FOR farmers looking to overcome soil compaction problems without compromising on more power on the ground, the Case IH dealership of Lyndoch Motors has the answer - a Quadtrac STX 450 tractor that offers a lighter soil footprint.
Lyndoch Motors spokesman Duncan McInerney described the 2005-build tractor as a well-looked-after and regularly serviced unit that had just 3700 engine hours on the clock and was virtually just run-in.
"It is a genuine drawbar unit without PTO or three-point linkage that has been used only as a seeding tractor," he said.
"It is equipped with four sets of electric over hydraulic remote couplings.
"As its model designation suggests, it is an articulated steer tractor that features four separate sets of rubber tracks that work independently of each other and offer a greater level of ground contact while at the same time putting more of the engine power onto the ground."
Power for the STX 450 comes from a Cummins 331-kilowatt QSX 15-litre 'full authority' fuel injection engine that is monitored and continuously optimises its performance for maximum fuel efficiency through all working ranges.
Drive for the unit comes through a 16x2-speed full power shift transmission that allows for finger-tip shifting.
"This tractor is a top tractor that is in top condition and I believe at our asking price of just $198,000, including GST, is set for a quick sale to a buyer looking for increased efficiency through a power upgrade at a reasonable cost," Mr McInerney said.
He said the STX 450 unit was traded when the owner upgraded to a top-of-the-range 441kW STX 600 model.
Predecessor of the Case IH STX IH series were the popular Steiger tractor range which were developed by two farming brothers in Minnesota, US more than 50 years ago.
The STX range of tractors is the carry-on label given to Steiger tractors by Case IH when in 1986 the Steiger Tractor Company was bought by Tenneco, the then parent company of Case IH, and the tractors were painted Case IH red and rebadged.
For a short time, the Steiger name disappeared from the Case IH livery but was reinstated following reported pressure from buyers. Today, they are badged STX.
