SCR technology in new Magnum tractors will deliver efficient power with fewer emissions.

Case IH today shipped the world’s first tractor that meets the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tier IVA emissions requirements for agricultural equipment. The engine in the new Magnum Series tractor uses Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxides in emissions while actually boosting power, and improving fuel efficiency and durability.

The EPA’s Tier IVA emissions standards, which take effect in 2011, mandate cleaner and more efficient engines. These measures will reduce nitrogen oxides and particulate matter produced by 90% over previous generation engines utilized by agricultural manufacturers.

Case IH believes the SCR technology in the new Magnum Series tractors is superior to the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) technology being used by John Deere. EGR recirculates exhaust back into the engine air intake. In high-horsepower applications, this approach uses more fuel, leads to hotter engine temperatures and requires more maintenance.

“SCR is a game changer,” said Tom Dean, high horsepower tractor marketing manager, Case IH North America. “It is the best answer for farmers to be ready for government-mandated emissions standards now and in the future. Case IH leadership on this technology is a competitive advantage that positions us to capture more sales with North American producers.”

More than a short-term fix, SCR technology is commonly accepted as the best solution to meet the EPA’s more stringent Tier IVB emissions standards that will take effect in 2014. The new Magnum 180, 190, 210 and 225 models are the first in a lineup of high-horsepower Case IH SCR tractors that will roll out in 2011, including new larger Magnum models along with a new generation of Steiger four-wheel-drive tractors.

SCR treats emissions with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), which is a stable, non-toxic solution of synthetic urea and deionized water. The DEF tank is simply filled during routine refueling, and SCR technology takes over from there, mixing DEF with the exhaust to create harmless nitrogen gas vapor and water.

Testing has shown that the operating cost of the new Case IH SCR tractors is 10% better than previous Case IH models. More specific information on Case IH Tier IV solutions can be found on the company’s website.

The Early Bird

Paul Fortkamp, a Fort Recovery, Ohio, producer who farms poultry, corn and soybeans, was the first customer to receive the new Magnum tractor with SCR technology. He traveled with his dealer, Hull Brothers, to the Case IH manufacturing operation in Racine, Wis., and was “introduced” to his new Magnum 180 tractor by Dean and other company representatives.

“The SCR technology makes the 180 more fuel efficient, which is important for me as I try to reduce my input costs,” said Fortkamp. “It’s also the perfect size for my operation. It’s narrow enough for my rows, but big enough for a grain cart.”

About Case IH

Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment, committed to collaborating with its customers to develop the most powerful, productive, reliable equipment – designed to meet today’s agricultural challenges. Challenges like feeding an expanding global population on less land, meeting ever-changing government regulations and managing input costs. With headquarters in the United States, Case IH has a network of dealers and distributors that operates in over 160 countries. Case IH provides agricultural equipment systems, flexible financial service offerings and parts and service support for professional farmers and commercial operators through a dedicated network of professional dealers and distributors. Productivity enhancing products include tractors; combines and harvesters; hay and forage equipment, tillage tools; planting and seeding systems; sprayers and applicators; site-specific farming tools and utility vehicles. Case IH is a brand of CNH (NYSE: CNH), a majority-owned subsidiary of Fiat Group (FIA: MI).