Latest models come with and additional spec extra comfort

The new Quantum tractors come in V – Vineyard –and F – Fruit – variants. Vineyard models have an overall width from only 1,063mm and a turning radius of 4.18m, while F versions are 1,382mm wide with a 5.18m turning radius.

There are ve models in the line-up, with rated power outputs from 75–120hp, and with 320–518Nm of torque. Maximum torque is 5% higher, and produced at 1,300rpm – down from 1,500rpm before.

Despite the new engine being slightly larger, the bonnet height is reduced by 40mm – increasing forward visibility.

There are two transmission options – 32x16 ActiveDrive 2 with a Powerclutch and selectable forward/reverse shuttle as well as a creeper version giving 44x16 gears and travel down to 0.17kph.

The PTO comes with 540 and 540E standard, but an upgrade to 540/540E, 1,000rpm and groundspeed is available. The previous dry clutch engagement is replaced by an electronically engaged wet clutch, with adjustable rate of engagement. This allows gentle drive engagement for implements such as sprayer pumps or pneumatic fans, but faster take-up for machinery such as rotary cultivators and power-harrows.

Automatic engagement controlled by lift-arm position is another new feature – allowing users to set the PTO drive to engage as the linkage arms are lowered and disengage as they are raised. The arms can also be locked in position – avoiding potential contact with trailed implements.

When a front linkage is tted, this can also be set to control the PTO.

Rear linkage capacity is 2,519kg and the optional double-acting front linkage lifts up to 1,500kg. When electronic hydraulics are speci ed, this also adds electronic linkage control with electronic draft control and load-sensing at the rear. External assistor rams are new, adding rear linkage

A completely new cab provides an exceptionally spacious and comfortable working environment suspension and a smoother ride.

Hydraulic stabiliser arm adjustment is a new option – allowing implement sway adjustment from the seat. This provides additional bene ts when working on side slopes, as the user can o set implements to the uphill side to compensate for slip.

A dedicated 36 litres/min pump supplies the brakes and steering, and there are two main pump options – 64 litres/min standard and a larger 80 litres/min version. The larger pump is linked to a load-sensing rear linkage, so that even when implements require maximum oil ow, there is always enough for the rear lift arms. The load-sensing system works at a lower pressure, generating less heat and reducing fuel consumption.

Both pumps are available with mechanical or electronic spools.

Two rear spools are standard, and up to four can be speci ed. Four pairs of mid-mount spools can be tted. Upgrading to electronic controls allows adjustment of the ow rate and timing of individual spools through the multi-function dashboard display, or by using manual controls by the spool switches.

A second hydraulic control joystick is included when electronic mid-mount spools are tted. This avoids having to select spools manually through a mechanical changeover valve.

The new tractors are designed for use with the most demanding modern implements, and PowerBeyond hydraulics can be speci ed. This allows tractor hydraulic control by the implement, so that the ideal ow rate is supplied as the demand varies.

Performance and control upgrades provide signi cant improvements over previous models, but the biggest di erence is to the operator’s working environment. The completely new cab shares aspects of its design with larger, arable tractor models in the Case IH line-up. Four pillars, rather than six before, allow an unobstructed view to the sides and a much larger door. The windscreen has a higher, curved upper section, a lower base, and together with the lower bonnet the view to the front is superb. The rear mudguards are lower, and the side windows are deeper – allowing a better view to the sides. The seat and rear window are further back towards the rear linkage, allowing a clearer view of the implement.

The cab oor is totally at – unusual for a speciality tractor where the low cab position usually means that the operator’s legs straddle the transmission tunnel. As well as improving comfort, the at oor has allowed an improved foot pedal arrangement, and these are ideally positioned for comfort and ease of use.

A Grammer seat with pneumatic suspension is standard.

The side panel-mounted buttons and switches are straight from larger Case IH arable tractors.

Electronic controls will be chosen by most buyers, but simpler mechanical controls are a coste ective option.

The 7in LCD display on the right-hand cab pillar provides essential operating information – replacing the previous dashboard display. The operator can select information for display, and adjust system settings using a twist and push knob on the side panel, allowing fuss-free operation even when travelling on bumpy ground. An engine speed memory function is new. Four of the joystick buttons are assignable, allowing buttons on the main joystick to control any of a wide range of functions.

The new tractors can be equipped to manage the latest, high-performance implements and complex precision farming systems. Isobus is a new option – bringing the ability to operate implements such as three-row sprayers using the tractor controls. The tractors can be supplied guidance-ready for convenient integration of automatic steering systems and o ering opportunities for variable rate and selective applications.

Cat 4 cab ltration is an option – with Cat 2 as standard. When Cat 4 is selected, the operating hours are monitored, and the user is warned when a replacement lter is due. Internal cab pressure is maintained at 2.5 times the minimum recommended under EU guidance – resulting in an especially safe operator environment. Manual air conditioning is standard.

The Quantum 110F was loaned to Adrian Scripps Ltd by Case IH main dealer, Ernest Doe & Sons Ltd. Based in Kent and operating from three farms with multiple sites, Adrian Scripps specialises in growing, packing and supplying fresh produce including top fruit, blackcurrants and grapes. The total farmed area is approximately 750ha, of which 280ha are fruit orchards. Apple varieties include Gala, Braeburn and Pink Lady which are the focus, along with a smaller acreage of Jazz and Kanzi, and the company is a main supplier to Tesco. Fruit is packed at the main Tonbridge farm base, and then stored at the company’s Hononton depot.

Most top fruit is grown on a 15-year cycle, after which trees are grubbed out and the orchards re-planted.

A eet of 10–12 tractors is used at the Tonbridge site. Five are Case IH, supplied and maintained by Ernest Doe & Sons. Case IH tractors in use currently include a Quantum 95, and a 105, plus three Quantum 110s, so the team was keen to evaluate the latest Quantum 110F as a potential replacement.

