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Blue Steigers: Then and Now
Part I
November 2001
By Jim
Schroer
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When CaseIH was obtained by Fiat, New Holland's
parent company, in 1999, the first "buzz words" involved with the
merger were "Common Platform", meaning 2 different products designed
off of the same frame/chassis. While familiar to the auto industry
(Plymouth/Dodge cars, Ford/Mercury cars, Chevrolet/GMC pickups), common
chassis design was something not seen very often in the ag machinery industry. |
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Steiger was pretty involved in "common platform" throughout
its history (they made 4WDs for themselves, International Harvester, Allis-Challmers,
& Ford back in the 70's), so maybe it is fitting that CNH's first attempt
with a "common platform" from an all-new tractor design come out of
CNH's Fargo plant, formerly known as the Steiger plant.
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Case introduced the "STX" series of 4WDs
in the fall of 2000. The models were STX 275/325/375/440, with the model
number representing the engine HP of the respective model. The 2 smaller
models were available with Accusteer, which allows for minute in-row
corrections via another articulation joint located ahead of the cab. The 2
larger models were available in tires, or in Quadtrac form, which uses 4 independent
tracks for smooth ride, better steering performance than competitive 2-track
designs. Hydraulic capacity was available in 42 GPM (standard) or
55GPM(optional). Up to 5 remotes were available. The 2 big models used a
Cummins QSX15Liter engine, the smaller units used a 8.3Liter(STX275) or
9Liter(STX325) engine. In late 2001, there were some changes made to the STX
line. The STX440 "grew" 10 HP to become the STX450, while another
model, the STX425 was added to the lineup.
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Case introduced the "STX" series of 4WDs
in the fall of 2000. The models were STX 275/325/375/440, with the model
number representing the engine HP of the respective model. The 2 smaller
models were available with Accusteer, which allows for minute in-row
corrections via another articulation joint located ahead of the cab. The 2
larger models were available in tires, or in Quadtrac form, which uses 4 independent
tracks for smooth ride, better steering performance than competitive 2-track
designs. Hydraulic capacity was available in 42 GPM (standard) or
55GPM(optional). Up to 5 remotes were available. The 2 big models used a
Cummins QSX15Liter engine, the smaller units used a 8.3Liter(STX275) or
9Liter(STX325) engine. In late 2001, there were some changes made to the STX
line. The STX440 "grew" 10 HP to become the STX450, while another
model, the STX425 was added to the lineup.
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Also, in late 2001, the "blue STX" line
for New Holland was unveiled-known as the "TJ" series of 4WDs.
Originally, there were 4 models-the TJ 275/325/375/440s, but like Case, there
were some models changes as well later on. The TJ440 became a TJ450, & a
TJ 425 became available as well. Some changes from their counterparts are the
New Holland "MegaFlow" hydraulic system, capable of up to 90 GPM
hydraulic flow, as well as up to 7 remote valves available. Also, a manual
transmission is available in the TJ series as well. Quadtrack & Accusteer
models are not available in the New Holland line. The interior is different,
with the background behind the hydraulic controls & instrument panel in
"New Holland blue", instead of Case's dark gray background. Also,
the steering console is more rounded than Case's, with round air louvers
instead of Case's rectangular ones. The hood looks different due to the
headlights being mounted high, not low like the STX. Also, the rear fenders
are more rounded than on an STX.
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| With the STX/TJ combo, CNH has shown that they are
firmly committed to satisfying either "red" or "blue"
customers, hoping to maintain the fine tradition of quality that has been
long-associated with the Fargo plant back to the days of Steiger.
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December 2001 Part II of Blue Steigers: Then and Now will
cover the introduction of the first "Blue" Steigers in 1978.
To lean more about the toy models of the New Holland TJ
series visit: http://www.bigtractorpower.com/model_review.htm
To learn more about the New Holland TJ series visit: http://www.newholland.com/na/Products/TJ_tractor.html
To learn more about the CaseIH STX Steiger series visit:
http://casecorp.com/agricultural/newequip/stx/index.html
"Common platform"
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