Case IH is celebrating 25 years since the launch of the long-running Magnum tractor by producing a limited number of Magnum Silver Edition tractors. Just 25 of the silver-liveried Magnum 340 machines will be available in Europe, making them a distinctive addition to tractor fleets.

Magnum series tractors are currently available in Europe in five models ranging between 235 and 340hp.

A bit of history

25 years ago a very young Case IH Corporation introduced the Magnum, the first new tractor line to be launched after that organisation was created by joining Case and International Harvester, writes Scott Garvey, editor of Grainews in Canada.

The four models that first comprised the Magnum Series were, like the new Case IH organisation itself, a blending of the two brands.

The trans-axle assembly that formed the driveline from the engine back came from R&D work that had been undertaken by IH before the merger. The body style was a blend of the angular hood design Case had used since the introduction of the 70 series, while the cab was reminiscent of the 86 series IH tractors. With the new Magnum, die-hard Case and IH customers could, it was hoped, find something familiar in the new models to hold their loyalty.

The Magnums were first introduced to the public in 1987 and entered production in 1988.

On 9 August 2012, managers at Case IH pulled the wraps off one of the special edition tractors with that red and silver livery during a three-day media event held near the company’s headquarters in Racine, Wisconsin.

To highlight the advancements the line has seen since 1988, the new 25th anniversary tractor was displayed alongside the second Magnum to roll off the assembly line, a 7130.

Bearing serial number 2, that 7130 is the oldest Magnum in existence, because serial number 1 no longer exists. The vintage Magnum is usually housed in the company’s museum in Burr Ridge, Illinois.

One product marketing manager commented that it wasn’t all that easy to get the old Magnum released from its home for a day at the Racine fairgrounds for the photo op. That isn’t surprising, given how special the old tractor is.

Aside from the obvious differences in appearance, horsepower and technology, one fact helped highlight how much things have changed in the past 25 years. Back in 1988, the 7130 had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of roughly $69,000. The new 340 retails for about $320,000. Clearly, farmers today are playing for much bigger stakes than they did 25 years ago.