Case IH Announces AFS Connect Magnum Series Tractors

Technology paired with a new operating environment allows producers to remotely view, monitor and manage their operations

Case IH is unveiling new AFS Connect™ Magnum™ series tractors, giving producers a new way to run their businesses — with the freedom to adjust, manage, monitor and transfer data the way they want. Powered by Case IH Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) precision technology, the tractor is outfitted with a new display, operating system, receiver and completely redesigned hardware environment that allows for remote display viewing, remote support capabilities and more. Plus, a redesigned cab delivers comfort, storage and easy-to-use controls for ultimate productivity.

“We’re unlocking a level of connectivity and remote viewing never before seen in a Magnum tractor,” said Jay Barth, Case IH high-horsepower marketing manager. “It is connectivity that provides freedom; freedom to share information with your preferred providers, freedom to perform diagnostics remotely, and freedom to make data driven decisions related to operations performed by your AFS Connect Magnum tractor from any location of your choice. The AFS Connect Magnum gives you the freedom to farm the way you want.”

Ultimate connectivity and support

The AFS Connect portal is a gateway to the AFS Connect Magnum series tractor. It allows farm managers to precisely manage their farm, fleet and data from a desktop or mobile device anywhere, while feeling assured their data is securely transferring to and from the cloud. Users can log in to AFS Connect to view current field operations, fleet information, agronomic data and more, remotely keeping an eye on their operation as if they are in the cab. Farm owners and managers then have the freedom to share selected agronomic data — down to the field level — with third-party partners of their choosing.

Added connectivity provides more support features, reducing downtime and keeping operators in the field. Remote display viewing allows a manager or dealer to view exactly what an operator is seeing on the AFS Pro 1200 display in the cab to help identify problems and gain deeper insight. Dealers can also use remote service support to remotely identify maintenance and service needs to proactively determine what parts are needed, without ever needing to visit the operation. Firmware over the air (FOTA) allows for wireless updates to operating firmware.

System components to drive technology forward

Three new system components work in sync to simplify and elevate the AFS Connect Magnum: AFS Pro 1200 display, AFS Vision Pro operating system and AFS Vector Pro receiver. These enable you to configure precision farming functionality and tractor systems the way you want:

• The new AFS Pro 1200 display is designed for intuitive navigation and optimum visibility on even the brightest days. Remote display viewing connects operators with farm managers seamlessly, and Bluetooth® capabilities pair the display with a mobile phone to bring everything onto one display.
• The new AFS Vision Pro operating system is familiar and easy to use. Producers can configure their AFS Vision Pro operating system to their choosing, using technology to tailor the tractor to their operating preferences, and using pre-programmed hot keys to make on-the-fly adjustments to quickly adapt to changing conditions
• The AFS Vector Pro receiver streamlines guidance correction options, ranging from base (WAAS and AFS 1) to medium (AFS 2) to high (RTK & RTK+) accuracy levels. Whether it is a cellular, satellite or radio delivered correction, the goal is to drive efficiency. Efficiency is accomplished with pass-to-pass and year-to-year repeatability paired with proven AccuGuide performance and complimented by a simplified set-up and process.

“The integrated technology in the AFS Connect Magnum series tractor enables seamless communication between producers and their trusted partners and providers. Whether receiving a planting prescription from an agronomist or reviewing an operational question in real time with remote display viewing, these time-saving opportunities are critical to maintaining uptime in our tight operational windows,” said Chris Dempsey, Case IH Advanced Farming Systems marketing manager. “You can be 3 miles or 300 miles away, and instantly connect remotely to get the information needed to resolve an issue.  Remote monitoring and support not only provide countless opportunities to maximize in-field productivity, but also give peace of mind that everything is running smoothly when life pulls you out of the field.”

A cab environment above the rest

The automotive-quality cab environment of the AFS Connect Magnum series tractors has been updated to address Case IH customer needs. The refined MultiControl armrest has eight control buttons, a MultiFunction handle with four programmable hot key buttons, and an encoder knob for total control at the operator’s fingertips. Updated styling and high-quality finishes provide a luxury look and feel, while enhanced heating and air conditioning deliver operator comfort year-round. Additional storage compartments, multiple cup holders and numerous charging and data ports add to the operator experience, and a telescoping steering wheel and full glass door with no center pillar improve visibility.

“We used a clean-sheet approach to completely redesign this cab, and it allowed us to deliver on what our customers need,” Barth said. “We took advantage of the opportunity to start from scratch. We listened to producers and took a hard look at what we could do differently, and it really shows when you get inside.”

Attractive and functional exterior design updates

Stylistic components such as an attractive tri-stripe decal and updated grill help the AFS Connect Magnum series tractors to stand apart from the crowd, but additional exterior changes provide functional benefits. An LED grill headlight option and 360-degree egress lighting assist in nighttime operations. Telescoping mirrors are adjustable from the cab, and four camera feeds can be viewed on the AFS Pro 1200 display, with two cameras standard on the luxury cab configuration; these improve visibility day and night. Additional improvements include a semi-active cab suspension option, breakaway-style marker lights and tire pressure monitoring sensors.

An evolution among tractors

Since 1987, Case IH Magnum series tractors have long been known and trusted as the ultimate mix of industry-leading horsepower and fuel efficiency, available in a number of configurations to meet any high-horsepower operation needs. Today, advancements seen in the AFS Connect Magnum series tractors build upon that legacy of agronomic design, efficient power, drivetrain performance and superior transmissions.

“The AFS Connect Magnum offers new levels of connectivity and comfort,” Barth said. “This is a tractor that has evolved. The Magnum you depend on and trust today is still there, but it has added capabilities that make your day easier. This is true integration of tractor and technology, and we’re not stopping here.”

All Model Year 2020 AFS Connect Magnum series tractors are covered by a two-year, 2,000-hour factory warranty. Contact your local dealer for more information and the opportunity for a firsthand experience of the new AFS Connect Magnum series tractor. The tractor is on display at winter farm shows, including World Ag Expo in Tulare, California; National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, Kentucky; and Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida.