dial. Ease of control is further improved by advanced vehicle ergonomics, including colour changing remote valve paddles and configurable buttons for different applications or operating preferences. Farm owners and managers can administer and optimise farm, fleet, and management data at any time from a desktop PC in the office or on a mobile device. This can be extended further with remote capabilities such as remote screen sharing, enabling, for example, permission-based dealer remote uptime support.

New three-point hitch

 The latest Case IH Steiger and Quadtrac models are fitted with a new heavy duty three-point hitch which has been evolved for greater durability, easier maintenance and enhanced serviceability, providing up to 5% increased lift capacity and greater flexibility for high power-demand implements. A new six-spool combination coupler with three ½" and three ¾" fittings is available for customers who operate large air seeding equipment.

"The 2023 model year Case IH Steiger and Quadtrac tractors with AFS Connect technology use the latest connectivity developments to provide owners with enhanced performance, efficiency and functionality that is central to helping large-scale farms operate in today's higher-cost environment," says Christian Huber, Managing Director CNH Industrial Österreich GmbH & Vice President Global Tractor Product Management Case IH.

"To have this recognised by the Farm Machine 2023 judges is a real accolade in our efforts to help such farms boost their productivity."