Ed and Fiona Simson realised the potential of tracked tractors for their Liverpool Plains farm, when they first saw them back in the 1990s.
And since being one of the first owners of a Case IH Steiger Quadtrac 9370, their opinion of the technology hasn’t changed.
Farming 5000 hectares at Premer in New South Wales, they grow winter and summer crops and run a 500-breeder commercial Poll Hereford herd.
Ed Simson said they were talking about down-slope farming in the 1990s, and had considered using equipment with two tracks, “but because we farm up and down over our contour banks, and have a few turns, both the scuffing and the turns were a bit concerning.
“Then Case IH came out with this four-tracked tractor — the Quadtrac — and we looked at it and thought ‘this looks like the go’.”
They considered the four track would provide better traction.
“It was brilliant for us because there was no compaction and no wheel slip,” Mr Simson said.
“We weren’t getting holes dug by wheels pounding, and because there was no slippage, tyre wear became non-existent.
“The efficiency of the tractor went up and the turning was really good, but on top of that, the comfort and smoothness of the whole tractor were brilliant.”
The Simsons have only just recently replaced the original Quadtrac with a Steiger Rowtrac 400.
“We wanted to update because it had served its time pretty well,” Mr Simson said.
“We went for the Rowtrac for its three-metre track spacings because we are on tramline three metre tracks.
“Its ability to get the power onto the ground and pull and plant wherever with ease is so useful for us.
“Its efficiency is right up there; and we have that little bit extra of horsepower, little bit of extra flotation, [and] little bit extra grip up our sleeve.”
Mr Simson says they knew they would choose track technology again when they needed to replace the Quadtrac.
“I guess it was a bold move to begin with back in ’97, but we thought the Case IH looks good, the concept is good, we liked the articulated tractor, we liked the whole thing.
“It was a bit of a no brainer actually: that was the way we had to go. So when we were looking to buy again, we knew it had to be tracks,” he said.
“Our family always had International Harvester machinery, and then we’ve always gone with Case IH.
“Now, we have two Magnums, an 8120 Axial-Flow header and even a little front-end loader Case IH tractor.”
He said knowledge and loyalty sums up the red relationship.
“You have to be able to get the service, and the service has to be able to look after the customer. It works both ways. And it does.”