Case IH is well-known as one of the leading manufacturers of agricultural and construction machinery. In 1999, it merged with another major company, New Holland, which also specializes in similar machinery. This merger led to the formation of CNH Industrial. However, the products continued to carry the Case brand.
At the Origins
The history of Case dates back to 1842, when American inventor Jerome Case founded a small company in Racine, Wisconsin. He began producing threshing machines of his own original design.
In 1868, Case manufactured its first steam engine, and two decades later, it became the world’s largest producer of such equipment. In 1892, the company produced the world’s first gasoline-powered tractor.
Business Expansion
Fast forward a few decades, and by 1957, Case began expanding its business. By acquiring several other companies, it grew into a global manufacturer of light and medium-sized construction equipment.
At the same time, the company remained committed to meeting the needs of farmers. Notably, Case developed an innovative prototype of a wheeled tractor designed for agricultural work. This machine featured a backhoe bucket at the rear and a loading bucket in front, giving birth to a new type of machinery—the backhoe loader, which soon became widely used.
As Part of Tenneco
In 1967, Case was acquired by Tenneco. By 1984, Tenneco had also taken control of the agricultural division of another major manufacturer of farming equipment, International Harvester. This led to a rebranding—first as Case International, and later shortened to Case IH.
It’s worth noting that International Harvester faced a severe economic crisis in the early 1980s, even though it remained one of the world’s largest tractor manufacturers. The merger of these two powerful companies helped them navigate the challenging times of production decline.
Made in the USA
Today, Case brand equipment is mainly intended for the agricultural sector, including wheeled and tracked tractors, various types of combines, and other harvesting machines. They also manufacture hay and forage equipment, soil cultivation tools, planting and seeding systems, sprayers, and other agricultural implements.
Nowadays, in its home country – the United States – numerous factories produce Case agricultural machinery. For instance, the Fargo plant in North Dakota is known for its Steiger and Quadtrac series tractors, while the Racine plant in Wisconsin produces Magnum tractors. Additionally, the Benson plant in Michigan manufactures cotton harvesters.
Around the World
Beyond the United States, Case has manufacturing facilities producing tractors and combines across the globe. In Curitiba, Brazil, the plant produces Farmall, Maxxum, and Magnum series tractors. The Ferreyra plant in Argentina is known for its Puma tractors. Case tractors are also manufactured in St. Valentin, Austria; Basildon, England; and Querétaro, Mexico.
When it comes to combines, grain harvesters are produced at the Ferreyra plant in Argentina, while models designed for harvesting sugar cane and coffee are built in Piracicaba, Brazil, and Iran. The Brazilian plant in Sorocaba, a sibling facility in the same country, also contributes to combine production.
Innovative Transmission
Case is always pushing the boundaries of innovation in its products. A standout example is their world-first fully mechanical continuously variable transmission (CVT). The first CVT variant was introduced back in 1999, and since then, the company’s engineers have continuously refined it. As a result, today’s CVT stands as a benchmark for optimal efficiency and reliability.
Models equipped with the CVT now feature the Active Hold Control function. This prevents the tractor from rolling back on slopes during operation, allowing you to move forward seamlessly without using the brakes or clutch.
The latest enhancement to the CVT is the Automatic Productivity Management system, which reduces fuel consumption while maximizing operational productivity.
Rotor Revolution
Case IH’s new combine harvesters for Europe feature a revamped rotor—an essential component of these machines. The rotor’s diameter has been reduced, and new rasp bars have been introduced. This innovative design became known as AXIAL-FLOW.
The rasp bars are arranged in four rows around the rotor to enhance threshing and ensure high-quality straw even in tough conditions. The rotor cage is accessible from both sides of the combine, and the lightweight, quick-release interchangeable modules make it easier to harvest specific crops. As a result, this innovative rotor and AXIAL-FLOW threshing technology deliver high throughput and minimal grain loss.
On Four Tracks
Back in 1997, Case introduced the original Quadtrac tractor, featuring four individually driven oscillating tracks. These tracks provide superior ground contact that wheeled or traditional tracked vehicles cannot achieve. On one hand, this improves traction, and on the other, it reduces soil compaction. Additionally, the even weight distribution enhances off-road performance.
The range of similar equipment has since expanded to include the Magnum Rowtrac tractor, which replaces rear wheels with tracks, and even a corresponding Axial-Flow combine with tracks instead of front wheels.
Automation
Case’s research has shown that automatic control and navigation systems can significantly boost efficiency at every stage of agricultural work—from sowing to harvesting.
This approach categorizes automation into five levels of complexity, ranging from complete operator control to full autonomy. It also considers factors such as weather conditions and crop moisture levels. In the case of full autonomy, machines can be monitored via a remote control system, such as from a farm office.
Today, CNH Industrial Group stands as a leader in the global agricultural machinery market. In 2023, the group’s total revenue reached $24.7 billion, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. With over 40,000 employees, CNH Industrial is the largest employer in the industry.For a comprehensive range of Case products, visit the Agronetto website. Use our filters to find the perfect match based on technical specifications and price. Visit our website to search, browse, compare, read reviews, and connect directly with dealers or sellers—all options in one place to help you make the best choice.