The Case IH brand, as we know it today, is the result of numerous agricultural equipment companies merging over time. These mergers led to the formation of a single entity that is now part of CNH Industrial. Case IH specializes in producing farm equipment such as tractors, harvesting machinery, loaders, attachments, tillage tools, planters, seeders, applicators, balers, mowers, windrowers, wheel rakes, and forage harvesters.
While Case IH focuses on agriculture equipment, Case Construction Equipment is another brand under the same umbrella, but it caters to the construction sector. The origins of Case IH trace back to 1842 when Jerome Increase Case established the Racine Threshing Machine Works in Racine, Wisconsin. At that time, farm machinery was still in its infancy, and Case was among the pioneers who brought mechanization to farming with his innovative thresher that separated straw from grain.
Here’s a timeline highlighting the evolution of Case IH:
- **1842:** J.I. Case founded Racine Threshing Machine Works.
- **1847:** Cyrus McCormick started the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, which later became International Harvester.
- **1869:** J.I. Case and Company created the first steam engine tractor, which was horse-drawn and used primarily to power other machines.
- **1876:** Case built the first self-propelled traction steam engine. Horses were used for steering.
- **1886:** J.I. Case and Company became the world leader in steam engine production.
- **1892:** Case introduced its first gasoline-powered tractor but shelved the idea due to market limitations until the 1910s.
- **1902:** The merger of McCormick, Deering, Plano, Milwaukee, and Champion formed International Harvester Company.
- **1911:** International Harvester reintroduced the gasoline-powered tractor to the market.
- **1915:** Introduction of the kerosene-powered Titan tractors by International Harvester.
- **1923:** The invention of the Farmall, a revolutionary unified system for plowing, cultivation, and harvesting.
- **1935:** Introduction of the first wheeled diesel tractor in the USA by International Harvester.
- **1985:** J.I. Case and International Harvester merged to form Case IH, becoming the second-largest farm equipment manufacturer.
- **1986:** Steiger joined Case IH, and the first red 9100 series Steiger tractors were produced.
- **1988:** Case IH launched the Magnum tractor, marking a new era of innovation.
- **1999:** Fiat Group acquired Case Corporation and merged it with New Holland, forming CNH Global.
- **2013:** CNH Global and Fiat Industrial merged into CNH Industrial.
- **2019:** CNH Industrial announced plans to split its on-highway and off-highway businesses.
In terms of technology, Case IH began with steam-powered tractors in 1869. During the 19th century, steam engines dominated as they were fueled by abundant resources like coal and wood. However, the transition to gasoline-powered tractors took longer due to the market's readiness and infrastructure challenges. Case finally reintroduced its gasoline-powered tractor in 1911, which marked a significant shift in the industry.
Case IH's branding has evolved over time. The original logo from the 1902 merger reflected the combined heritage of the founding companies. Later iterations updated the design to reflect modernity and innovation.
Today, CNH Industrial operates globally with headquarters in Basildon, UK, and is controlled by the Italian investment firm Exor. It boasts a vast network of dealers and distributors across 170 countries. Despite having multiple brands under its umbrella, CNH Industrial ensures each brand operates independently, with minimal overlap in operations.
Case IH factories span the globe, with significant production facilities in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Key manufacturing locations include Fargo, North Dakota, for high-horsepower Steiger tractors; Racine, Wisconsin, for Magnum tractors; and Curitiba, Brazil, for Magnum and Maxxum tractors.
When it comes to tractors, Case IH offers a diverse range:
- **Steiger Series:** 360-620 horsepower, manufactured in Fargo, North Dakota.
- **Magnum Series:** 180-380 horsepower, produced in Racine, Wisconsin, and Curitiba, Brazil.
- **Puma Series:** 150-240 horsepower.
- **Maxxum Series:** 116-145 horsepower, manufactured in Curitiba, Brazil.
- **Vestrum Series**
- **Farmall A Series:** 53-140 horsepower.
- **Farmall C Series**
- **Utility C Series:** 64-117 horsepower.
- **Utility U Series:** 107-117 horsepower.
- **N/V Series:** 76-106 horsepower.
- **Compact A Series II:** 35-40 horsepower.
- **Compact C Series:** 35-55 horsepower.
For combines, Case IH’s Axial Flow models are renowned for their efficiency and power, with some models reaching up to 468 horsepower, manufactured in Grand Island, Nebraska.
This overview provides insight into the rich history and current offerings of Case IH, a brand synonymous with agricultural innovation and excellence.