Case IH in mid-August announced its newest tractor, which will boost the brand’s maximum available horsepower.
The Steiger 785 Quadtrac provides a 10 per cent jump in engine horsepower from its previous top-end model, the 715, to 785 rated and 853 peak horsepower with 2,715 pound-feet of torque and a 40 per cent torque rise.
The 785 builds on the 715 Quadtrac that the brand debuted in 2023, using the same basic chassis.
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“It’s really built on the foundation of our Quadtrac 715,” says Mark Burns, four-wheel drive product marketing manager in North America.
“They share a lot of the same attributes, built on the same frame, but the 785 comes in with some enhancements to the drive train to accommodate that additional power.”
Parked side by side, the sister models 715 and 785 will look nearly identical, other than the model numbers on their flanks. It’s under the sheet metal where the differences exist.
Both get power from an FPT 16-litre two-stage turbo diesel.
“That’s about where the similarities between it and 715 stop,” Burns adds.
“There are some internal components such as fuel injectors, pistons, rings, some of the oil flow that feeds the cylinder walls have been enhanced. Those are specific to that application.
“It’s not just adding more horsepower. There have been some additions to make sure we have an engine that’s durable and reliable at that power level.”
The FPT diesel uses SCR emissions technology, requiring the use of DEF. Burns sees that as the optimum way to meet emissions standards while getting the best performance out of an engine.
“There are still emissions requirements that need to be met. Our philosophy is the best way to meet those requirements is through selective catalytic reduction. We simplify the engine and allow it to produce power like it’s designed to do and treat the exhaust after the fact. That’s really a differentiator for us when it comes to these high-horsepower units.”
Channelling all that power to the track modules is the Steiger PS6 16F-2R power shift transmission, which is standard equipment across the Steiger high-horsepower line.
“It’s the same PS6 power shift transmission that we use in our 595 models and larger,” says Burns.
“There are some small enhancements to the transmission as well. Some gears are going to get shot peened for additional strength. There are some tweaks to a few other components inside the transmission. Those will actually be across the board in every vehicle that uses that transmission (starting next model year for other models aside from the 785).”
The longer 264-inch track modules available in 30- or 36-inch widths on the 785 are the same as those that debuted on the 715. A bigger drive sprocket spreads the turning force out over an extra tooth to extend the life of the track. The larger drive sprocket also allows for a boost in maximum road speed from 25 m.p.h. (40 km-h) to 26.5 (42.5 km-h).
The 785’s hydraulic system is an upgrade from the Smart Torque version with which the Steigers have been equipped.
“We’re introducing a Smart Torque 2.0 hydraulic pump,” says Burns.
“It’s actually two pumps, and each one has a pressure sensor and swashplate angle sensor. It’s monitoring the hydraulic flow to optimize the power output of the engine, so we’re putting the most power to the ground. The 785 is where the smart version 2.0 will be available.
“From the 595, they do have a Smart Torque option, but the sensors are only one one pump, not two. The 785 will start getting built before the next model year of other Steiger products. The intention is this 2.0 will be the Smart hydraulic system (for the Steiger line) going forward.”
The order book for the 785 will open in September, with initial deliveries beginning in the summer of 2026.