“The users are consulted during the purchase process and provide useful feedback,” explained assistant farm manager, Philip Thomas, speaking with Fruit & Vine. “Obviously, price is a factor too.

“Where single-purpose tractors with one main operator are concerned, Case IH is the number one choice. We have used the brand since 2013 and receive great back-up from our dealer. If problems occur then engineers are almost always out the same day, and the Ernest Doe & Sons fruit and viticulture sales manager, Tom Wheatley is very helpful too.”

With the new tractor (l-r) are Ernest Doe & Sons fruit and viticulture sales manager Tom Wheatley, Adrian Scripps Ltd assistant farm manager, Philip Thomas, and machinery operator Kevin Veness. “We are delighted to be able to offer customers the new Quantum V and F speciality tractors,” explained Tom. “For our market, we expect the top 80 litres/min hydraulic pump to be almost standard equipment, as well as electronic hydraulic controls. “Fruit and viticulture enterprises are looking for opportunities to increase their working e ciency and adopt practices which are more sustainable and better for the environment, and the new tractors offer the capability to operate the most complex attachment and implements, so will be in high demand for professional applications.”

Sustainable farming is a priority for the Adrian Scripps team, and the company invests in new technology where it will bring e ciency and environmental bene ts. Trees are planted in rows spaced at 3.25–3.75m, and layouts vary. Those planted more recently are arranged to allow increased use of mechanisation.

“Priorities when choosing new tractors include user-friendliness, cab space and comfort, low noise levels, reliability and functionality,” continued Philip. “Our existing Case IH tractors have been extremely reliable and the new Quantum 110F is even more user-friendly.”

The demonstration tractor was being evaluated as a potential replacement for a similar earlier model. If it is chosen, then it will have just one main operator and spend most of the year working with a modern three-row trailed sprayer. Other tasks will include root pruning, fertiliser applications and fruit bin transport during harvest.

The main tractors are changed at 3–4 years’ old, then relegated to general work and use by multiple operators.

“I’m very impressed,” said tractor operator, Kevin Veness. “The higher seat and at oor provide a much better seating position, and being able to move my feet around during the day will avoid aching hips. The new pedal positions are much more comfortable and leave space for my feet on the cab oor.

“Noise levels in the cab are incredibly low, and the new air suspension seat provides a much better ride. The LED lights are brighter than the halogen set on our current machine, and small but useful additions like the mobile phone holder and adjustable mounting points for control terminals make a big di erence.”

Kevin said that one of the most useful upgrades is the engine speed memory function. This allows two engine speeds to be set and stored for convenient recall at the touch of a button. “At every row end we reduce the engine and travel speed for the turn, and then set the speed correctly again to suit the PTO for the return run,” he explained. “That means watching the rev counter and adjusting the hand throttle each time, but on the new tractor I just press the button; the engine speed is set correctly, and no ne adjustment is required.”

Another new feature liked by Kevin is the PTO gear adjustment. The previous tractor had the selector lever under the cab, between the wheel and rear axle casing, but on the new tractor it is adjusted by a control panel-mounted button.

New external PTO activation buttons on the rear mudguards are a help too – and Kevin explained that when lling the sprayer, he can switch the pump on and o to provide agitation without having to climb in and out of the cab.

“The new Quantum is a real game changer, and the advanced features and ability to operate complex implements will improve working accuracy and operating e ciency,” stressed Philip. “The tractor’s standard terminal allows working time and fuel use to be monitored, so we can accurately cost jobs. The ability to use larger and more complex implements is also an advantage. Using three-row sprayers instead of single-row already saves us time but, more importantly, it saves tra c between rows so soil compaction is reduced. Having rows which aren’t driven on opens the door to new initiatives such as introducing nitrogen- xing cover crops – which will improve soil health and reduce the need for arti cial fertilisers.”

Philip said that the Quantum’s ability to control complex implements using Isobus and GPS data will also be an advantage. “We have been experimenting using drone images to select trees with blossom that should be burned o . Using pre-prepared eld maps so that chemicals are only applied where needed is better for the environment and saves money too. We also use drone images to select trees that require root pruning – it’s all about achieving produce of consistent quality and size.

“We will adopt additional technology as it becomes available in the coming years to further improve our operation, and the new Quantum will make the process easier.”

Ernest Doe & Sons recently set up a new specialist division dedicated to the fruit and viticulture industries. “It makes a lot of sense,” stressed Philip. “The dealer serves an area where a lot of the UK’s fruit is grown, and we are pleased to have the back-up from a knowledgeable team. We already operate a wide selection of specialist machinery but will certainly consider brands recently taken on by Ernest Doe & Sons when we are looking for anything in future.”

“The new Quantum 110F retains the previous model’s compact size and manoeuvrability, but I’m amazed how much extra space there is in the cab. It’s quieter, and more comfortable, and the improvement is signi cant. Of all the tractors I’ve tried over the years, this has the best working environment,” concluded Kevin.

Case IH Quantum 110F

Engine FPT 4-cyl, 3.6-litres, 110hp, Stage 5

Transmission 40kph 32x16 ActiveDrive 2 with PowerClutch std 44x16 with creeper optional

Forward/reverse shuttle 3 engagement settings

Front axle 4wd with optional adjustable suspension

Steering angle 55 degrees. 4.18m turning radius PTO Electronic wet clutch 540/540E std. 1,000rpm/ground speed optional

Hydraulic services 64 litres/min std. 80 litres/ min with load sensing option

Max rear lift capacity 2,519kg

Max front lift capacity (option) 1,500kg

Wheelbase 2,180mm

Unladen/Max weight 3,200/4,800kg