Case IH, a global leader in agricultural equipment, is beginning a year of celebrations to commemorate its 175th anniversary at the brand’s global headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.
It was there, on the shores of the Root River, that founder Jerome Increase Case established the Racine Threshing Machine Works to produce a revolutionary machine to speed up the separation of grain after harvest.
“I find it amazing to see just how far the farming industry and our company have come during the last 175 years especially given the fact that we are stronger than ever before today,” a statement by the compnay quoted Andreas Klauser, Case IH brand president, as saying.
Among the activities and initiatives that Case IH is rolling out to mark the occasion is a redesign of its logo to reflect the milestone, the statement added. The company has also unveiled a new generation of its Quantum specialty tractor range, which offers features including new mid-mount hydraulic coupler possibilities and high-flow pump options, a switchable cab filtration system from Level 2 to Level 4, improved cab interiors and controls, and an integrated front hitch. A front linkage offering 26t lift capacity can be specified and a 80 litres/minute hydraulic pump option caters for implements with high oil flow requirements.
The latest 3.4-litre engines from Case IH partner firm FPT Industrial power the new Quantum models, meeting Stage IIIB emissions regulations via the use of cooled exhaust gas recirculation (CEGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), said the statement.
Sepaking about Case’s legacy, Klauser added: “The common theme which has always guided our innovative approach is to provide customers with ever-improving technologies that enable them to farm more efficiently and profitably. Mr. Case began this tradition having worked extensively with farm equipment before he started his own business and it became his lifelong passion. He believed that every piece of equipment manufactured by his company must deliver on the brand promise and saw to that personally. There is a famous account of him traveling to another state to investigate a product issue, even when he was well into his later years. Those principles continue to inspire and guide us today.”
In 1869, Case went on to manufacture the first steam engine tractor, which though wheeled-mounted was drawn by horses and used only to power other machines, then in 1876 built the first self-propelled traction steam engine. As steam engines quickly replaced horses for threshing, the J.I. Case Threshing Machine Company became the world’s largest producer of steam engines by 1886.
In 1902, five companies merged to form the International Harvester Company in Chicago, the deal being brokered, personally, by J.P. Morgan, the American banker. The company produced its first combine harvester in 1915 and in 1923 introduced the Farmall, the world’s first row-crop tractor.
Case IH was formed in 1985 when J. I. Case acquired the agricultural division of International Harvester, uniting the legacies of Case and IH in a single brand. Its first product, the Magnum tractor from 160hp to 240hp, was introduced in 1987 and became the first tractor to win the Industrial Design Excellence Award. Now producing up to 380hp, the Magnum continues to be one of the most recognisable Case IH products and more than 150,000 have been sold, Case IH said.
“The Case IH 175th anniversary is a testament to many years of quality, perseverance and progress. It’s also an occasion to reflect on our guiding principles of innovative engineering, efficient power and agronomic design, a philosophy that will continue into the future,” Klauser added.
Case IH is part of Italy’s CNH Industrial Group.
