The Case IH Magnum tractor was voted one of the winners in the transportation category of the US’s prestigious Good Design Awards, presented in Chicago. The Magnum was in the same category as the NASA Lunar Lander, the BMW F8005 Motorcycle and the BMW Z4 Coupe. Joe Spencer reports.
“We were judged against some of the best transportation companies in the world – and out of this world, when you factor in NASA,” says Mike Bunnell, one of the vehicle engineers who designed the next generation of Case IH Magnum tractors. “That’s pretty impressive competition.” Bunnell says they won the award because “it successfully combines style and extreme functionality. It’s stylish and looks great, but it’s also a rugged, muscular tractor, so the design has to integrate a lot of important functions, such as airflow, cooling, high visibility and operator comfort, to name just a few. Based on what our customers are telling us, and coupled with this renowned Good Design Award, we succeeded.”
Case IH tractors and equipment are imported and distributed in Southern Africa by Northmec. Contact Matthew McGregor at Northmec on (011) 922 2300,
or 082 335 5118, or e-mail [email protected].
Magnum in the market for 20 years
To celebrate 20 years since the introduction of the Magnum tractor range, Case IH has produced a Gold Signature Edition, limited to 100 of a special model 305 in a distinctive and contemporary gold-and-red paint scheme. These limited edition tractors carry commemorative decals, each personally signed by Randy Baker, president of Case IH.
The new, top of the range, Magnum 335 tractor is the most powerful Magnum in history. It uses Case IH’s proven 9ℓ engine with a new fuel-efficient design to offer more power and greater economy. This 246kW tractor features a 13% power and 47% torque increase, with 206kW at the PTO, enabling the Magnum tractor to handle the largest implements.
The new design also reduces emissions and offers up to 3% improvement in fuel economy, in addition to supporting the use of B20 biodiesel with adherence to Case IH’s biodiesel maintenance practices.
A new 50km/h transmission package is now available in the Magnum series, forming part of a haulage package that includes a suspended front axle, trailer brakes, heavy-duty drawbar and wide front and rear fenders, allowing the new Magnum to perform as well on the road as it does in the field.
Good Design Awards
The awards, won by the world’s most prestigious industrial design firms and manufacturers from a record 33 participating nations, elevate the best new designs and design innovations for products and graphics designed and manufactured between 2005 and the present.
Founded in 1950, Good Design is the world’s oldest and most celebrated awards program, bestowing international recognition upon designers and manufacturers for advancing new and innovative product concepts and for stretching the imagination beyond what’s considered standard product and consumer design.
Magnum 280, the 205kW Workhorse
The Magnum 280, rated at 205kW, is in the middle of a range that includes the 225, 250, 310 and 335 models. Seen here in a typical European configuration, the Magnum 280 is hitched to an 11-furrow Kverneland reversible plough, complete with furrow presses. A headland management system, which can be programmed for up to 30 sequential operations, simplifies the operation of sophisticated implements. The full powershift transmission with 18 gear ratios and a powershuttle ensures that the Magnum always operates at maximum productivity.
The Magnum is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the latest generation has all the key features that have made this tractor so popular around the world – plenty of power, reliable performance and a spacious, comfortable cab with excellent visibility.
