EQUIPMENT upgrades are one of the things all farmers grapple with, and when it comes to tractors, one of the key decisions is around tyres or tracks.
Some farming operations are better suited to tracks, while others are better suited to tyres. The decision is based on soil, crop type and the application.
Alyx Selsmeyer, high horsepower product manager for Case IH, said tracks were becoming more popular as farmers realise their benefits.
“The move towards tracks and away from wheels is a global trend,” Ms Selsmeyer said.
“The track offering from Case IH provides the best combination of flotation and power transfer for a wide range of tasks. This tractor is comfortable in tillage work, pulling seeders, spreading, and a wide range of tasks.”
Because tracks have a greater contact area with the ground, they place even pressure on the soil, conform to contours and minimise compaction. They are also better suited to changing windows for planting, seeding and harvesting, because they can help farmers get on the paddock earlier.
Ms Selsmeyer said the Magnum Rowtrac offers the best of both worlds, with a track-wheels combination that gives farmers row-crop flexibility: it has the flotation benefits of tracks, with the manoeuvrability of a mechanical front drive. It also reduces berms and soil disturbance when turning.
The Case IH Rowtrac models also come with some of the most powerful engines on the market, a consideration for many operations.
There are also many different tyre options, which Ms Selsmeyer said all provided good flotation and traction for specific soil conditions. They’re also available in a wider range of frame sizes, good for farmers who wanted a smaller machine.
Deciding between tyres and tracks is just one aspect of choosing the best machine for your needs, with Case IH dealers able to help with the decision on the best tractor for any operation.
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