The new Case IH new Vestrum CVXDrive tractors have gone down well with judges and customers, winning the Machine of the Year 2019 award in the mid-size tractor category at SIMA 2019.

The four models range from 100-140 hp (max), and combine the compact dimensions, manoeuvrability and ease of use of a four-cylinder design with the advanced technology, premium specification and comfort found in the company’s larger models.

The new range includes the first Case IH tractor in the 100 hp class to incorporate the company’s popular continuously-variable CVXDrive transmission and Automatic Productivity Management (APM), which contribute to greater operational efficiency and fuel economy.

“It is great to see the success of this new tractor,” says David, Schimpelsberger, Product Marketing Manager at Case IH. “We already have hundreds of orders from all European markets. The combination of premium features and the CVXDrive transmission makes them a great choice for mixed and dairy farms, contractors and road maintenance operators that need a tractor which will be equally at home in the field, on the road or when being used for loader work in confined areas.

“The name ‘Vestrum’ means ‘yours’ in Latin and reflects the fact that choosing a new tractor is a very personal choice. Even though it is new this year, we are already announcing further optional features.” 

Fuel-efficient, powerful and clean engines

The Vestrum CVXDrive fits into the Case IH range between the Luxxum models from 100-120 hp and 115-145 hp Maxxum tractors. The model designation of the Vestrum 100 CVXDrive, Vestrum 110 CVXDrive, Vestrum 120 CVXDrive and Vestrum 130 CVXDrive indicates the engine’s rated horsepower at 2,200 rpm, while maximum power outputs of 110,120, 130 and 140 hp are developed from 1,700 to 1,900 rpm.

Every Vestrum CVXDrive model is powered by a 4.5-litre, four-cylinder FPT engine which incorporates a common rail injection system, highly advanced wastegate turbocharger and intercooler to develop a strong torque increase at low engine speeds. Maximum torque outputs of 520 Nm, 551 Nm, 610 Nm and 630 Nm for the four models are developed at just 1300 rpm, while the engine’s industry-leading 600-hour service interval minimises downtime and operating costs.

Demonstrating outstanding fuel efficiency, it meets the latest EU Stage V emissions standards, meaning that particulate matter has been reduced by a further 40%. At the heart of the new system is FPT’s multi-patented HI-eSCR2 selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, which is completely maintenance-free. All components are fully integrated into the compact all-in-one, under-hood after-treatment system, which also incorporates the diesel oxidation catalyst and diesel exhaust fluid (AdBlue) injector. 

Transmission technology

Case IH has almost two decades of experience in continuously-variable transmission technology. The ability to separate engine speed from forward speed makes CVXDrive models ideal for operations such as road travel or field tasks like mowing, baling, light tillage and specialist operations.

CVXDrive provides stepless travel up to 40 km/h which, using the ‘Eco’ setting, can be reached at an engine speed of just 1700 rpm to minimise fuel consumption. The transmission incorporates double-clutch technology to deliver seamless, fully automatic changes between the two mechanical ranges and make full tractive power available across the entire speed range. Active Hold Control holds the tractor stationary, loaded or unloaded and without applying the brakes, while an automatic parking brake is fitted as standard.

Automatic Productivity Management (APM) perfectly integrates the interaction between the engine and transmission, delivering smooth, efficient, comfortable operation of the tractor. To save fuel the system automatically reduces engine speed when it detects that less power is required, such as moving from heavier to lighter soils when cultivating or when demand from the hydraulic system reduces.

Power from the CVXDrive transmission is transmitted to the ground through a wide range of tyre options, with the largest size being 600/65 R38. 

Powerful hydraulics meet any requirement

The hydraulic systems and implement connections on Vestrum CVXDrive models are designed to handle even the heaviest of jobs and meet virtually any requirement. These tractors can also be supplied from the factory ready for fitment of a Case IH LRZ 120 front loader, which is controlled electro-hydraulically via a joystick in the cab, making it comfortable and effortless to operate.

Featuring Electronic Hitch Control (EHC), the Cat II or III N rear linkage can lift up to 5,600 kg, while the variable displacement, pressure flow compensating (PFC) pump delivers up to 110 litres/min. Headland Management Control II, which operates on ISOBUS III for maximum efficiency, automates repetitive operations, reducing driver fatigue and increasing productivity.

Active Ride Control is included in the standard specification, together with external controls for the rear hitch, hydraulics and PTO. Up to seven mechanically- and electronically-controlled hydraulic remote valves are available, together with a ‘Power Beyond’ port delivering up to 110 litres/min. 

Strong and manoeuvrable

The Vestrum CVXDrive is equipped with a highly durable front axle which has a permissible load of 3,700 kg, while the 55° steering angle helps it achieve a tight 4.5 m turning radius. Suspended and braked front axle options are available. A robust front linkage is fully integrated into the front axle mounts and has a maximum lift capacity of 2,300 kg. Front linkage management is available on all Vestrum CVXDrive models.

The front PTO operates at 1,000 rpm, while the rear PTO provides three speeds, 540/540E/1,000 rpm, with 540E/1,000/1,000E rpm or 540/1000 rpm optional and ground drive PTO is available for all configurations.

Premium comfort

Vestrum CVXDrive tractors feature a luxurious, comfortable four-pillar cab with suspension which provides excellent all-round visibility and driving comfort. The control layout is similar to that used on larger Case IH tractor models, so operators who are familiar with others in the range will find the Vestrum easy to operate and those new to the brand will quickly adapt.

The well-established, intuitive Case IH Multicontroller armrest is fitted as standard to ensure easy and intuitive operation of all functions. All main settings can be adjusted from the AFS PRO 700 terminal, while a Bluetooth radio with hands-free function makes it easy to make or receive ‘phone calls from this premium quiet cab.

The wide range of options includes cab suspension, air conditioning, electrically adjustable and heated rear mirrors, together with a range of air suspension comfort seats to ensure stress-free working, even during the longest days.

2020 Vestrum models will have further options, including a panoramic glass low roof to maximise visibility and create an even brighter, more spacious feeling in the cab, while still maintaining a low roof height to ensure good access to low buildings. Other new features will include a windscreen wiper which operates through 235° to maximise visibility, a cool box in front of the steering wheel, and the AFS AccuGuide™ automatic guidance systems also found on the larger Maxxum models.

Deliveries of the first Vestrum CVXDrive models will start in the last quarter of 2019.